5 Best Weatherproof Padlocks for the Ultimate Weather and Corrosion-Resistance

When you are leaving your locks outside, these locks are exposed to extreme heat, heavy rain, and rough weather. Irrespective of the extremity of these natural elements, it is fairly common to find a frozen lock in winter that won’t unlock no matter how hard you try! Here, we will be talking about the weatherproof padlocks.

Add to this some unfortunate rusting, and you will understand how important it is to get a weatherproof lock!

So, how will you find the best weatherproof padlock? After testing numerous products in the market, here are 5 of the best solutions that can beat nearly all weather! 

In this article, you will also find a helpful buying guide featuring materials, lock types, size, and security levels that’ll make it easier for you to choose the right padlock!

Product Reviews on the Best Weatherproof Padlocks

Below is a list of the locks that can help you not only secure your home, garage, or park but also protect yourself from natural elements and hence deliver a long service.

Popular Pick: Master Lock M930XKADLH Magnum

When it comes to selecting padlocks, Master Lock has earned quite the right to be included in the list. Do you think this padlock entered the list just because it is popular? 

No! The key features speak for themselves and mark this lock as one that is secure, protective, and does its job well.

This is an indoor as well as an outdoor lock that does come with a key. It also comes with a maximum-security, tough-cut octagonal boron-carbide shackle. 

And it can be used for storage lockers, gates, and sheds, whenever needed. Since this comes with a padlock and two keys, you can also share it with your house/office partner!

Key Features:

• Steel Body: You will find that this padlock has been constructed using solid steel. This ensures that you can get increased strength and security from it. Besides the solid body, it also has a protective bumper on it for scratch resistance and a keyway cover to offer you maximum weather protection.

• Octagonal Shackle: This type of shackle is the best in the market, and as you read already, it can be used as a gate lock, shed lock, or even storage locker lock. This boron-carbide shackle is also 50% harder than regular hardened steel offering you one of the maximum resistance from cutting and sawing from intruders.

• Dual Ball Bearing: It has a 5-pin cylinder and dual-ball bearing locking mechanism. This gives you maximum pry resistance too.

Pros:

• Heavy and hardened steel body with really hard and thick shackle.

• Has a removable cylinder that can be switched to rekey your lock.

• Easy to set up with a Dremel tool, Allen key, and a few minutes.

• One of the toughest padlocks you will ever own. 

• Looks and feels like an expensive padlock.

Cons:

• Ball-bearing needs better construction.

• Internal components sometimes cause staining at the bottom of the lock.

Best for Winter: Master Lock 911DPF 

One of the biggest issues that padlock outdoors suffers from is that of freezing. 

If you are familiar with Alaskan winter, here’s the key chance (pun intended) to be familiar with a lock that can sustain that weather: the Master Lock 911DPF!

This is going to last you years and, at the same time, keep itself good as new. 

You will find the cap to snap securely into place, covering the keyhole and keeping out the moisture! 

So if you have previous issues with water getting into the lock works and freezing the lock to make it impossible to open, here’s the best pick! 

Key Features:

• Laminated Steel: This heavy-duty padlock features laminated steel construction, unlike the Master Lock M930XKADLH Magnum and has a hardened boron-alloy shackle that can be used for strength and security, making it a weatherproof and strong lock. This helps you by offering maximum resistance to cutting and sawing from intruders.

• FlexFit Cover: You know that the lock is sturdy and water-resistant, but what about the keys? These are far more substantial than the ones that come with your regular/everyday padlocks. The best bit is the FlexFit keyway cover that adds protection against moisture, dirt, and grime to the lock.

• Dual Ball Bearing: Just like the Magnum from Master Lock, this heavy-duty padlock also features a 5-pin cylinder and dual-ball bearing lock mechanism that provides you with maximum pick resistance.

Pros:

• It can be best used for contractors or small business owners.

• You can use it for indoor and outdoor securing purposes.

• This one also has a removable cylinder for rekeying your lock when needed.

• The wide, reinforced, and laminated steel construction gives maximum reliability.

