We all know it; security is a fundamental need to lead our lives without intrusion. Padlock systems are made for use virtually everywhere, whether in a residential environment or a commercial setting. However, because they are exposed to different elements in the environment they are installed or used in, you have a little research to make before you start shopping.
If for example, you have a garage, your home’s front door, or your farm barn to keep under lock, then not just any padlock will do. Moisture, rain, and snow/cold weather are harsh natural elements that can deteriorate most locks installed outdoors in weeks, or months if you’re fortunate. Corrosion and rust are often the cause of their deterioration, which will then make them unusable. However, with weatherproof padlocks, you can lock your items or doors in an outdoor environment and even in a marine setting.
This is why we have helped you compile a list of the 7 best weatherproof padlocks with a short buying guide that will ensure you get the best value for your money!
Contents
Best Weatherproof Padlocks
1. ZHEGE Outdoor Combination Lock – Our Top Pick
This set of 2 padlocks is differentiated from other models by the fact that it works with four combination keys and lets you choose between 1,000 combination possibilities. So, the odds of a burglar guessing the combination is as low as 1/1000.
However, note that the locks aren’t recognized or approved by the Transportation Security Administration. This means that the TSA cannot open it and you’d have to destroy the padlock in the event of an emergency, necessary control, or oversights on the part of the owner.
However, unlike other combination padlocks, you can set the code yourself and even reset it when needed. For this, the steps to follow to achieve this are easy, and clearly explained by the quickstart manual that accompanies the two padlocks during the purchase.
The size and weight are within normal standards, and to fully ensure the good quality of this product, both padlocks have a one-year warranty each. Due to its very simple use, it is a model that can be used both indoors and outdoors. It can be used to protect doors, garages, sheds, and more outdoors and also suitcases, lockers, or chests indoors.
It is indeed weatherproof as it’s manufactured with zinc alloy. The concept of a combination padlock without the need for a key is once again reinforced with this model. This material used for the design of this set of 2 padlocks makes them solid and insensitive against rust or corrosion. Click here to see the best price.
Key features
- 4 digit combination lock
- Resettable
- Up to 1,000 combination options
- Available in single and two-piece versions
- High strength zinc alloy body
- The zinc alloy used ensures weather resistance
- The 4-digit combination reinforces security
- It’s keyless and simple to use
- You can set and reset the combination keys yourself
- Feels a bit cheap; Stopped working too soon for a few users.
2. Master Lock 312D Weatherproof Padlock – Best Manual Key Padlock
The Master Lock 312D is another weather-resistant padlock. But this one doesn’t work with a combination key. It’s a key and padlock set with a construction quality that can withstand heat from a fire.
The laminated steel padlock comes with a cover designed to prevent the keyhole from being penetrated with water and therefore getting damaged. The waterproof lock which is designed from thermoplastic is very weather resistant. It provides exterior protection against moisture and dirt.
Colorfully finished in navy blue, it is made from high-technology thermoplastic shells. Designed to stand the elements, it has effective outdoor protection. In addition, the steel shackle is hardened and the molded cover offers additional protection. The 1½ inches wide laminated steel lock is ideal for various outdoor applications.
The padlock comes with two manual keys for opening it. However, a few users mentioned they had some difficulty getting the key in to engage the inner lock mechanism to lock or unlock. In addition, we wish the padlock could be sturdier. A few users said it lasted only for three months or thereabout. However, we would advise you to always use the cover underneath the padlock designed to protect the keyhole.
When water gets in too much, the metal inside can start corroding and because of this, a few users said the lock started getting stuck. A lock has to be maintained to be durable and effective. Click here to see the best price.
