Combination locks are security devices with a very specific purpose: to prevent anyone from snooping on your privacy or stealing your things. Some people use them together with a bicycle lock for example to close the two slots of a steel cable to pass between the spokes of the wheel, the frame, and a pole. Of course, they are also used to close bags, but the most widespread use of these products is found in the world of fitness and gyms.
The best combination locks are used in the closure of locker rooms, gates, or even as a symbol of eternal love. The locks are practical and can be used intuitively. If you are looking for a secure model, a four-digit combination lock makes sense.
Long-lasting and highly secure variants are corrosion-resistant, are made of stable material, and have up to 1,000 locking combinations. In our review, you’ll find the 5 best combination lock to buy this 2021 and how you can keep your things safe with them. Our buying guide will also give you the needed information on achieving safe, personal, and public facility security. Keep reading to find out!
Contents
Best Combination Locks
1. Master Lock 178D Combination Lock – Best Gym Combination Lock
The Master Lock 175D is a programmable combination padlock. It features a solid two-inch wide body that is rugged and reliable. The shackle is 5/16 ‘inches (8mm) in diameter and 1 inch (25mm) long.
The Master Lock is made from hardened steel which provides extra strength. The 4-digit numbering allows thousands of possible number combinations.
While some instructions may wrongly state that the lock is preset at L – O – C – K, note that the lock is preset to open at a combination of 0 – 0 – 0 – 0. You will have to reset your own four combination numbers.
Although it’s advertised as a tool for indoor and outdoor use, the lock is best used indoors, according to a few people who have used it. It’s perfect for use as a gym lock, gate lock, or a school locker. With thousands of lock combinations, it provides maximum security and protection from theft. For easy combination recall, a change tool is included with this lock.
The combo lock shackle is built-in hardened steel that offers a strong, solid body with high resistance to cuts and impressive weatherability.
We’ve seen a lot of users have questioned the long-term durability of the combination lock. However, for its entry-level price, it offers a good value for money for several months of use. Click here to see the best price.
Key Features
- Programmable 4-digit combination
- Combination change key included
- Made of high-grade steel
- Thousands of combination number options
- Easy to set up and change digital suit
- Hardened steel shackle for great strength
- Great for gyms and indoor use
- Built to withstand cuts
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Not ideal for the outdoors
- Could be more durable
2. Puroma 2 Pack Combination Lock – Best Waterproof Lock
This set of combination locks is available in a pack of two. They are available in various colors, from silver to red, yellow, green, and blue. The materials are of high-grade quality and are resistant. The locks are made of steel and zinc alloy.
Each has a 4-digit combination, which makes it more difficult to break than other models. Also, they are accompanied by a simple guide so you can know how to change the combination, something that is recommended from time to time.
Unlike the Master Lock 178D Combination Lock, this set of Puroma locks are perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Asides from the high strength quality of the material, the padlocks are designed to resist damages from water and other natural elements which might lead to rust or other degradation.
The zinc and steel materials are covered in a durable and polished finish. This extends its service life, offer great weatherability, as well as improve locker room or gym aesthetics.
Each lock has a special design, despite its compactness. It is lightweight, easy to store, and carry. You have side windows so you can conveniently view your numeral combinations.
Like our first recommended model, this 4 combination lock has up to 10 thousands of combination options. It offers a lot more options when you compare it with 3 digit combination locks. However, this combination lock isn’t certified by the transportation security administration (TSA) and is not suitable for locking luggage. Click here to see the best price.
Key Features
- Up to 10,000 combination locks
- 5 color options
- 4-digit combination lock
- Made of steel and zinc
- Weatherproof finish
- Weighs 250 grams per pack
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
- Easy to reset
- Light in weight
- Easy to read side window
- Safer than 3-digit locks
- Not TSA certified (not for luggage)
3. Delswin 4 Digit Outdoor Combination Disc Padlock – Reliable Combo Disc Padlock
The Delswin Padlock is a disc shape with an octagonal shackle. It is made of tough-cut steel alloy. This system ensures maximum resistance to cutting and sawing.
