On a rural Caledon property, the padlock is often the main lock between a thief and tools, equipment or animals’ feed. It is also the lock most exposed to rain, snow, road salt, dust and hard use. A little care in choosing it pays off.
Start with the exposure
A padlock on a sheltered workshop door has a different life from one on a road-facing gate. For gates and outdoor doors, choose a weather-rated body and a shrouded shackle that resists cutting. Brass and stainless components resist corrosion better than plain plated steel. A cover or a shroud that keeps rain off the keyway also helps.
Match the shackle to the threat
A long shackle is easier to pry or cut. A short, thick shackle that sits close to a hasp is harder to attack. Pair a good padlock with a hasp that is bolted through the door with carriage bolts or through-fasteners on the inside, not screwed into thin wood. The strongest padlock is only as good as the hasp and the door it sits on.
Key it alike
If you have a gate, barn, shed and workshop, a single key that opens them all is easier to live with than a ring of keys. A keyed-alike set uses matching padlocks that share one key. Keep the number of spare keys small and stored securely. If one key is lost, all the padlocks can be rekeyed or replaced.
Keep them working
Once a season, wipe dust from the keyway and use a dry lock lubricant. Avoid heavy grease, which collects grit. In winter, frozen padlocks respond to a small amount of graphite or a de-icing product for locks. Do not use force on a stiff key.
Signs it is time to replace
A padlock that needs several tries to open, shows rust around the shackle, or whose key is worn should be replaced before it fails and locks you out. See our padlock installation and repair page for what we can do.
Tell us the layout
When you call, give us the civic address, the nearest crossroads, and how many gates and buildings you want to secure. We’ll help you plan a set of padlocks and hasps. The Caledon page covers our service area and how we confirm arrival times.
More Caledon locksmith resources
Start with our Caledon locksmith service guide for local coverage, service categories, and appointment preparation.