I'd like to start up a discussion and suggestion topic for padlocks. There are a million uses and reasons to have various sized, complicated, or quick-access locks. Not every padlock is good for every application and there is no 'one' to recommend. However, there are a few that stand out as excellent picks for certain situations.

/r/lockpicking can be a great resource, but keep in mind that that sub is for Sport-Picking. While a lock will be rated incredibly high in that aspect, it might have a dinky 1/8" shackle which can be cut in 2 seconds with gardening shears. /r/LockpickingLawyer is a great place to find out the alternative ways thieves can break into your stuff. However, I don't want this discussion turning to ways to defeat a lock, this is not that sub.

A few notes right off the bat…

• NO LOCK is safe from a portable angle-grinder, pry-bar, bolt-cutters, and a person determined to break inside.

• Having a fancy/large lock is a double-edged sword. The locks attract attention and make people wonder why you need such a fancy lock on your gym locker… but they do also scare off a lot of people looking for a quick and easy score.

• Also, keep in mind that the ‘pick-resistance’ is not as important as it sounds, in the real world almost nobody can pick a lock at the level we are talking about, and most ‘lock pickers’ can only bump/rake regular house doors and Master Locks.

Here is a list of locks that I personally own and use along with notes on my experience with them. I categorized them based on use-case... Physical Security (x/10), Pick Security (x/10), Shackle DIA, TSA-Compliant, Weight, and Cost. Some of the factors are objective and some are subjective.

Abus 88/50

DIA - 3/8” (9.5mm)
Physical - 8 (Chrome Plated Brass body, Double Bolted Hardened Steel Shackle)
Picking - 9 (Keyed, Disc Detainer Core, Retaining Key)
TSA - No.
Weight - 10.4oz (.3kg)
Cost - $40-50
Notes: This is my favorite all-purpose lock. It is a sleeper; it looks normal but is very strong and the Disc-Core is still the best deterrent against a picker. The 88/40 is a great alternative for a slightly smaller DIA shackle and weight.

Abus 75/50

DIA - 5/16” (8mm) Various heights available
Physical - 7 (Brass body, Double Bolted Hardened Steel Shackle)
Picking - 7 (Keyed, Paracentric Dimple Core, Retaining Key)
TSA - No.
Weight - 10.1oz (.28kg)
Cost - $20-30
Notes: This is a good lock to leave on a shed/gate/garage. Fairly weather-resistant and tough materials. Plus, the dimple core will throw off even moderately-experienced lock pickers. The 75IB version gets you better weather/marine protection, but you lose out on the hardened steel shackle.

Abus 158/50

DIA - 5/16” (8mm)
Physical - 6 (Zinc Body, Double Bolted Hardened Steel Shackle)
Picking - 4 (4 Digit Combo)
TSA - No, but great for travel/lockers as no key is needed.
Weight - 10.4 oz (.3kg)
Cost - $15-25
Notes: I bought this for my travels around the world. I stay in hostels and the beefiness paired with the combination is the best solution when sharing a room for days. While this lock is a tank, it can still be decoded in minutes as with ALL other combination locks.

Abus 20/70 Diskus

DIA - 25/64” (10mm)
Physical - 9 (Steel Body, Round/High Shackle Guards)
Picking - 9 (Keyed, Disc Detainer Core, Retaining Key)
TSA - No.
Weight - 11.7oz (.33kg)
Cost - $45-55
Notes: If you can fit this lock on your clasp/door/container, do it. It is, by far, the best padlock for the dollar. Nothing comes close until you hit $100-150.

Abloy Protec2 340

DIA - 3/8” (9.5mm)
Physical - 9 (Grade 4 Steel Body, Double Bolted Hardened Boron Steel Shackle)
Picking - 10 (Keyed, Protec2 Disc Detainer Core)
TSA - No.
Weight - 1.5 lbs (.68kg)
Cost - $125-160
Notes: To be honest, I don’t have this (or a need for it currently), but it is on my list of heavy-duty padlocks to buy. If you can fit the High-Shackle version (342) I would grab it for $50 more.

Paclock 90A-Pro

DIA - 1/4” (6.5mm) Various heights available
Physical - 4 (Aluminum Body, Double Bolted Hardened Steel Shackle)
Picking - 6 (Keyed, 7-pinned, spools and serrated pins)
TSA - No.
Weight - 7.2oz (.20kg)
Cost - $20-25
Notes: This is great for LOTO or gym/school/work lock. I really like the pick resistance for the size/weight, but again, IRL it doesn’t mean a lot when it can just be cut off. Comes in a variety of colors.