• One of the best Master locks ever made.

Cons:

• It has a bright yellow color attracting malicious vandals.

• This lock is extremely heavy, nearing a pound.

Best Heavy-Duty Lock Overall: SCHLAGE 994831 Solid Steel Round Padlock

Have a Harley-Davidson to protect with a lock that can withstand natural elements? If you are someone who needs to constantly use their locks and use them to protect something super precious, this is a lock that can bear the rain and moss growth like a pro! 

You can use the lock for years and expose it to all-weather between desert heat and Alaskan winter.

So if you decided one day to replace your old locks and went with one of these, you would see the difference in quality, weight, and hardness and the ease with which you can unfreeze them. 

Do you now understand why of all the weatherproof keyed alike padlocks, why is this one a favorite? Let’s find out more! 

Key Features:

• Solid-Body: This is very unique in construction compared to both the Master Lock M930XKADLH Magnum and the Master Lock 911DPF. How? Because it is made of hardened solid steel and Molybdenum shackle for increased security. As a result, you have fairly tight tolerances from them, making picking a bit harder!

• Double Deadbolt: In this straight-pinned standard lock, you get a double deadbolt locking mechanism. For you, this provides greater strength. Since these locks are made to be beefy, the shackles are thick, making them perfect for outdoor use.

• 6-Pin Cylinder: Unlike both the padlocks listed above, this Schlage lock has a high-security 6-pin brass cylinder construction. For crazy natural elements or a lot of thieves in the area, you will love something so secure. The 6 pin tumblers have spools inside that can prevent lock picking attempts and also shimming!

Pros:

• Can be used in moderate to high crime areas easily.

• Are precision-engineered to give the highest standard in padlocks.

• Robust locks that never fail to operate with a smooth opening as day one.

• The extra 6th pin makes it that much harder to pick.

• The shackle design is extremely thick compared to other models. 

Cons:

• You may need thinner shackles for indoor storage units.

• Extreme everyday use can sometimes loosen up internal components.

Best Combination Lock: Master Lock 1175DLH Wide ProSeries

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And Master Lock makes it to the list one more time, but only this time, it is in the form of the best weatherproof combination lock! 

Compared to both the Master Lock M930XKADLH Magnum and the Master Lock 911DPF, this one is a digital choice.  When it comes to the look, this is a lock that is meant to be showcased.

It has a sleek look, okay, but what about the operation? You can easily set your 4-digit combination here and forget the need to lose the key and cry for it in front of the garage! 

And as for the packaging, you get a multi-pack bundle here that includes 2 locks and Lumintrail KeyChain Light that can aid in the unlocking process!

Key Features:

• Ergonomic Dial: One of the best things about this lock is its inclusion of large ergonomic dials. How does this help you? Well, with this exclusive blind dial feature on the lock, you are permitted to operate it with your gloves on. Even if you are in low light conditions or standing in complete darkness, you can open it!

• Shackle Seal: This lock comes with a shackle seal and dial dust cover. This is not something that you have seen so far and is one of the reasons why the 1175DLH was included in the list! This seal helps to protect the internal components and dials for a rust-free and trouble-free operation!

• Multiple Application: For you, this resettable combination lock has been designed such that you can use it for commercial or other applications. So just set your convenient combination from 10,000 possible combinations, and you’re good to go!

Pros:

• Does not require any reset tool.

• These are sturdy locks that are seen to be of good quality. 

• The combination is easy to set and seems quite durable.

• No need to put a black weather protector on it.

• Has a deadlocking mechanism to protect against prying and rap attacks.

Cons:

• The number pad may be challenging to see at night.

• The light-up feature is not a built-in feature but an attachment.

Best Value: KAWAHA 21/50KA-3K High Security 

Compared to the heavy-duty outdoor combination lock above from Master Lock, the Master Lock 1175DLH Wide ProSeries, here’s a lock that isn’t of the same mechanism but offers the same high-security functionality that makes it worth your while to read on.

