3 Ways to Determine if a Combination Padlock or a Keyed Padlock is Best for Your Needs

The wide variety of padlocks available on the market can make it difficult to choose the right one. However, the task isn’t as difficult as it seems because all you need to do is determine what exactly your needs and preferences are for buying the padlock. There are two broad categories of padlocks: keyed padlocks that use a key to open the lock and combination padlocks that use a combination of numbers. Each has its own pros and cons and each can be used for a wide range of things. However, making the right choice is crucial. To make the choice easier, there are three major things that you should consider.

Following are 3 ways to determine if a combination padlock or a keyed padlock is best for your needs:

1. Security

If you want to buy a padlock for high security purposes, then a keyed padlock is the recommended choice. This is because keyed padlocks generally offer more security as compared to combination padlocks. They are preferred for a wide range of high security applications.

Most combination padlocks are inherently less secure as compared to their keyed counterparts. This is partially because of their mechanical weakness that accompanies their design. The finite number of possible codes for these padlocks means that anyone can crack them via simple trial-and-error if they are willing to put in the time. Many combination padlocks are also vulnerable to shimming attacks. Because of these reasons, your insurer might not cover you if you use a combination padlock to protect your belongings.

2. Convenience

While combination padlocks are somewhat less secure than keyed padlocks, they do have some definite advantages. If you want convenience, then they are certainly a preferable choice. Firstly, combination padlocks don’t need a key to unlock, which means you won’t have to worry about getting a key lost or stolen. The main disadvantage of keyed padlocks as compared to combination padlocks is that they require a key, which can be duplicated, copied, stolen, or lost.

Apart from this, combination padlocks are also a convenient choice for when you need to grant multiple people access to your valuables as you will simply need to tell them the combination (rather than having to duplicate the keys for a keyed padlock). This can be useful if you are sharing a common locker or room for storing valuables or you are travelling in a group. Combination padlocks are ideal for securing bicycles, gym lockers, suitcases, etc.

3. Accessibility

Accessibility is another area where keyed padlocks and combination padlocks differ. With a keyed padlock, only the person with the correct key can access the valuables. With a combination padlock, anyone who knows the combination can gain access. In case of securing, for example, a locker, a lot of people prefer using a combination lock because in an emergency, getting into a locker is easier and quicker (vulnerable to shimming attacks). While it is possible to crack a keyed lock, it takes relatively longer. In any case, a backup key (for keyed padlock) or combination (for combination padlock) must be readily available to deal with the situation better.

Dib’s Safe & Lock Service in San Bernardino is a locally-owned, family run business with over 90 years experience proudly offering lock, safe, and key, services to residential and business customers in San Bernardino County, Riverside, and the surrounding areas in Inland Empire. If you have questions changing door locks, or lock and key service of any type, give Dib’s a call today at (909) 885-0452.