Hear ye, hear ye ... be it hereby known that there are no such things as burglar-proof padlocks. Some people don't lock anything up for that very reason. They assume the burglar can get by any lock. That said, the harder you make it for the thief, the more likely you will keep your stuff. Some padlocks are more difficult to defeat than others, but the secret to crime prevention is in providing sufficient deterrence that the would-be thief is discouraged and goes to find an easier victim.

Padlocks have three main components, the body, the shackle and the locking device. Many thieves are proficient at defeating padlocks by various methods at any or all of the three lock components. Therefore, good padlocks should resist hacksaw blades, bolt cutters, crowbars, lock picks and other tools used by ne'er-do-wells. Padlocks should also be weather and rust resistant.

1. Locate specialists to answer your questions about padlocks.

2. Speak to a locksmith about the best locks.

3. Contact a reputable dealer for a quality line of padlocks.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use a padlocks directory to find distributors near you

The sad-but-true story? Although hardware store employees know a lot about many of the items they sell, very few know the difference between good padlocks and poor ones. Lock specialists found in a padlocks directory should be able to provide better information than the average run-of-the-hardware store worker should.

I recommend: In business since 1893, MacRAE's Blue Book provides a convenient padlocks directory. Another padlocks list you can use to find a padlocks provider is Thomas Net.

Contact a locksmith for padlocks information

Qualified locksmiths are knowledgeable about most kinds of locks and can provide excellent information about them.

I recommend: In Texas, you can find a locksmith through the Texas Locksmiths Association. In the Cincinnati area contact Cincinnati Locksmith. A locksmith available in Portland, Oregon is Portland Locksmith.

Invest a few extra dollars with your padlocks provider for heavy duty locks

Padlock manufacturers make easily defeated locks, heavy-duty ones and everything in-between. Pay a few extra bucks for a lock that lasts.

I recommend: One heavy-duty padlock is the American Lock Model 2000 padlock. Among other security features, it has a concealed shackle protecting it from bolt cutters. To order the American Lock Model 2000 heavy duty padlock, contact Mr. Lock. For an extensive line of padlocks, see Locks Galore.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you find padlocks, check the packaging for the strength rating. The strongest locks have the highest ratings.
• •  Get quality hasps. Padlocks are only as good as the padlocks that bind them. If you put a $100 padlock on a $2 hasp, it won't cut the mustard greens. Your hasps should not only be strong, they should be attached with bolts rather than screws. Make sure the hasps cover all bolt heads completely to keep the thief from easily unscrewing the bolts.