Padlock recommendation

[seagull369]

Padlock recommendation

I was hoping some of you wouldn't mind chiming in on some padlocks you've found to be more pick/crack-proof in your experience.

Reason I'm asking is I have a couple of joboxes (here's a pic:
http://www.professionalequipment.com/en ... uctid=6844"

...I'd like to keep a little more secure. The Masters that are on there now, it seems, I can pretty much open by just looking at them, and "The Club" combo lock I just purchased and thought might be better I disheartingly opened in less than 2 seconds.

So you know, these gangboxes kinda swallow most of the lock used to secure 'em and only expose the part where the key goes in. In case you’re wondering, They accept around a Master # 5 size (~3"X2"X1") with standard shackle length.

Hope this question hasn't been asked a gazillion times already. I did read the noob sections and tried a few searches here, but didn't come up with much. In case anyone's wondering, I have improved security in other areas by putting the boxes in a more visible location and improved the lighting around 'em. At this point, it's the lock that's become the weakest link.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Satan130]

the problem with getting an "unpickable" padlock is the same as having a steel door with wooden hinges: you're still really vulnerable.

if someone really wants to get into your box, it wont take long to break open a padlock.


Unfortionatly, i don't know how to answer the actual question because i don't get great padlocks for the reason above. sorry.

[Squelchtone]

the problem with getting an "unpickable" padlock is the same as having a steel door with wooden hinges: you're still really vulnerable.

if someone really wants to get into your box, it wont take long to break open a padlock.

Unfortionatly, i don't know how to answer the actual question because i don't get great padlocks for the reason above. sorry.

It's unfortunate that you have such a dim view of your security options. After all with all the people here we can surely find a padlock for this guy that won't be so easy to get into. Also, it sound like we need to show you some padlocks that will make your jaw drop, because I assure you there are padlocks that will "take a long time to break open."

If we follow this logic, then I might as well not lock my Medeco deadbolt when I leave the house, because someone will break into my house if they really want to anyway.

And sure, there are always ways to get into a location that has a padlock hanging on it, but the better the padlock the more time it will take them to cut the shackle, cut the body of the lock, and drill or pick the cylinder. Some of us care more about key control and knowing that when we come back to our backyard shed or warehouse that we know nobody got in over the weekend, because the padlock is still there and the chosen padlock is very difficult to pick (medeco, assa, mul-t-lock, sargent keso, chubb ava) or almost impossible to pick (abloy, evva mcs) so teenagers on the weekend with too much time on their hands and access to basic picks won't be able to open them.

I have access to one of those JOBOX containers, and tomorrow I'll inspect how the Master padlock and shackle interact with the box. The limiting factor as the OP already noticed is the dimensions of the 2 holes in the front of the container where the two Master No 3 padlocks install. Since your padlocks are completely enclosed by the JOBOX's body, your only worry now becomes finding a high security difficult to pick lock, but there's one problem. I believe your padlock will have to have a spring loaded shackle, and the better padlocks (I'm thinking ABLOY and Mul-t-Lock) do not use a spring to pop the shackle open. There may be a way so when you turn the key, you will have to manually pull the lock body towards you, it wont just shoot the padlock out so it is flush with the body of the JOBOX. (I'm sure you know what I mean since you can go do this in person with your tool container)

Now to find a high end padlock with the same size as a Master No.3, that's gonna be tricky.

Squelchtone

[Raymond]

My first vote is for the Junkunc-American padlocks. You can get the 5200 or 1205 series. These are not pick proof or true high-security but are very hign on the difficulty scale. Besides, they are not too expensive and can be rekeyed alike with nearly any other similar padlock. They can be drilled, but most padlocks can.

Second choice might be an Abus because they can be keyed to your office systems.

[Squelchtone]

My first vote is for the Junkunc-American padlocks. You can get the 5200 or 1205 series. These are not pick proof or true high-security but are very hign on the difficulty scale. Besides, they are not too expensive and can be rekeyed alike with nearly any other similar padlock. They can be drilled, but most padlocks can.

Second choice might be an Abus because they can be keyed to your office systems.

Good call Raymond, I'm actually eye-balling an American Lock 3600 with Medeco core. That lock body may be too long though, so the other choice I have that I know will fit is an Abloy 330. I managed to find a Master No 5 on my workbench, and it's actually pretty big so it opens more doors. The 5200 will fit with plenty of room to spare and the price can't be beat compared to a high security padlock.

pics to come tomorrow...

Squelchtone

[Satan130]

the problem with getting an "unpickable" padlock is the same as having a steel door with wooden hinges: you're still really vulnerable.

if someone really wants to get into your box, it wont take long to break open a padlock.

Unfortionatly, i don't know how to answer the actual question because i don't get great padlocks for the reason above. sorry.