Key features
- Made from high technology thermoplastic shells
- Includes two manual keys
- Navy blue finish
- Includes a keyhole cover
- Hardened steel shackle for cut resistance
- Ideal for use outdoors
- Tough under fire
- Designed with cover for waterproof protection
- Could be sturdier and more durable
3. Master Lock M175XDLF Combination Lock – Best Outdoor Combination Padlock
When buying high-security outdoor combination locks, it is necessary to pay more attention to the manufacturing materials. In this case, the Master Lock M175XDLF has a 2¼ inches or 57 mm wide laminated steel structure, which provides high resistance.
In addition, it is coated with stainless steel and zinc, so it resists outdoor weather conditions.
On the other hand, it has an extended shackle of 38 mm in length and 10 mm in diameter, which has been made with boron carbide, which offers 50% more hardness than hardened steel. Thus, it provides greater resistance to damage or breakage with a saw. Thanks to this, it guarantees a high level of protection.
It incorporates a roller pin cylinder and double-locking ball bearings for resistance against hammering and prying. It’s a combination padlock with the default 0000 key. Before use, you have to reset to your own combination, of which you have up to 1,000 combination options. Click here to see the best price.
Key features
- 1½ inch cut-resistant boron carbide shackle
- Four combination key lock
- 50% harder than hardened steel
- Finished in brass
- The shackle is cut resistant
- Easy to set and reset
- Made of rolled steel, zinc, and boron carbide
- You can share the combination with family members
- Not a general-purpose lock but it’s good for outdoors
4. ABUS 70IB/45 KD Solid Brass – Best Waterproof Padlock
The ABUS padlock is resistant to bad weather and consists of a solid brass body coated with synthetic material for the protection of delicate surfaces. The stainless steel shackle is also coated with impact-resistant synthetic material for corrosion resistance. Even if moisture or water gets inside, the lock will not corrode.
The ABUS 70IB lock can be used outdoors and in a marine environment. The padlock is therefore suitable for securing valuables even in outdoor environments.
It has an encapsulated lock body with a special protective cap and drainage channels to protect the lock from water and dirt.
Its plastic coating helps protect delicate surfaces. Meanwhile, the paracentric keyway protects against advanced opening attempts
The padlock has a double locking and comes with 2 pieces of keys. The ABUS 70IB/45 padlock is designed for long-term use in outdoor and seaside conditions. Its stainless steel handle offers a good level of security.
The thick plastic protection around the body helps to absorb shocks and prevents damage to boat hulls in the event of a fall. Click here to see the best price.
Key features
- Made from stainless steel, aluminum, alloy steel, and brass
- Stainless steel shackle
- Paracentric keyway
- Includes two keys
- German engineered lock
- Plastic coated solid brass body
- Interior parts in anti-corrosion materials
- The lock has a dust cover
- Delivered with two keys per padlock
- Hard to get extra keys made by the locksmith
5. Master Lock 911DPF Padlock – Best Versatile Lock
The Master Lock 911DPF Padlock is a heavy-duty keyed padlock that is best used for contractors or small businesses; whether for indoor or outdoor use.
The padlock has its key features built-in laminated steel and hardened boron alloy shackle for strength and security. It also has a weather-resistant body. In addition, the FlexFit slot cover adds protection against moisture, dirt, and grime.
In addition, the heavy-duty lock heavy-duty features a 5-pin barrel and dual ball-bearing locking mechanism. These provide maximum pick and pry resistance. It has a removable cylinder to re-key your lock if needed.
This product has a wide lock body that has 5/16 inches of diameter shackle with 1-1/8 inches of length and 7/8 inches of width. Two keys are provided for each padlock.
Not only will this padlock be able to protect your valuables, but it is also very robust to withstand attacks and even bolt cutters. There is no reason to doubt the quality of this model, especially since it comes with a lifetime warranty, albeit limited. It is, therefore, suitable for extreme conditions, as it can resist rust, water, dust, and even corrosion.
Unlike other models, it weighs a little bit lighter, with around 454 grams or one pound of weight. This is also explained by the type of materials chosen for its construction, which is an alloy of steel. Click here to see the best price.