Its stainless steel body is up to 70 mm wide which gives it great strength and very high corrosion resistance. A reinforced protective strip is present to protect against scratches.
This padlock is fully protected to prevent exposure of the shackle and thus make bolt cutter attacks ineffective.
A programmable 4-digit combination on the front of the padlock offers 10,000 possible combinations. This locking system requires the reset tool delivered with the padlock.
Thanks to the sleek and smooth stainless finishing, you can use this in all types of weather. For increased security and strength, the shackle is made of hard steel. It offers anti-corrosion and antifreeze properties.
This padlock set includes two pieces. Asides from the silver colored option, you can also choose the black model. You have the choice of purchasing the two-pack model or opting for a single piece.
Heavily built, each lock is durable and reduces the exposure of the shackle to easy attacks from the bolt cutter. The small combo locks are best used for locking a storage locker u-haul trailer, gates, sheds, gardens, storage units, and mail PODs.
In case you’re not sure it’s what you need, each padlock set from the brand comes with a satisfaction guarantee which can help you get your money refunded if you end up unsatisfied. Additionally, the product is backed by a 100% lifetime warranty. Click here to see the best price.
Key Features
- 100% lifetime warranty
- Up to 10,000 locking combinations
- 4-digit lock
- Available in silver and white
- Made of steel with stainless finish
- Doesn’t corrode
- Antifreeze properties
- Return guarantee
- Built to prevent bolt attacks
- Wide range of applications
- Not for luggage locking
- A bit too easy to reset
4. Master Lock Heavy Duty Outdoor Combination Lock – Best Heavy-Duty Combination Lock
The Master Lock M175XDLF is a heavy-duty combination lock used for the outdoors. Made by Master Lock, one of the best security product manufacturers in the industry, the lock is made of a combination of zinc, brass, and steel alloy with a polished finish.
For optimal security, the lock window is specially designed at the underside to be kept away from the reach of a burglar’s cut. It’s a maximum-security lock that can be used as a storage lock, shed lock, or gate lock.
As usual, the lock is preset at 0-0-0-0 and can be easily reset to another four-digit combination. You don’t need a change tool for resetting the lock.
It can be dialed to just one direction and can be used under low light conditions. Made of a tough-cut shackle with boron carbide, this model is 50% stronger than hardened steel.
The item weighs 8.8 ounces and has a 51 millimeter (or 2-inch) wide body. The octagonal shackle is 38 millimeters long and the quality of the construction offers enough reliability and strength. Click here to see the best price.
Key Features
- Made of steel, brass, and zinc
- Polished brass finish
- Roller pin cylinder
- 4-lock combination
- Lifetime guarantee
- Stronger than hardened steel lock
- Doesn’t require a changing tool
- For durable and heavy-duty use
- Great weather resistance
- High cut resistance
- Not for below freezing temperature
5. Master Lock Locker Lock Combination Padlock – Best 3-Digit Combo Lock
The Master Lock Combination Padlock may be the last on our list but it’s not the least valuable. Perfect for the locker room, the combo lock is a dial combination lock that doesn’t work with keys. The lock is available in three color combinations of green, red, and blue.
Unlike all four-digit combo locks we have reviewed earlier, this one has three number combinations. The shackle is made of strong cut-resistant metal with a polished finish. The overall item measures 1.25 x 1.88 x 3 inches in dimensions. The metal body is 48 millimeters wide enough for durability. The stainless steel cover also adds good anti-weather resistance. The shackle is 7 millimeters in diameter and offers extra resistance to sawing and cutting.
Three-digit combo locks don’t offer as many combination options as the other four-digit options, but you still have nearly a thousand locking number sets. With the anti-shim technology on the shackle, the lock offers maximum security.
