The padlock is a form of portable lock that keeps the opening of a chain link, ring or hasp staple attached and can be freely hanged from its U-shaped lock. It's used to deter robbery or vandalism. The padlocks are lightweight, functional and simple to use. This ease, feature of the padlocks, means that they are still commonly used today.

Nowadays, padlocks come in various sizes, using various models and technologies. The use of various types and materials in the manufacturing of padlocks enables them to be easily modified for various functions.

History of padlocks

The deep and intriguing background of padlocks can be traced back to Greek, Roman, and Egyptian ethnicities. Padlocks were developed when protection was required. In the 17th century, Padlocks showcased ward springs and swing shackle joints. The reinforcement rings were fused on, and the spinning designs were cut into the body.

Nothing changed over the years in Roman and Egyptian padlock and chain designs. The 18th century, however, brought about improvements to the traditional padlock mechanisms, which have proceeded to develop into what we have on the marketplace currently.

How do padlocks work?

Virtually anything could be secured with a padlock. In the early days, the average user was one of the few mechanical machines suitable for everyday use. To the layman, working a traditional padlock is nothing other than a simple turn of the key (note: a flat grooved key designed specifically for the padlock) and a snap to the lock. Although this is the basic motion needed to operate a simple padlock, the workings through which the mechanism is regulated are much more complicated.

The padlock consists of 3 key components: the structure of the lock, the shackle and the locking method.  The lock mechanism is at the core of the padlock and is very similar to that made by American lock pion Linus Yale, Jr., focused on a device developed in Egypt.

Analyzing the inside of the padlock exposes 2 pairs of metal pins, top and bottom, which run down into the cylinder and lock it in position. The pins come together just to lock the cylinder in place before the correct key is used to open the padlock. The right key moves all of the top pins out of the way, enabling the padlock to unlock.

Design of the padlock

The beauty of a padlock is its unique combination of versatility and simplicity. Typically, each padlock is selected to fit a single key. This has a benefit over more complex protection approaches involving buttons and complex keys. Some padlocks are so reactive that they could get jammed when the wrong key is used. The key could be cracked in the lock when too much pressure is exerted in an effort to extract it. 

The range of padlock models means that they can be used for several different purposes. Padlocks can be used to secure storage cabinets, gym lockers, vending machines, bicycles and bikes, windows, tools, gates and wind turbines.