Key features
- Made from laminated steel and hardened boron alloy
- FlexFit keyway cover for outdoor suitability
- 5-pin cylinder
- Dual ball bearing mechanism
- Keyway cover ensures lock is protected from dust, dirt, and moisture
- Truly weather-resistant; Reliable in the rain and snow
- Solid lock that cannot be easily shimmed
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- May get freeze stuck in under -5 degrees weather
6. Master Lock Pro Series Padlocks – Best Padlock Set
Sometimes, we end up needing more than a padlock and knowing that buying in bulk is always cheaper, we’ve included this set into the list.
The Master Lock Pro Series Set is a three-piece padlock set with each lock featuring a laminated steel body that ensures superior strength.
Then there is the solid shackle made from hardened boron alloy for cut resistance. This shackle can resist harsh attacks, thanks to the 5 pin cylinders which offer greater resistance. It’s a removable cylinder that can be replaced.
So, after several months or years of use and you find out that the cylinder or the keyhole is damaged, you can simply replace the cylinder. After all, Master Lock is a brand whose accessories are easy to purchase.
The padlock is ideal for outdoor use, thanks to the Weather Tough® exclusive cover that protects the lock from dirt, water, ice, and dust.
The ProSeries padlocks are made for industrial or commercial outdoor uses.
It has a 2⅛” wide-body made of solid steel that resists physical attacks. It also has a 1-3/16″ long and a 5/16″ diameter shackle made of a hardened alloy of boron for cut resistance.
Its locking mechanism with dual balls resists it from being pulled and pried. The high-security replaceable 5-pin cylinder with coil pins is impossible to bypass without the keys. Click here to see the best price.
Key features
- Weather Tough® coated laminated padlock
- Wide hardened steel body
- Shackle constructed from hardened boron alloy
- BumpStop Advanced Cylinder Technology
- Replaceable 5-pin cylinder with coil pins
- You can replace or repin the cylinder
- Hard steel body resists physical attack
- Good value for money
- Easy to use and engineered for outdoor use
- Nothing serious to complain about
7. Brinks Laminated Steel Locks – Our Budget Pick
Sold in a set of three for a low price, the Brinks locks are surprisingly of high quality in construction. One of the best weatherproof padlocks on the market, each piece of this set has a weatherproof finish and body.
The shackle is coated in black and the body has a reinforced plastic finish covering the solid brass body. The body is up to 40 mm thick.
The brass construction makes each a lock that can withstand knocks. It has up to 2317 lbs cut strength so you can trust it when it comes to protecting you from theft. Furthermore, the strong shackle is chrome plated.
In addition, its manufacturing components are designed with anti-corrosive materials to provide the lock with great durability and resistance if you decide to use it outdoors. The steel shackle is wrapped in vinyl. So, there’s no chance of rust or corrosion. Also, the lock body is sealed against water and dirt, thanks to the black cylinder cover. Click here to see the best price.
Key features
- 40 mm laminated steel body
- Chrome plated and vinyl wrapped shackle
- Three pieces of padlocks
- Each lock with two keys
- Features a cylinder cover for protection
- All three locks are keyed the same way
- Resistant to prying and cuts
- Inexpensive set of locks
- The keyhole cover could be more durable
Buyer’s Guide
Padlocks are among the most widely used security devices around the world, as they protect against theft and are often portable. However, if you’re going to be using them outdoors, you need a weatherproof one. But then, there are too many options on the market today. So we have prepared this guide so you can buy the best weatherproof padlock made of resistant material and the best security technology for you.
How to choose a good weatherproof padlock?
First, we will see some of the features to consider when choosing a weatherproof padlock.
Weather Resistance
The first thing you’re looking at is if the lock is resistant to moisture, snow, rain, and other outdoor elements such as dust and dirt. One way to ensure this is to choose a model whose shackle has a weather-resistant shackle. This means it should have a stainless steel construction, vinyl wrapping, or anything that helps avoid rust.
