5 Best Padlock for Doors to Create Your Ultimate Secure Home

Worried about intrusion from thieves? Aren’t we all! If you haven’t got the best security at home, you know what it means to the determined criminals. Here, we will be talking about the padlock.

To nearly stop them dead in their tracks, an outdoor padlock will do you a lot of good, whether you want to secure your favorite Harley-Davidson or Fiat in the garage or your precious bonsai in the garden shed. 

Since this can be an effective as well as an affordable way to provide added security to the exterior doors of your home. 

In some cases, it can even make a crook look somewhere else for easier pickings! After investing time in searching for the best padlock for doors, and testing padlocks of different gauges, here are the top 5!

Product Reviews on the Best Padlocks for Doors:

To choose the top picks for the best high-security front door locks, let’s take a look at each lock’s security features (among other things) to find the option that will last you and foil even the most talented lockpicker.

Best Weatherproof Solution: eGeeTouch 4th GEN. Outdoor Smart Padlock

Were you looking for a lock that is robustly and ruggedly made to sustain all different sorts of weather and natural elements? You have come to the right pick then! This eGee smart padlock is suitable for most commercial use. 

Now you can save yourself from more worry on how to save yourself from lock picking and bumping experiences as unlocking & tracking your lock becomes a piece of cake!

You don’t need any key with this lock, nor do you need to remember combination codes or have tiny 3-digit-wheels to dial. Cut down the hassle of duplicating and managing conventional keys with this beauty!

Key features:

• Patented:  This lock features both European and Japanese patents. In this, you get state-of-the-art proximity through the wireless intelligent access security. With the help of this cloud-based remote authorization technology, you can resolve many security flaws and other disadvantages that were previously associated with the doors on which you were using conventional mechanical locks! So no more key picking and bumping.

• Web-based Software: One of the best things about it is the eGeeTouch Web-based Intelligent Access Management Software. With the help of it, you can enable the administrators such as yourself and other house owners to revoke, assign or track door users from any remote location.

• Guest/Shared Access: When you give shared access to guests, this lock allows what is called a Timed Access in the eGeeTouch Manager App. At the same time, it will be tracing historical locking and unlocking records on the people, place, and time when these accesses were made for all the security details you need.

Pros:

• Very convenient lock as it does not require any face-to-face contact.

• Unmatched traceability when compared to conventional mechanical keyed padlocks.

• Widely used for residential/ commercial, institutional locking purposes.

• Waterproof, freezeproof, and corrosion-resistant to sustain all weather.

• Includes a rechargeable battery that is tamper-proof and long-lasting.

Cons:

• tailored to meet the need for outside main doors/entry doors only.
• The software and app could be tweaked to make a better product.

Best Heavy-Duty Lock/Best Overall: ABUS 37/80 Granit Alloy Steel Rekeyable Padlock

Compared to the eGeeTouch 4th GEN. Outdoor Smart Padlock weighing less than a pound, the ABUS lock is a heavyweight master blaster weighing nearly 2.5 pounds! But does such a high weight mean this is any good? 

When it comes to locks, Granit from ABUS is the definition of secure padlocks, meeting the highest lock standards in terms of security and quality in terms of the best deadbolt locks for home.

Here, the ABUS Plus Locking System will give you the highest prevention of manipulative break-in attempts. Unlike conventional tumbler cylinders, the disc cylinder here makes all the difference! 

Each disc has to be moved into the correct spot to pick this lock, without removing the previously set, correctly turned discs from their original position. So this is going to keep intruders at bay!

Key features:

• Steel Construction: The Granit body of this ABUS lock and its shackle are both made of hardened steel material. This gives the lock and your door an extremely high resistance against drilling, sawing, cutting, and pulling. You will find it best for outdoor applications even in harsh weather conditions and particularly if you live in saltwater environments.

• Tensile Resistance: You may be surprised to know that these Granit locks have a tensile resistance of over six tons! Such a huge resistive ability makes it nearly impossible for unlawful intruders and attackers to find it super hard to release the shackle from the lock by force only.

