Master Lock Buying Guide

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCK

Choosing a lock for your home, property or business shouldn’t be a guess; it’s a choice that requires confidence. No matter what you need to secure, Master Lock’s security solutions are backed by a 100 year legacy of strength and durability. Explore our Master Lock guide to find a lock with the security features and weather protection you need to secure what needs protecting.

Master Lock Security Ratings

When selecting a lock, start by determining the level of protection you need. Every Master Lock product is either rated for basic, high or max protection. 

Basic Security

These locks include basic security features, like a hardened steel shackle to resist cutting and sawing, making them ideal for low-risk, residential areas.

High Security

High security locks are designed for moderate-risk environments, like outdoor storage sheds, and high-traffic locations, like gyms.

Max Security

If you have critical security needs or need protection in a high-risk environment, like a job site or self-storage unit, select a max security lock.

Assess the Environmental Conditions

When it comes to withstanding harsh conditions, not all locks are created equal. Next, you need to determine if your lock will be used indoors or outdoors, so you select a lock that will provide reliable protection year after year.

Indoor Locks

Indoor locks are designed for reliable, everyday use in controlled indoor environments. These are ideal for securing items indoors at the gym, home, school or the office.

Weather Resistant Locks

Weather resistant outdoor locks are designed to withstand typical outdoor conditions, like moderate heat, cold and rain. To provide long-lasting durability, they often feature a weatherproof vinyl coating and are manufactured with materials that resist rust and corrosion. 

Severe Weather Locks

Severe weather locks can withstand extreme outdoor environments and the harshest weather conditions, like intense heat, heavy rain and freezing temperatures. Choose a severe weather lock for coastal or humid environments, which will resist corrosion from salt water and heavy rain that typically erodes padlocks over time.

Master Lock Technologies

With a legacy of innovation, Master Lock has developed and perfected security technologies to ensure our products are better than the rest. 

CutGuard™ Technology

Anti-rotation feature helps maintain shackle engagement, doubling the time required to compromise the lock.

Bluetooth^® Technology

Easily open Bluetooth smart locks when your phone is in range and share access with others through the Master Lock Vault Apps.

Shrouded Protection

Shrouded shackle locks feature a shrouded design that limits the exposure of the shackle so it can better resist cutting, prying and bolt cutter attacks.

TSA-Approved

TSA-approved locks allow TSA screeners to open, inspect and relock your baggage, without damaging your lock. 

Push Button Access

Certain lockboxes include push button keypads so you can easily enter your combination in more tactile way. 

Choose the Type of Lock

Finally, determine the type of lock you need — a combination lock vs keyed lock. Both lock types are available for all security levels.

Keyed Padlocks

Guard against unauthorized access by choosing a lock with a key that you can carry or store for convenient and controlled access. Padlocks typically come with a single key, but you can also purchase keyed alike multi-packs of padlocks, so you can access multiple locks with a single key.

Combination Locks

If you’re concerned about losing a key, a combination lock ensures you can easily gain and share access to your lock with a single combination. Combination locks are available with preset combinations or customizable “set your own” combinations and are designed with either number or letter dials.

MASTER LOCK FAQs

Learn how to shop for and select a lock based on the level of security and weather protection you need.

Which Master Lock security level do I need?

When choosing the right lock security level, it all depends on what you’re protecting and the importance of your belongings. When in doubt, we recommend opting for stronger protection that’s aligned with your budget, especially if your lock will be in a high-traffic or high-risk area.

Which types of lock materials are weather resistant?

Master Lock offers several types of weather resistant padlocks, including vinyl-covered, brass, nickel plated, and laminated and stainless steel locks, which are all designed to resist corrosion and harsh weather.

How do I know what level of weather resistance I need?

If your lock is outside where it’s exposed to typical seasonal weather, like moderate heat, cold and rain, a weather resistant lock is the best choice. However, if you plan to use your outdoor lock in a harsher environment where it’s exposed to salt or freshwater spray, humidity or deep freeze conditions, a severe weather lock will provide reliable protection, season after season.

How do I know which lock is right for me?

Choosing the right lock depends on what you’re protecting and where your lock will be secured. If you’re still unsure about which lock is right for you, use our Product Selector tool to answer a few questions and find your ideal security solution.