Suggest me an inexpensive padlock (<$30)

[lockguy80]

Hi all,

I'm about to do some traveling, and would like to find an inexpensive padlock that could not easily be shimmed or picked.

Notes on what I'm looking for:
- the padlock will be used for lockers at hostels. With this in mind, what maximum shackle diameter do you think I should go with?
- I don't need a "perfect" padlock. I'm looking for something good enough to keep away the coke-can shims and quick bump key type picks
- the price should be modest - under $30

Any suggestions?

I saw this lock recommended in another thread:
http://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Heavy- ... 858&sr=8-2

Also considering some Abus locks. Not sure if a disc lock would work for all lockers or if I should definitely stick with a generic padlock.

[pin_pusher]

american padlock 5200

[lockguy80]

american padlock 5200

Thanks for the suggestion - any particular reason you recommend this one?

[Solomon]

american padlock 5200

Thanks for the suggestion - any particular reason you recommend this one?

Probably because they're affordable, small, and they protect against what you said you want it to. Both the driver and key pins in American brand padlocks are serrated, making bumping them very difficult. They're tricky to pick aswell, and use a dual ball bearing mechanism which can't be shimmed as they're held in place by a rotating cam.

Another reason I'd personally recommend them is that they're quite small and unassuming, so it won't draw any unwanted attention to your locker in particular. If the wrong person sees a big expensive looking lock on your locker, and everyone else is using cheap/crappy looking stuff, then they'll assume you have something worth putting some effort into and make you a target. Very good choice of lock for this kind of application.

[lockguy80]

Also,

I see that the 5100 is a bit cheaper.

Are these basically identical locks but with different width shackles?

[lockguy80]

5100: http://www.jmlock.com/americanlock-1and ... rance.aspx
5200: http://www.jmlock.com/americanlock-1and ... rance.aspx

[lockinabox]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sargent-and-Greenleaf-Lock-8088-/320590176933

It was a good enough lock for the U.S. government to use for many years, so I think it should work for you.

[lockguy80]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sargent-and-Greenleaf-Lock-8088-/320590176933

It was a good enough lock for the U.S. government to use for many years, so I think it should work for you.

Nice cheap price. With as old as these are, do they protect against shims?

[lockinabox]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sargent-and-Greenleaf-Lock-8088-/320590176933

It was a good enough lock for the U.S. government to use for many years, so I think it should work for you.

Nice cheap price. With as old as these are, do they protect against shims?

Yes of course it does, again, they were used by the U.S. government to secure documents and rooms and things of that nature.

Also, you might want to take our word for it when someone suggests a lock rather than asking them why they recommend it. You laid out what you're looking for, and people are responding with their recommendation with. If there is a problem with a recommended lock, other members will post about it. We are not an on-demand service that is going to explain everything about why we recommended the lock. We are happy to help people out but recommending a padlock under $30 is not something that requires an in depth discussion (If you need an S&G 833C, then we can talk about it all day).

[lockguy80]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sargent-and-Greenleaf-Lock-8088-/320590176933

It was a good enough lock for the U.S. government to use for many years, so I think it should work for you.

Nice cheap price. With as old as these are, do they protect against shims?

Yes of course it does, again, they were used by the U.S. government to secure documents and rooms and things of that nature.

Also, you might want to take our word for it when someone suggests a lock rather than asking them why they recommend it. You laid out what you're looking for, and people are responding with their recommendation with. If there is a problem with a recommended lock, other members will post about it. We are not an on-demand service that is going to explain everything about why we recommended the lock. We are happy to help people out but recommending a padlock under $30 is not something that requires an in depth discussion (If you need an S&G 833C, then we can talk about it all day).

Thanks.

I wasn't questioning the recommendations - I was just trying to satisfy my own curiosity

[mh]

I was just trying to satisfy my own curiosity

And I think that's a good way to learn

Cheers
mh

[mcm757207]

You may want to check out the Master Lock Speed Dial. It's going to be lighter than the S&G posted above, which is nice for traveling, and has a perfectly adequate protection against the types of attacks you mentioned. Having just traveling this summer through many hostels, I would say the following based on what I saw:

- You won't want to carry a key, go with a combo lock.
- You may find yourself not needing a padlock much of the time, as hostels will either have already-keyed locks on the lockers or will provide padlocks.
- The lockers themselves will be incredibly flimsy, the lock isn't going to be what stops someone from getting into it.
- Stuff gets stolen at hostels ALL the time. After being in a few I ended up not leaving any of my valuable stuff in them. I occasionally left things with staff, but generally I would only leave clothing at the hostel if at all possible. If you really have something valuable you need to lock up, like a camera, consider going to a ritzy hotel and trying to check it at the front desk ("I just checked out but my flight doesn't leave till tonight, can you lock this in your house safe for me?").

Hope that helps! Where are you traveling to?

[lockguy80]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a sturdy padlock that is resistant to most bolt cutters.

Most have recommended the American Lock 5200 as a good inexpensive option.

However, I'm also seeing a lot of deals on Ebay for the 5100 series.

Here are the relevant specs:

5100: 3/4" body, 1/4" shackle diameter
5200: 3/4" body, 5/16" shackle diameter

Is there much difference in that extra 1/16" of an inch, or not really?

I'm not sure what most bolt cutters can handle.

[Squelchtone]

Please keep your questions about this one project down to a single thread instead of starting 3 threads about the same thing. I am merging this to your other thread about asking for a padlock for a locker.


help keep the clutter down, thanks
Squelchtone

[lockguy80]

Please keep your questions about this one project down to a single thread instead of starting 3 threads about the same thing. I am merging this to your other thread about asking for a padlock for a locker.


help keep the clutter down, thanks
Squelchtone

Sure, no problem. I thought it might be useful for others to have a "shackle width" searchable thread.