The UK's bestPadlocks2022 Review

Probably one of the most recognisable names in padlocks, US firm Master Lock have more than a century of service in the home security industry. Built with one of the hardest shackles I’ve ever come across, their heavy-duty keyed padlock is one of the best security locks on the market right now.

The most impressive thing about this lock is the boron carbide shackle. Known to be the third hardest material around, just behind diamond, it’s extremely resistant to attack from bolt cutters. It also makes this lock rust-resistant, so it’s ideal for outdoor use. Paired up with a hardened laminated steel lock body, you can rest assured that this is one tough lock.

Boasting a four-pin cylinder with a pair of ball bearings that’s hard to pick, and seals around the shackle to keep any moisture out, this is a hard-working padlock. Supplied with four keys, you can be sure that whatever you want to keep safe, stays safe.

If you need to keep your shed, gate, or garage secure, you’ll need the best padlock you can get hold of. The H&S 60 mm heavy-duty padlock has a hardened steel body and a couple of clever features to help keep things safe. It comes with five keys as well, so you can share them with others, or make sure you never get locked out.

Firstly, this padlock features what’s known as a “bolt cutter shroud”. There’s extra hardened steel on either side of the shackle to help prevent attacks from bolt cutters, making this a particularly safe lock to put on all sorts of doors and gates.

The other excellent feature is the shape of the lock itself and the keys that come with it. Instead of the standard flat lock design, H&S have gone for a curved shape that is a lot harder to pick. Another security feature is that you need to use the key to lock as well as unlock this padlock. You won’t accidentally lock the keys inside your shed now!

With a range of handy and wallet-friendly padlocks, BeskooHome have made one of the best combination locks I’ve checked out so far. It’s compact, easy to set, and you won’t need to look after a set of keys to use it.

Constructed with a zinc alloy body, it’s well suited to being outdoors due to its good weather-resistant properties. The outer case is made from stainless steel for further protection from the elements.

All the best combination padlocks come with four tumblers on them. You can choose any one of 10,000 combinations to keep your valuables safe, and this one won’t break the bank either. Another good thing is these padlocks are available in a range of colours to make them easy to tell apart.

Padlock professional’s ZHEGE make everything from key safes to bike locks. Their long shackle combination padlock is the perfect solution for securing your shed or even your gym locker. Constructed with a weather-resistant zinc alloy body, it’s better protected from rusting than plain old steel.

The extra-long hardened steel shackle gives you 51 mm of locking capability, and the four sturdy tumblers are easy to set. You can choose your own four-digit code in seconds, and seeing as there are 10,000 to choose from, no one’s going to guess it any time soon!

Available in black or red, this is an excellent keyless way to secure your belongings, and it’s an affordable way to do it as well.

Another incredibly solid lock from the US security firm Master Lock, the 70 mm wide Excell zinc discus padlock is weather-resistant, compact, and uses the hardest shackle possible.

Equipped with an octagonal boron carbide shackle, it’s one of the hardest materials you can possibly get on a padlock. Resistant to sawing and most types of attack, this is an incredibly secure lock to put on your storage unit or workshop.

What makes this one of the best combination locks for garages is the almost fully shrouded design. Once it’s locked onto a bolt, a would-be thief would struggle to get at the clasp as most of it is hidden behind the hardened lock body. Setting your own code is easy too.

With a huge range of clever kit for your home, Kurtzy also make a decent selection of different security locks. The one I’m looking at closely is their four-digit “D lock” style combination padlock. It’s got an oversized shackle that makes it ideal for locking up bike chains, door bolts, and pretty much anything else.

Constructed from tough steel alloy, the whole lock is coated in plastic that keeps it protected from the weather and should stop it scratching your valuables. Changing the combination is pretty easy too. You simply unlock the shackle, slide off the numbered tumblers, and put them back in your desired combination.

Compared with the tiny BeskooHome combination padlock, the long shackle gives you 130 mm of locking capacity. It’s not as big as a proper bike “D lock” though, so make sure you measure up before buying.

Featuring an extra-long shackle for securing big locks, the Cyleibe padlock is a robust and useful security device. It’s made from premium-grade steel that’ll put off would-be thieves, including a sturdy laminated lock body. Everything’s galvanised as well, which means it’s not going to rust out in the weather.