For use in a locker room, the bright colors help simplify the identification of lockers. Like other models, this product comes with a lifetime warranty. Although limited, this still offers peace of mind considering it’s made by a trusted brand in the business.
Keep in mind that the lock is preset by the manufacturer. This means you can’t set your lock combination. You may have to contact Master Lock for this or just choose another model that allows the lock to be reset. Click here to see the best price.
Key Features
- Hardened steel shackle
- Anti-shim technology
- Stainless steel cover
- 3-digit dial combination lock
- Available in three colors (randomly selected)
- Hardened steel shackle
- Protected against shims
- Extra resistance from cut
- No spot to target for burglars
- You can’t set your combination keys
Buyer’s Guide
In contrast to a classic padlock, you open a combination lock with a combination of numbers. The advantage is that no key could be lost. You only need your memory! But how do you choose your combination lock? A combination lock is useful in numerous situations. For example, it can help to lock a gate or to keep precious objects safe. There are two categories of combination locks that differ in their technical functionality. These are mechanical and mechatronic models.
Compared to an electronic combination lock, mechanical locks offer less security. For this reason, they are better suited as a love lock than as a protective function. Asides from the type or design of the lock, there are a few criteria to consider before opting for one. These include factors such as:
Materials
If you want to buy a combination lock, you should pay attention to the material of the housing. Common materials include stainless steel, zinc, and brass.
- Hardened Steel: Hardened steel is absolutely the best option you could ever choose. This steel alloy is really tough, and it’s not at all easy to break, even with hydraulic cutting tools. It is clear, however, that the price of these products is higher. Although the light metal withstands the weather relatively well, it is less suitable for outdoor use. Rust can quickly build up on the bracket or housing. The shackle of a combination lock should be made of steel. The material shines with its stability. It withstands higher loads – for example, an attempt to break open – for a very long time.
- Rolled and pressed steel: These are two solutions with a balanced cost and good strength. In most cases, mid-range combination locks are made from this material.
- Brass: This is the cheapest material, but also the least reliable. This choice is recommended only if you do not need a particular degree of protection, such as in the case of locks for lockers.
- Zinc: Combination locks with zinc alloy are ideal for outdoor use due to their corrosion resistance.
Tip
Padlocks are great for protecting items with a low or moderate risk of theft. However, if thieves are very well prepared, they can open the shackle with a bolt cutter, for example. A Master-Lock combination lock can be suitable for good protection.
Risk Level
The risk level of a combo lock is determined by the chance of having an easy reset or the possibility of unlocking even after you might have forgotten the code. Models with preset lock codes have lower risk levels. Only the owners know the code and they can’t be changed, except by the manufacturer. However, with models that are easily resettable, there is a high chance of it being easily reset by non-owners or forgetting the code.
If you have lost the code for your combination lock, there is no need to worry at first. Most models have an additional security key. With this, you can unlock the lock and select a new digit code. If your model does not have a key, you should consult the manufacturer’s information.
Combination Settings
The number of number combinations is directly related to the number of digits used. With a three-digit code, for example, there are 1,000 possible combinations. These range from 000 to 999. If your children use a combination lock, there are simple and easy-to-remember combinations. With a four-digit code, 10,000 number combinations are possible. With each additional digit, the number of combinations increases tenfold.
Anti-Theft Features
The tightness of these padlocks always depends on the quality and strength of the materials they are composed of. These include the materials are used to make the bow since the thieves in all probability will not waste time following the combinations but will directly try to break the lock. What are the most popular solutions on the market?
The handles of the padlocks are generally made of stainless steel, shielded or not. But the body can be in different materials. Brass is the most often used for basic padlocks. Aluminum (or titanium, an aluminum modified to improve its resistance) is preferred in the field of aeronautics. Stainless steel is used for outdoor exhibitions because it will withstand bad weather. Case-hardened (or treated) steel is often used for high-security padlocks. Laminated steel is also recommended for outdoor padlocks. Composites are great for use with electrical risks because they are not conductors.
