A rusted padlock isn’t just bad for aesthetics; it can also prevent the lock from functioning properly.
The inner mechanism of a padlock consists of tiny pins and springs that will jam if the padlock rusts even just a little.
Weatherproof padlocks, sometimes referred to as marine padlocks, are designed for use in marine conditions where the saline environment is perfect for rust formation.
But they are also handy for any kind of outdoor environment where security and longevity are essential.
These padlocks are usually made with a combination of steel and corrosion-resistant materials. This provides the best balance between security and weather protection.
What to Consider When Buying a Weatherproof Padlock
a. Shackle Material
The most secure part of a padlock is the U-shaped shackle. It can also be the most vulnerable part depending on the material used.
Molybdenum locks are the strongest and have the best corrosion-resistant qualities. But they are pricey.
Brass is weatherproof but doesn’t offer the same level of security as other stronger materials.
But for most home security needs, brass is good enough. As a bonus, brass padlocks are some of the most affordable.
Other good options include hardened steel, stainless steel and boron.
b. Shackle Style
Something else to consider is the type of shackle used. There are four types:
- Open shackle: This is the traditional design where most of the shackle is exposed above the body of the padlock. This makes it easier for a burglar to cut through the shackle but makes the padlock more convenient to use.
- Closed shackle: The body extends to cover part of the shackle, leaving only a little bit exposed. This enhances security but lowers convenience and versatility.
- Long shackle: This design is the most versatile and convenient to use but it’s the easiest for a burglar to compromise.
- Adjustable shackle: This design allows you to adjust how much shackle length is exposed.
c. Extra Weather Protection Features
Here are some additional features to look for:
- Keyhole cover to prevent entry of moisture to reduce the risk of rusting.
- Body cover or shackle jacket to keep dust and water out of the padlock.
- Drainage channels to direct rain water away from the sensitive parts. You’ll find these mostly in ABUS padlocks.
d. Shackle Thickness
The thicker the shackle, the more secure the padlock since it is harder to cut through the metal.
High-security padlocks have a 10mm shackle while the lowest security padlocks come with a shackle that’s less than 7mm thick.
For something in between that will work great for medium-security situations, get a padlock with a 7-9mm shackle.
The Best Weatherproof Padlock Reviews
1. ABUS 8353C Extreme Weatherproof Open Shackle Padlock
The hardened steel alloy shackle resists both rust and a burglar’s attempts to break it. Chrome plating provides further protection from the elements.
But the chrome plating is not like any other. It contains Nano particles that provide a complete seal on the shackle to keep out moisture.
According to the manufacturer, the padlock has been tested for 1,000 hours in a saline bath. That’s equivalent to 40 years in a harsh environment.
So if you are looking for a marine padlock for outdoor use, this is one of the best.
It is an open shackle style padlock, meaning there is no protective shoulder. But this makes it easier to use in places where a closed shackle padlock can’t fit.
The padlock uses mushrooms pins that are much harder to pick.
This makes the ABUS padlock an ideal choice for medium and high security situations, whether it’s securing a chain around your bike or keeping your home safe.
But if the open shackle doesn’t give you complete peace of mind there is a closed shackle alternative.
It’s a bit pricier than the open shackle one but you get more protection. Just make sure it will fit whatever you want to lock.
What we like about it:
- Ideal for places with high security requirements.
- 100% weatherproof – ideal for use in extreme environments.
- Anti-pick pin design.
- Available in 2 styles – open and closed shackle.
2. Yale YALY22755 55 mm High Security Weatherproof Padlock
If you are looking for a cheaper but 100% weatherproof padlock, this boron shackle Yale padlock is perfect.
Boron is not as hardy as hardened steel but it still offers solid security for most home situations.
This particular padlock uses an open shackle that you can easily fit into just about any lock. The shackle has an anti-corrosion finish that can withstand years of outdoor use without rusting.
For extra protection, the keyhole has a small plastic cover to keep water out.
In addition to the tough shackle, the padlock has an anti-pick 5-pin cylinder. It is by no means foolproof but it provides an effective deterrence against potential burglars.
No burglar wants to spend more than a couple of minutes trying to pick a lock.
