What kind of padlock is safer and more secure to use...?

Question

A combination padlock, or one with a key... of course considering that they're both good quality.

I heard something like its possible for someone to crack the code of a combination padlock just by listening to it. Is it true?

Answer 1

A quality combination lock (such as Master brand) cannot be opened by listening to it. I like the new keyed locks. They are circular shaped and have less room to pry against the bolt or cut it. Many Mini-storage places are requiring them. About $6 where I live. They also have a plastic cover over the key slot to prevent water from entering the mechanism. Keyed or combination locks all have their downside. Keys can be lost and combinations can be forgotten.

Answer 2

Types Of Padlock

Answer 3

Hi, I have taken courses in lock picking. Almost all key locks including Masters( brand) are easily picked with the proper tools that can be made with spring steel or a paper clip. I can open most key locks in less than a minute the cheaper locks are actually harder to pick. Master combination locks are harder to get open and someone would need to have a master serial number book which is not easy to get unless you are a lock smith. Cheaper combination pad locks are very easy to open by shimming,all I need to do this is the metal part off a computer floppy disk. All in all a pad lock is only to keep honest people honest. With a pair of bolt cutters anyone can get to what you are protecting.

Answer 4

I would consider buying what is called a disk lock. There is little room to fit bolt cutters in the exposed part of the lock. Other than that, try a military surplus store and buy a military lock. While they can eventually be broken, neither hacksaws nor small bolt cutters can get into them... the only bolt cutters that I have seen break through them are huge ones used by the fire department.

Can't answer your question about "listening" to a combination lock.