Cast iron is a good material as it is very resistant to break-ins and less expensive than brass or steel. On the other hand, it is recommended for indoor use. The type of lock also determines its anti-theft features. There are the dial, TSA, and push-button locks.
- Dial padlock: It is the classic product with a series of numeric rolls that you can rotate, to create your secret code and to lock the headband. It is the most widespread of all, and also the most reliable. It is very difficult to force it to open. Although an experienced thief could still saw or cut the bow, a bit like any other lock, as it is not indestructible. Secondly, the combination is resettable. Meanwhile, in other cases, you may even find an emergency key, essential if you forget the combination!
- TSA lock: This device is identical in all respects to the classic numeric padlocks with rollers. But it has a couple of very important extra details. First, it is authorized by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), the department that deals with security in American airports. The TSA has a universal key to open them, in the case of a customs control. What’s the advantage? You will be able to protect your luggage without running the risk that the security officers could break your lock, leaving the contents of the luggage unprotected.
- Push-button lock: The second category of a combination lock is the one with a push-button panel instead of the canonical number rollers. The operation, in this case, is different, and is much more similar to that of safes: this means that you can open it by choosing your code among 10 digits (from 0 to 9), even if the number of buttons available may vary depending on the product. It is a device whose degree of reliability depends on the number of buttons: the higher it is, the more you can set a complex and safe combination. Finally, these products also allow you to reset the combination.
FAQs
How do you unlock a combination lock?
Generally, the mechanical combination locks use three to four-digit codes. For adults and children to be able to set the combination lock, they must first open it. This succeeds with the combination that can be found in the manufacturer’s information. Usually, this consists of zeros.
As soon as the combination lock is open, users pull the shackle up and turn it 180 degrees. Then they push it down. While holding down the bracket, you can change the combination of numbers as you wish. We recommend a sequence of digits that you can remember well but that is difficult for unauthorized persons to guess. Once you have chosen your code, return the shackle to its original position and you can block the lock. You should then turn the number plates again and thus adjust them. Otherwise, strangers can open your lock without difficulty.
How does a combination lock work?
In contrast to a classic padlock, you open a combination lock with a combination of numbers. A combination lock is a code lock. The special type of lock consists of a housing and a lockable bracket. The majority of the models have rotatable metal plates with notches in the housing. The numbers are painted or embedded on these plates.
If you turn the tiles, you can change the numbers. As soon as you put the plates in the correct position, the mechanism will lock into place. The function bar then engages in the notches and you can unlock the combination lock. Combination locks are often used in small forms on suitcases. There are also classic number padlocks for the locker or a secure cabinet. For example, if you have an expensive bike, you can protect it with a lock with a combination of numbers. The combination lock is a universally applicable lock.
Is a key lock or combination lock better?
Compared to a classic padlock, the combination padlock offers several advantages. The high level of security in particular speaks for this lock category. Furthermore, you do not need a key to unlock the lock. As a result, you do not need to worry about losing the key. However, it does happen that number of combinations is forgotten. Simple number combination enables unlocking. There is no key required. There is a high level of security. However, there is a comparatively high acquisition cost and the number combination can be forgotten.
What is the most secure combination lock?
The most secure combination lock is TSA approved. If you need a cylinder combination lock, you can choose a TSA combination lock. You lock the TSA lock with a number combination and an additional master key. For example, this number of padlock is used on many suitcases. The employees at the airport have the right key.
Conclusion
Combination locks offer high-level security that is ensured by their high-strength and heavy-duty construction materials and number codes. The best combination lock models, as we have seen, are equipped with a numerical combination opening mechanism, which replaces the classic key system. It is then accessorized with small rollers, which allow you to set the digits you have chosen for its unlocking. On sale, you can find numeric padlocks with 3, 4, or 5 reels, with the possibility of choosing a number from 0 to 9. Being able to modify them, you will have the opportunity to create from 1,000 to 100,000 secret codes, depending on the model purchased.