• Tested: Since ABUS rigorously tests their locks, you can be assured of up-to-date security with their locks. According to the CEN, this lock has a rating of CEN 5, where CEN 6 is the highest one, meant for industrial applications. Even then, ABUS guarantees that this lock will last you for 40 years in a marine environment if you maintain it every once in a while!

Pros:

• Extremely durable life and with comprehensive security throughout.
• The package comes includes 2 safety keys, one of which has an LED light
• Features the ABUS Plus disc cylinder that saves from picking
• Corrosion Resistant coating is ideal for doors, gates, containers, trucks, etc.
• The robust Anti-Drill Plating and the lock itself have been handmade in Germany.

Cons:

• Needs better details on the chain to lock dimensions.
• Its dimensions will not fit on a U-haul truck or trailer.

Best for Locker Room: MEGAFEIS Smart Padlock

Hesitant to get a lock as heavy and huge as the ABUS 37/80 Granit Alloy Steel Rekeyable Padlock? If your needs are less, and you want something lightweight, the small dimension and the least weight so far (compared to both ABUS and eGeeTouch) will be the right thing for you!

This is not a lock meant to be for the outside shed or your entry home door. But as a locker lock or for gym locks, this padlock can prevent you the hassle of dealing with large locks, as a quick grab and dash will be perfect for you!

Key features:

• Rugged Construction:  Since this padlock beam is made of stainless steel, you get a very good tamper-resistance from it. The IP65 weatherproof rating on it works to protect the lock from dust and water. However, be sure not to use it for extended hours outdoors in rain or snow!

• Bluetooth: You can easily connect your smart padlock with a mobile app using a secure Bluetooth connection. Simply use the app to register your fingerprints, and use it to unlock the lock! You can also set yourself and your housemates as the authorized users, and use the app to check the last 1000 lock/unlock activities.

• Long Run Time:  This padlock is a dream come true with a lower power consumption and a longer standby time. It has a rechargeable battery like the eGeeTouch 4th GEN. Outdoor Smart Padlock. However, here you can check the last 2500 times of unlocking in one charge as opposed to eGeeTouch’s 7000 times support! But this is a more low-profile padlock; this will be enough for you.

Pros:

• A good option for those who find reading combo locks in low light hard.
• This lock uses your fingerprint to unlock that you have to set up in advance.
•  Even if you aren’t connected to the lock Bluetooth, you can unlock it via fingerprint.
•  This lock will last for a long time without a charge.
• It is a compact solution as a really handy small lock most suitable for gym lockers.

Cons:

• It tends to disconnect from the Bluetooth soon after you unlock the door.
• The package needs some simple instructions for DIY lock installation.

Best Construction: Master Lock 5400D Lock Box

When it comes to picking locks with the right construction, very few can champion the craftsmanship and popularity of Master Locks. 

The favorite one of the Set Your Combination category, the 5400D Portable Lock Box is one of the most loved offerings from them that features a wide metal body for extended durability of the lock.

Unlike the  MEGAFEIS Smart Padlock, this one is a combination lock. What you have to do here is set your four-digit combination. You can then take advantage of the keyless convenience of this lock and enjoy the increased security! So let’s take a look at the lock’s features.

Key features:

• Solid: As you read already, the construction is pretty dope here. This metallic lock has a shutter door that works to protect your vital combination dials from rough weather, environmental dirt, and grime, etc. It also has a molded body and vinyl coated shackle that together prevent any scratching on the lock.

• Portable Design: One of the most unique things about this lock is that it has a removable shackle for an easy and convenient over-the-knob installation. And when you are moving it very often, the protective weather cover will prevent the dials from freezing and jamming!

• Large Capacity: This lock has a large internal capacity that can help you to accommodate up to five keys! Since the internal dimensions are shaped like an “L”, you will find it much easier to use, especially with a lot of users.

Pros:

• This lock is solidly built and hence is weighty.
• Since it has plenty of room for keys, it is great for storing keys 
• It will stand the weather well while maintaining solid construction over time.
• Convenient and easy-to-use dials on code lock even in low light.
• It securely attaches to your regular doors or sliding glass door handles.

Cons:

• Not the best weatherproof features in cold weather.
• May feel uncomfortable to attach in smaller locking areas.

