Not all padlocks are made of a solid block of metal. While many padlocks do, in fact, feature a solid steel or brass construction, others are laminated.
Laminated padlocks have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are used in a variety of commercial and consumer environments to protect against theft and tampering. Like all padlocks, they consist of a main body or “pad” with a U-shaped shackle. Laminated padlocks, however, are distinguished by their multilayered design. Here’s everything you need to know about laminated padlocks.
What Are Laminated Padlocks?
Laminated padlocks are characterized by multiple layers. Some of them feature steel layers, whereas others feature brass layers. Regardless, all laminated padlocks feature multiple layers, resulting in a laminated body style. The term “laminated” simply refers to a multilayered construction. A padlock is considered laminated if it features a body made of multiple layers.
Laminated padlocks are commonly used to secure the following:
- Gates
- Sheds
- Lockers
- Storage units
- Toolboxes
- Equipments
- Bicycles
- Chains
How Laminated Padlocks Are Designed
Laminated padlocks share many similarities with their solid counterparts They feature a main body with a U-shaped shackle and an internal locking mechanism. The difference is that the body of laminated padlocks consists of multiple layers, whereas solid padlocks feature a solid body.
Instead of being machined from a single block of steel or brass, the body of laminated padlocks consists of several thin pieces of metal. These layers are stacked on top of one another. During the construction, the stacked layers are forcefully compressed and then riveted to form a very strong, tamper-resistant lock body.
Why Choose a Laminated Padlock?
Laminated padlocks are built to withstand harsh conditions. Many of them are made of hardened steel alloy. You can use them outdoors, in commercial workspaces and other harsh environments without fear of them failing.
One of the biggest advantages of laminated padlocks is their price tag. They typically cost less than solid padlocks. They have a simpler, faster manufacturing process, resulting in cost-savings benefits compared to solid padlocks.
You can find laminated padlocks in different styles. Extra-wide laminated padlocks, for instance, feature a wider body to accommodate larger objects and locking anchors. Bumper padlocks feature rubber outer pieces to protect the lock as well as any adjacent objects from damage. Brass laminated padlocks, on the other hand, feature a brass construction for a superior level of protection against rust and corrosion.