Rain, snow and frost are all enemies to locking mechanisms, which are prone to corrosion in wet weather or seizing up completely when temperatures get cold enough. The dual risks are that you end up with a lock which offers no security at all because the locking mechanism breaks, or one that you cannot open when you need access.

Wherever you use padlocks outside – to secure sheds or outhouses, to lockdown works vehicles, to keep window shutters shut – weatherproofing is a serious consideration ahead of winter. Here is a quick guide to checking your locks are appropriate for their location and purpose.

Grades of weatherproofing

Not every weatherproof lock is the same. You will sometimes hear people talking about ‘fully  weatherproof’ locks, which means the entire lock is made out of a non-corroding material such as stainless steel. But not all weatherproof locks meet this criteria.

Why not? The problem is, non-corroding materials tend to be softer. If you make certain parts of a padlock from them, for example the shackle, you create a security risk, because they become easier to cut through or break.

Most weatherproof padlocks will use non-corroding materials on the internal mechanism only. This is where you really want to avoid rusting, as that will lead to the lock breaking or seizing up. Combining this with a hard material shackle, such as hard steel, balances security and function, but you may have to change locks every few years due to the effects of corrosion on the outside of the lock.

Another option is to choose a laminated padlock. These pair non-corroding internal mechanisms with hard material exteriors and shackles, but use a laminate coating to protect outside from the effects of the weather.

A question of location

The only place where fully weatherproof locks, i.e. made entirely out of non-corroding metals, is advised is close to the sea, where the salt in the water can speed up corrosion considerably. Otherwise, for security purposes, you usually want a padlock with non-corroding internal mechanisms only.

Standard weatherproof or laminated padlocks are suitable for general outdoor use. Where security is a key concern, e.g. padlocking an external gate or outhouses where valuable equipment is kept, special ‘closed’ shackles are available which combine very hard metals with chrome plating and specially designed alloy bodies to maximise weather resistance and the risk of tampering.

Frost resistance

Damage caused by water corrosion is not the only issue you have to think about with your locks in winter. In very cold weather, frost can cause padlocks to seize up so they cannot be opened. If this is a particular problem you want to avoid, opt for a ball bearing locking mechanism over a spring system. Because they have less moving parts, ball bearing locks pose less of a risk of seizing up, and tend to be used in sturdier, higher security models.

Locks Direct is a family-run UK business which supplies padlocks for all types of household and commercial use. We offer a full range of weatherproof products available to buy online today.

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