Best Bike Lock: Crystal Vision Anti-Theft Lock

Last on the list of the best locks but not the least with this padlock here from Crystal Vision. If you think that standard motorcycle locks tend to be expensive but you need something that is a cheaper alternative to them, here’s a solution that your Honda Grom and CBR disk brakes will love! Why? 

Because of the massive and loud 130db sound that will alert you and the thief as to what is to come for each of you!

There are not many bike locks that come with an alarm with 130db. Even the best ones are 120db even when they are high-end and have really good, high-quality construction. But that may cost you over a hundred dollars. The next best thing is this anti-theft lock!

Key features:

• Anti-theft Alarm: This 130 DB alarm is the door lock equivalent of having a car alarm. Say you need a new lock for your storage unit. This lock, even upon touch will go out so loud and noisily that it would further deter any harmful person from trying to steal anything or attempt entry into your unit or house.

• Durable: This lock features a rectangular construction that is made of metal. The material is meant to keep the lock from being pried and tricked to be unlocked. Even in terms of weight and dimensions, this is a seriously hefty lock, which is pick-resistant and to some extent bolt cutter-resistant. 

• Inclusive: This package comes with the necessary instructions that make it so easy for first-timers and DIY lock installers to do their thing even without a professional. You also get a key with an ID tag just in case you happen to need it!

Pros:

• This is great for protecting storage units, bikes, and houses.
• It works perfectly right from the installation and lasts long.
• The shackle is made to be thick with the beep being super loud.
• It has an alarm sensitive enough to alert you and your neighbors of thief attacks.
• Comes with a CR2 battery, with better performance than button-style batteries.

 

Cons:

• The size maybe, a little bit to be used on bicycles.
• Would be even better with a smart option.

Types of Door Locks

The types of door lock that you may have can be classified according to the following types: based on cylinders, on their orientation, and if they are smart locks or not. Let’s check them out!

Single-cylinder Vs. Double-cylinder Door Locks

A common thing that homeowners will hear when dealing with locks is the understanding if they are single-cylinder or double-cylinder locks. Let’s see what each of these mean.

Single Cylinder Locks:

Single-cylinder locks are those that open with a key from the outside. And when it comes to the inside, it operates by turning a thumb-style knob. 

If you own a new or modern single cylinder lock, you will find that it has both an exterior keyhole, and a keypad that permits house owners to enter numerical codes. So you can unlock the door in two ways here.

Double Cylinder Locks:

The similarity between double cylinder lock and single cylinder lock is that it does open from the outside with a key, but it has no thumb-style knobs. Instead, it uses the same key to lock/unlock the door. 

This provides you with break-in security on glass doors and thus local fire codes may ban these locks sometimes.

Vertical Locks:

In such a lock, you get a vertical bolt that works its way through a set of rings. The strike plate or the metal plate that is used to attach the inside of your door frame has many different steel rings that interlock with those on the lock when your entry door is closed. 

Such locks can either have a single cylinder or double lock cylinder and are common in commercial areas, such as hotels or large apartment complexes.

Smart Locks:

Smart locks use the Wi-Fi network of your home to send and get information to your smartphone/computer. If it is more advanced, you can operate it by voice control or by fingerprint, or even face recognition. 

Such locks not only lock and unlock your door but also may feature motion-activated cameras that are used to record all the frequent visitors who knock at or come close to your door, adding an extra layer of security.

How Does A Keyless Door Lock Work?

Drawing from what you just learned about smart locks, keyless door locks are quite the same. You can lock as well as unlock them without any physical key, as the name suggests. These locks can have a few different forms, such as:

• Facial recognition door locks that detect your face to unlock the door.

• Fingerprint door locks that usually use your thumb and index fingers.

• Fob door locks that emit identity codes to unlock doors with a push of a button.

• Combination door locks incorporate more than one way of unlocking the door.

The most common reason why keyless locks are thought to be incredibly useful in that they eliminate the need for you to use a key. So when you’re carrying a few or a lot of bags, or if you happen to lose your key, a keyless door lock can be very helpful.

Kwikset vs Schlage: Which is Better?