It's unfortunate that you have such a dim view of your security options. After all with all the people here we can surely find a padlock for this guy that won't be so easy to get into. Also, it sound like we need to show you some padlocks that will make your jaw drop, because I assure you there are padlocks that will "take a long time to break open."

If we follow this logic, then I might as well not lock my Medeco deadbolt when I leave the house, because someone will break into my house if they really want to anyway.

And sure, there are always ways to get into a location that has a padlock hanging on it, but the better the padlock the more time it will take them to cut the shackle, cut the body of the lock, and drill or pick the cylinder. Some of us care more about key control and knowing that when we come back to our backyard shed or warehouse that we know nobody got in over the weekend, because the padlock is still there and the chosen padlock is very difficult to pick (medeco, assa, mul-t-lock, sargent keso, chubb ava) or almost impossible to pick (abloy, evva mcs) so teenagers on the weekend with too much time on their hands and access to basic picks won't be able to open them.

i by no means ment to say padlocks are usless. forgive me if i came across that way. my point was, to use your example, their is no point in putting a medico lock on a door if you have a window and no security system. if someone sees that lock and wants something in your house, all they have to do is throw a brick. likewise, if you put a lock that is extremely hard to pick but simple to cut with some fairly common equipment, then your really not gaining much security.

I was just saying make sure the weakest link is inforced before you up the stronger ones. of course you are right. a stronger padlock will stop pickiers, but will it stop a guy with a crow bar or a hacksaw? your are uping your security, but... hell now I'm just rampling, repeating myself, and pointing out problems that have no solution.


listen to squelchtone, he knows way more then i do.

[Squelchtone]

but will it stop a guy with a crow bar or a hacksaw? your are uping your security,

These locks are totally sheltered from any shackle prying or hacksaw or boltcutter attacks. So anything other than a Master padlock would be better and shame on Delta/JOBOX for not putting in something a little better on a $900 box meant to protect $10,000 in power tools.

Here's another model box, which shows how the padlock is typically installed inside the box:


Here is how the padlock looks from the outside. Not much to attack or cut other than picking or drilling the cylinder.

listen to squelchtone, he knows way more then i do.

aww how nice, thanks man =)

I would say, that I know enough to get by, but there's certainly room to learn more.

Squelchtone

[seagull369]

Wow, thanks for all the speedy replies out there guys

Just to clarify, I certainly understand the 'no lock is pickproof' credo. I've seen enough 'how to' videos online here to make me a believer. My post was really just about trying to find something that puts up a little more of a fight than the wet noodles I'm using now.

Anyway.,, squelchtone, great pictures of the locking part of the box. That's exactly the setup on mine. It does suck that they throw in those locks for the amount of $$ you've gotta plunk down. Tho the Masters certainly look the part (and I'm sure do well under brute force), they just remind me of those beefy looking bike locks that could be taken down with the lowly bic pen.

Regarding the spring loaded shackle, I actually have one on a box already like that and it works swell. Like you said, I just turn the key and use it to pull the body out and voila.

So if I got this straight, you guys think the Junkunc-American (5200 or 1205 series), ABLOY and Mul-t-Locks would be good ones to check out?

[seagull369]

Regarding the spring loaded shackle, I actually have one on a box already like that and it works swell. Like you said, I just turn the key and use it to pull the body out and voila.

Whoops, I meant I have a lock on a box that ISN'T spring loaded and it works swell.

[Jaakko]

I'd suggest the Abloy just for getting a lock that is definately not going to be picked unless the government has some issues with you.

[Satan130]

These locks are totally sheltered from any shackle prying or hacksaw or boltcutter attacks.

Here's another model box, which shows how the padlock is typically installed inside the box:

>_>

<_<

wait, is it covered up?

oh darn, i think it's..

yup, my ignorance is showing.

[tacedeous]

I vote for the American 5200 also... great lock great price, I actually have a friend with the same situation. A huge knack jobbox in his bed of his truck, after getting into locksmithing, and learning more about locks, I noticed he was only using a knock off master lock... so one day we where sitting there after a round of frisbee golf, I told him he should upgrade, he said "the box said highest security" I laughed pulled out my keys with my jackknife and picked it open in seconds... now he's sporting two 5200's on his box... only set him back about $55 from the local locksmith...

[MacGnG1]

that is really cool that the padlock is inset into the tool box.

[Jaakko]

Squelchtone pointed me out that Abloy canät be used unless the key can be removed, which in Abloys is impossible due to the design. The shackle could be modified so that it would release the key while unlocked and without affecting the security of the lock.

[PoP Lock PoP Bottles]

Some padlocks are built beautifully. The first time I looked at a mastlock pro series 6321 I thought it was impossible to do. Then after afew tries at it, I learned master locks really are jokes. Then I learned of Medeco. This is not the same series number as the one i held, but I held one of the same series, it was brutal.