Stainless steel and zinc housings are highly corrosion resistant. Brass and aluminum are also not very susceptible to rust but offer little protection against corrosion overall. For outdoor use, we, therefore, recommend stainless steel and zinc combination locks.
Material
A key feature that will tell you whether a lock will be durable and serve the purpose it’s bought for is the materials used. Padlocks are constructed from various materials, and you will have to choose your model taking this parameter into account.
Many products are made of metal, sturdy materials specially designed for tough jobs. Ideal for outdoor use, they are made from hardened, regular, or stainless steel materials that resist corrosion and rust.
Also, titanium, brass, and aluminum padlocks won’t be as strong as hard metal models, but they’re handy for uses that require high security.
Although titanium and brass can withstand many weather conditions, aluminum is not so durable and is not recommended for outdoor activities.
There are also plastic padlocks, which unfortunately are not intended for added security. Indeed, one can easily break steel shackles or compromise the locking mechanism of these padlocks. However, models built with steel bodies and finished with plastic for waterproof effect are great.
Be aware, however, that products made from hardened steel can be extremely durable. They are difficult to compromise with the use of bolt cutters, compared to those made from other materials.
Locking Mechanism
There are several types of locking mechanisms used in padlocks. Therefore, depending on what you want to use the lock for, you have to choose one or the other. The types of locking mechanisms used in padlocks are the following:
Key padlocks
They are the most common and the most classic. Also, they are perhaps the safest. They come included with one or several keys.
Combination locks
They are not opened with a key, but with a combination of numbers. Putting in the correct combination unlocks the lock. They are less secure than key padlocks, but they are a very practical option.
If the option of entering a few numbers so as to unlock the padlocks appeals to you, choose the combination ones. Equipped with buttons or a dial, there is no need to use keys to unlock this type of model.
Unfortunately, most combination padlocks are not suitable for high-security and heavy-duty applications. Since nobody has an elephant’s memory, you can forget the combinations.
Combination padlocks with a master key
These types of locks are a mixture of the previous two. They can be opened both with the combination of digits and with a master key, in case you have forgotten the combination. Although you no longer have to worry about forgetting/losing, the mechanism seizes a lot, a case where neither the key nor the combination can work.
Size
It is important to take into account the size of the lock (body and ring) when buying one. Larger locks tend to have better security and resistance to theft.
Weight is often tied to size. The bigger the lock, the more weight it will have. Therefore, take this into account when purchasing the lock. If you want a multipurpose lock, you are going to change its location of use.
FAQs
How do you weatherproof a padlock?
Pour a 3-ounce solution of organopolysiloxane into a cup, unlock your padlock, pick it up with pliers and dip it into the solution of organopolysiloxane. Then blow dry it.
How do you stop a padlock from rusting?
One way to weatherproof a padlock that you think is susceptible to rust is by coating it with a solution of organopolysiloxane.
Do brass padlocks rust?
Brass is a metallic alloy derived from cooler and zinc. It’s a material known for its anti-rust properties. So, when combined with a stainless steel shackle, the brass padlock will not rust. But watch out for the metal used for the cylinder. It’s the most prone to corrosion when moisture gets in.
How do I keep my outside lock from freezing?
An outdoor lock can freeze easily and then refuse to lock or unlock. If you’ve come across this problem before, simply wrap some socks or a thick towel around the lock. This will help insulate the lock from frosty weather.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can say that the best outdoor padlocks are those designed with weatherproof features. These include stainless steel shackles, brass/zinc body or a body made of steel and wrapped in plastic, and then a cylinder cover to prevent water seepage.
So, it is important to take into account all the purchase criteria that we have mentioned earlier in this article. A foolproof and stress-free way of purchasing is by simply choosing one from our list of the best weatherproof padlocks. This way, you’ll be able to make a good purchase, which suits your needs.