No matter what brand you get, you’re always going to come across the popular kids (read: locks). If that happens, you will hear a lot of buzz around Schlage and Kwikset locks. So between the two, Schlage and Kwikset, which is the better option? 

Schlage. When it comes to making the standard deadbolt, Schlage is a clear winner for its larger bolt size, stronger and better housing, and drill-resistant plate that provides great protection against forced entries. Kwikset can’t always protect you from forced entries.

Even in non-forced entries, Schlage is better. With 2 additional security pins compared to the Kwikset deadbolt, Schlage is harder to pick or bump in non-destructive ways. So Schlage is better.

Buying Guide on the Best External Door Locks

When you buy the best padlock for doors, you need to make sure that you know the following factors before making a purchase.

Backset

The distance between the edge of your entry door and the center of the drilled hole on your lock is called the backset. You must know this measurement before you go out to shop for locks for the right fit. 

The regular backsets on the US doors are 2 ⅜  inches or 2 ¾  inches. So if you get a standard lock, it will fit those measurements. But even then, be sure to check!

Strike Plate

You can call it the Strike or the Strike Plate. This metallic plate is attached inside the frame of your door and happens to be a  vital part of your home security.

If you get an inexpensive lock or a low-budget one, chances are you may get a flimsy strike plate that bends easily when intruders force their way in. 

This is why you as a homeowner should always look for high-quality locks with reinforced Strikes.

Lock Quality: ANSI Grade

The American National Standards Institute rating, popularly known as the ANSI can be used to find out what makes the strongest door locks in the market. How? 

Because each lock is given a grade or a corresponding rating of 1/2/3 based on its durability and potential to withstand forced entries. The different grades are as follows:

1. Grade 1: This is the highest rating that you can get on a lock. These Grade 1 entry door locks and deadbolts were previously limited to industrial buildings only. But now you can find them for residential use as well.

2. Grade 2: The locks that you see every day in today’s homes are the Grade 2 locks. They have high-quality construction featuring steel and they come up with a design that can withstand the most forceful entries. So unless you need high-security locks, a Grade 2 lock is decent enough.

3. Grade 3: Grade 3 deadbolts are protective, but they may have substandard components that will not sustain forceful attacks. These also won’t last you as long as a higher quality lock will.

Ease of Installation

Most deadbolt locks should have an installation that makes it a DIY-friendly one (in case you don’t want to or can’t afford to call in a professional). In most good-quality locks, you will find 3-inch screws that attach the strike to the frame of the door. 

If you have a deadbolt whose screws are shorter than usual, then it will be wise to buy 3-inch screws separately. You can easily use them in the place of the shorter screws, making it harder for the intruders to kick open the door.

FAQs

Do you need a professional locksmith to install your new door lock?

It is better if you use a professional locksmith to secure your new door lock. This is because they carry specialized tools that can assure you that the work takes the least amount of time and does door frames or hardware, maintaining the highest safety.

What type of door lock is considered the most secure?

Deadbolts are the most secure locks. If you do not know the key, you cannot unlock these locks. 

Which is the better option, Weiser or Schlage?

Weiser and Schlage both have similar styles, quality, and security. They are also secure and durable in their ways. Weiser is more popular as residential locks, whereas Schlage is more popular for commercial doors.

Can You Consider Keyless Lock Safe?

If the wireless network used in your keyless locks is inappropriate, an experienced locksmith can hack keyless lock.

Can Thieves Hack Smart Locks?

Yes, thieves can hack smart locks. Even these locks have their vulnerabilities and you can tackle it with flathead screwdrivers. Since these locks work with a deadbolt like traditional locks, they have the same security concerns as traditional locks.

Final words

After going through the best padlock for doors in the list and all of the ones off-list, the best one seems to be the  ABUS 37/80 Granit Alloy Steel Rekeyable Padlock deadbolt. 

This is the best lock if you want to use it as most people do on their front doors. With its necessary certification, resistance to forced entries, hard lockpicking nature, affordability and easy availability, this is a widely recommended one for all the right reasons!

However, if your preferences vary even by the tiniest bit, don’t forget to check out the rest of the locks on the list today with the guide provided for references.