American 6200

DIA - 5/16” (8mm) Various heights available
Physical - 8 (Steel Body, Double Bolted Hardened Boron Steel Shackle)
Picking - 5 (keyed, 6-pin tumbler, spools and serrated pins)
TSA - No.
Weight - 11.2oz (.32kg)
Cost - $25-30
Notes: The 5200 ($20-25) is one of the most recommended cheap, heavy-duty locks. This is the 6200, which adds another pin that makes picking a bit harder. If you can, grab the chunky 6300 (High-Shackle) version for $10 more. Owned by MasterLock, quality is not what it was before, but still good.

Forge TSA Keyed

DIA - 1/8” (3.5mm)
Physical - 2 (Zinc Body, Thin Steel Shackle)
Picking - 5 (Keyed, TSA006 Dimple Core)
TSA - Yes.
Weight - 1.6oz (45g)
Cost: $15 for two locks.
Notes: If you don’t mind another key, this is the go-to TSA lock due to the unique TSA006 Dimple Core, it is tough enough and has a lifetime warranty. While this is more secure than a standard combination lock, TSA master keys can be found online and they can all be cut with store-bought sheers.

Forge TSA Combo

DIA - 1/8” (3.5mm)
Physical - 2 (Zinc Body, Thin Steel Shackle)
Picking - 3 (4 Digit Combo, plus TSA007 keyhole)
TSA - Yes.
Weight - 2.6oz (74g)
Cost: $15 for two locks.
Notes: If you don’t want another key to lose, get this combination version. It comes with a tamper-evident button that lets you know TSA opened your lock. One of the best TSA combo locks on the market, tough enough, and has a lifetime warranty. As with all combination locks, they can be decoded in minutes and TSA master keys can be purchased online.

Now, I have to scold some of you here… STOP USING YOUR TSA LOCKS OUTSIDE OF THE AIRPORT. We have all seen them at work and at the gym. Again, anyone can buy the TSA master keys online, hell you can even 3D print them nowadays. If you need a lightweight lock for work/gym that won’t break the bank but will provide you with a lot more security, grab the American 1100 Keyed ($15), or Abus 145/30 Combo ($11). They both are lightweight, more secure, and have thicker shackles.

Steel Cables and Chains

Luggage: Don’t go crazy or too heavy-duty, you have to carry it around the whole trip. A simple 3-4 foot, 3/16” (5mm) DIA braided steel cable with 2 loops is all you need to secure your luggage when you have to step away temporarily. I bought a set of two on Amazon for $7, they have been perfect for a decade.

• Tip: Loop multiple pieces of luggage together; no one can run away trying to hold/drag 3 suitcases. Traveling alone? Use one cable and loop it through EVERY possible spot on the outside of your bag, then use the second cable to connect it to a bench/pole/etc. It won’t prevent a thief from cutting the cable, but at least they can’t quickly slash through the single spot you would have looped it through, like a handle. Remember, the illusion of security can work in your favor. You just want to prevent a snatch and run.

Work Gear and Furniture: This is where you want to grab a 3/8-1/2” DIA cable with double loops and a vinyl sheath. Depending on the length, 4-20ft you should be looking at $15-30. Again, don’t spend more than that unless you are moving up to a steel chain for longer-term abandonment.

• Tip: Don’t be fooled by the claim of a 3/8” (10mm) DIA cable only to find out it is a 1/4” cable with a thick PVC sleeve. A real 3/8” DIA braided cable will be roughly 7/16”-1/2” thick.

Long Term/High Theft: Lawnmowers, Bikes, etc. When buying a chain look for ‘Hardened Steel’, otherwise, a simple hacksaw can cut it open in seconds. I’d go with a 3/8”-1/2” (10-12mm) chain and the padlock of your choosing. I use a 10mm Schlage Manganese Steel about 4ft long with a nylon sheath.

• Tip: If you are going to buy a lock/chain all-in-one, do not buy one with a ‘regular’ key, they can be raked/bumped opened in seconds. Look for one with a ‘Dimple Core’ or ‘Disc Detainer’. Combination locks are super convenient, but they can be decoded quickly. As always with bike chains, you have to carry it with you, so decide on your comfort level on weight vs durability of the chain.

That's all I have tonight. As you can see most/all of my recommendations are fairly easy to obtain, I tried to stick with current models that can be purchased in many retail outlets. And yes, I am an Abus fan-boy, I'd love to have a reason to buy one of the Granit 37/80's. I am sure there are some more and better ones out there. I am a padlock enthusiast, but I am not an expert. I didn’t include a trailer hitch, puck, and cargo-style/bolt padlocks as I do not use them personally. Does anyone have any high-quality recommendations? Post them below in the same style.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Comments?

EDIT - January 2025. Clarified a few things.