Since this is a special weatherproof padlock by construction, you will find that it is both anti-theft and anti-pry because the disc cylinder in it makes it perfectly suited to be used for both outdoor and marine environments. So if you wanted something highly versatile and functional from your padlock, why not give its features for a go?

Key Features:

• Anti-Rust: The lock body, shackle, and cylinder cover in this lock are all made of anti-rust stainless steel, unlike all the ones you have seen so far today. What does this mean for your belongings? High resistance and waterproofing even under strong efforts! They also give you maximum corrosion protection whether you tie them up indoors or outdoors.

• Double Ball Lock: You get here an anti-pry double-ball locking mechanism and 12 pcs cylinder disc that can save you against more than 8 tons of pulling. Talk of heavy-duty locks! It also has a shrouded design that can help you to minimize bolt-cutter attacks and rushing, hammering, cutting, sawing, drilling, and corrosion.

• Multiple Application: This lock is best used for Marine purposes. You can also use it to secure your container, Iron door, gate, Lorry door, shutter, fence, garage, warehouse, shed, etc.

Pros:

• Both the body of the lock and the shackle are very hard.

• The padlock comes with a nice satin stainless finish.

• The disc-detainer cylinder is hard to pick and is bump-proof. 

• Being a wafer lock, this is more secure and less prone to being picked.

• It is overall pretty sturdy and works with the proper key for it nicely.

Cons:

• Can not fit a large rental moving truck for the shroud interfering.

• One key can be used to fit in different locks bought separately.

How to Make Your Padlock More Secure

Suppose you have marine-grade padlocks. How will you make it more secure? What you can do is add two stainless nuts to it. This will protect the outboard engine by protecting the stainless steel shackle, and thus, the stainless lock can not be cut as easily anymore.

Now, it will protect your lock from disc cutters and saws. But there can still be the issue of bolt cutters creating a good amount of leverage with the nuts, pressurizing the mechanism of the lock.

So, if your lock has a ball bearing or BB mechanism, you can go ahead. To check for the mechanism, open the lock, look at the hole where the shackle was, and you will find a round ball bearing. If so, you can simply add additional nuts for security. 

If you see, instead of round balls, a triangular spring-loaded bar, leave the lock alone; that doesn’t need any of it!

What Are the Benefits of Having Weatherproof Padlocks?

With the frequent change of weather, everything that you leave outdoors must fight with the weather conditions. And that includes your padlocks! Since these padlocks work to protect your outbuildings, employee locker, sheds, gates, and other valuables, they need to be strong and durable.

In such a circumstance, if you use a non-weatherproof padlock (which, FYI, is intended for interior use), then you may not be able to unlock it when you need to. There can be issues with freezing, rusting, and whatnot and a weatherproof regular or marine padlock can protect you from it all!

Things to Consider Before Buying Padlocks

Before you get yourself (or your precious items) a weatherproof padlock, there are some factors that you need to keep in mind. They have been discussed here.

Material

What do you think makes weatherproof padlocks so tough? 

Unlike regular, non-weatherproof padlocks, the former are covered with a special coating that can tolerate rough weather and subsequent corrosion from it. 

Some of the best padlocks have magnum coating or vinyl coats. These two help to protect the entire body of the lock and particularly the shackles from scratches and tough weather.

If you want to consider the durability, you should also consider their core material besides the coating. Most high-quality padlocks are made of steel/laminated steel that resists cuts. There may be locks made of the solid brass body as well, but the inclusion of steel to some extent is very important.

Not only the padlocks but the shackles can also be made weatherproof through the selection of materials. For example, octagonal boron-carbide shackles can provide both strengths and cut resistance. 

So you have to consider 3 things in the material selection of your padlock: the core materials of the body, the materials of the shackle and shackle design, and the entire body coating.

Climate Consideration

As the padlocks are of metal, when they are exposed to certain climates, they tend to corrode. Again with the change of seasons, the natural elements change. 

So you need to keep in mind that it can be protected from all the seasonal changes. 

For this, you must ensure that you have a weatherproof padlock. This will ensure both rust resistance as well as no-corrosion.