And if they try to pull or pry the padlock open, the double ball locking mechanism is almost impossible to beat.
What we like about it:
- Ideal for most home security requirements.
- Two size options: 45mm and 55mm.
- 100% weatherproof.
- Anti-pick pin design and anti-pull locking mechanism.
3. ABUS 23144 Weather Sealed Brass Padlock
Thankfully, only the body of the padlock is made with brass. The most important part, the shackle, is made with hardened steel.
You’ll have to pay a little more but the extra protection is worth it. Hardened steel is very difficult to cut through and is one of the most durable materials.
A vinyl jacket on the shackle protects it from scratches and damage.
All components, including the shackle and inner parts, are 100% rust proof. You can use this padlock anywhere for years and it will not rust.
In addition to using corrosion-resistant materials, this padlock has a couple other weatherproofing features.
The first one is a set of drainage channels that protect the cylinder from water and dust.
The second feature is a special type of keyway called a paracentric keyway where the pins are set off centre in the cylinder.
This protects them from moisture penetration.
It also provides improved protection since paracentric locks are much harder and more time consuming to pick.
What we like about it:
- Complete rust protection.
- Paracentric pin design provides improved weatherproofing and anti-pick protection.
- Hardened steel shackle makes the padlock ideal for high-security situations.
4. ABUS 70IB45LSC Marine Grade Aquasafe All Weather Shackle Padlock
If you are looking for an all-weather long shackle padlock, this one by ABUS provides excellent protection against rust and burglars.
The body is made from solid brass while the shackle is stainless steel.
The padlock is designed for use in marine environments such as boats. It can withstand saline environments for years without rusting.
The shackle has a plastic jacket to prevent corrosion. The impact-resistant plastic cover also protects it from damage.
Other rust-protection features include drainage channels/grooves to carry away water, inner components made from rustproof materials and a cover over the lock mechanism.
Safety wise, there are a number of protective features.
There is the stainless steel shackle that would be a pain to cut through, anti-pick mushroom pins and double automatic locking.
ABUS recommends using the padlock for medium-security situations.
What we like about it:
- Ideal for the most extreme environments including boats.
- Long shackle design provides more versatility and convenience.
- Anti-pick pin design.
5. ABUS Outdoor Key Padlock TITALIUM
Titalium is a new alloy made by ALBUS. It consists of both aluminium and titanium, resulting in a material that is lightweight yet tough and hardy.
It has the same level of protection as brass but is much lighter.
These Titalium padlocks are available in several sizes all the way from 20mm to 60mm. You can also get the padlocks in the normal open shackle design or in a long shackle style depending on your needs.
If you are buying several padlocks for your home or institution, there are several keyed alike options available.
Keyed alike means multiple padlocks can be opened using the same key. It saves you the trouble of carrying a bunch of keys around and saves you money on spare keys.
The padlock body is Titalium but the shackle is hardened steel that is difficult for burglars to cut through. Paracentric pins provide extra protection against a lock picker.
All components are weatherproof meaning you never have to worry about rusting, either on the inside or outside.
The cylinder is chrome-plated and treated with Nano particles to provide guaranteed corrosion protection.
What we like about it:
- Affordable.
- Lightweight.
- Excellent protection against corrosion and theft.
Frequently asked questions
Are brass padlocks weatherproof?
Brass is highly corrosion resistant, which makes brass padlock weatherproof and an excellent choice for outdoor use such as in a shed.
Though not as strong as other metals like steel, brass padlocks are secure enough for most home uses.
How do you weatherproof a padlock?
First, get a weatherproof padlock made with corrosion-resistant materials like brass. But even weatherproof padlocks can corrode or rust if not properly taken care of.
To further weatherproof your padlock, use it often to keep internal mechanisms working smoothly. Applying a lock lubricant such as silicon spray regularly will also prevent rust.
If the lock is exposed to rain and other elements, you can DIY a protective plastic cover.
How to lubricate a padlock?
Use the right lubricant. Silicone spray or graphite lubricant is great for most padlocks. Apply the lubricant both on the shackle as well as the keyway. To distribute the lubricant inside the padlock, open and lock it several times.
Repeat the lubrication regularly to keep the padlock corrosion-free and working smoothly.