Security Level About Padlocks

When you buy a padlock or observe its specifications, you will see that many manufacturers offer what is called a “Security Rating.” This rating is directed to be used according to the printing on the retail bundle that the padlocks come in.

However, here’s the caveat in the lock game. There is no single and unique industry standard for such security ratings on padlocks, so this is something that the manufacturers came up with themselves as a measure of how secure this particular lock can make your belongings. 

So if manufacturer A rates their weatherproof padlocks from 1-20, where 20 is the top-notch grade, manufacturer B may rate theirs from 1-10; the 10 begin equivalent to the 20 of A. 

You need to know the security scale, or you may think that the 10 of manufacturer B is worse than the 15 of manufacturer A when the real scenario is different. Since it’s a fairly subjective rating, this is not over-the-top-important for you.

So when you buy general-use padlocks, there can be no guarantee that a security level of 15 ratings from a manufacturer is more secure than that with a rating of 5 from another manufacturer.

But when you are buying higher-security padlocks, two dependable ratings are also industry-standard and not just marketing gimmick. 

These together offer you a decent manual that can help you gauge the security level of the padlock that you want to buy. And they are: “Sold Secure” and “CEN” (European standard) ratings.

“Sold Secure” ratings have 3 classifications on them, called Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Each passing level here has been demonstrated to withstand tougher and more cruel levels of attack tests increasingly. (Hence, Gold is the most elevated rating of the 3).

On the other hand, the “CEN” security ratings also have 4 classifications and are arranged from CEN 3 to CEN 6, every category having gone through the related attack tests. (Here, CEN 6 is the most noteworthy and elevated rating).

Size

Now, a lot of people tend to forget about this particular feature when buying a padlock. It is the size. You may think if I find the most secure lock, why do I still need to consider the size of it?

 You don’t want to put a huge padlock on your suitcase before your next business trip, and neither do you want to end up buying a small padlock for your main house door. 

This is why, depending on the purpose of your application, you should find the correct sized padlock. This will give you the correct level of strength and protection.

But wait, the size alone is not a guarantee of the lock’s solidarity! If you get the largest and the most chunky padlock thinking that it can protect your house door best, it may not be wise. You have to look at other features as well, like the ones listed above!

FAQs

What is considered the best weatherproof padlock?

From the collection of the 5 padlocks that you saw here, The ABUS 83WPCS is a 53mm, closed shackle weatherproof padlock is the best. It is one of the best weatherproof padlocks available from Master Lock, and it has a security rating of 8. With its integrated shackle guard, potential attackers will find bolt cutting difficult on it!

What makes padlocks weatherproof?

The rust-resistant coating given on outdoor padlocks such as that of stainless steel or brass is what makes them entirely weatherproof. To further improve the weatherproofing ability of your locks, they can be used alongside plastic covers that can protect the body with cylinder cover from water and dirt.

What locks can I not cut with bolt cutters?

To get bolt cutter-proof locks, you can invest in the Master Lock brand. The Magnum and Pro Series padlocks can both resist bolt cutters.

Can I use combination locks outside?

Yes. If you get combination locks that are made with weatherproofing materials, then you can use them outdoors. These heavy-duty padlocks are silicone sleeves encased, and this helps to keep your belongings protected against the weather while it secures itself from scratching and denting. So remember to only get a weatherproof digital padlock!

How can I stop a padlock from rusting?

To stop your master outdoor combination lock from rusting, you have to use a proper lock lubricant. This will allow you to loosen, lubricate, and at the same time protect your lock from rust and corrosion.

Final Word About Padlocks

To wrap things up on the best weatherproof padlock, you should always consider the place where you want to use your lock and the level of security you desire from the lock-in securing that possession. Of the 5, the SCHLAGE 994831 Solid Steel Round Padlock is the best padlock for the maximum security applications that it offers and for being the hardest to pick!Also, the Master Lock 1175DLH Wide ProSeries weatherproof padlocks is worth a look as well. Its features, including easy-to-set combinations, sturdy construction, and durability, can save your possessions in tough weather conditions. So get started on either of the two for the best security from padlocks yet!