Keyed Alike Padlock

This type of "Keyed alike" padlock is very useful, especially where you need two or three locks, having just the one key makes life that bit easier. Just remember that the inside of the padlock is steel, so it requires oil now and then - The size of keys may be important to you, these are a lot smaller than those provided with conventional locks, also they are very cheap nowadays - They do provide a visible deterrent, especially if they ...
.../> I fitted a row of three of these on the in-laws shed, these particular locks were made by Legge, although there are hundreds of different manufacturers.The shed looks like Fort Knox, it looks very secure indeed, although in reality, all the locks are fixed to the same piece of flimsy wood. Being practical, it is an easy job to undo all three locks, without fiddling around for three different keys.

Disadvantages - they can be forced, ... more

This type of "Keyed alike" padlock is very useful, especially where you need two or three locks, having just the one key makes life that bit easier. Just remember that the inside of the padlock is steel, so it requires oil now and then - The size of keys may be important to you, these are a lot smaller than those provided with conventional locks, also they are very cheap nowadays - They do provide a visible deterrent, especially if they are a good sized chunk of shiny metal.

I fitted a row of three of these on the in-laws shed, these particular locks were made by Legge, although there are hundreds of different manufacturers.The shed looks like Fort Knox, it looks very secure indeed, although in reality, all the locks are fixed to the same piece of flimsy wood. Being practical, it is an easy job to undo all three locks, without fiddling around for three different keys.

Disadvantages - they can be forced, but not quietly - they are only as strong as the hasp & staples they are fixed to, which in turn are only as strong as the material they are fixed to. Another thing to bear in mind is the fact that they are also open to the elements, so corrosion may be a problem.

Security - not as good as some locks, but a very good second line of defence. If you fit two locks instead of one, it only takes an extra couple of seconds to open, but increases the security by a grear deal more.

Take a look at this Government website, it covers all aspects of security :-
http://www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/personalsafety.htm

Where to buy these - All DIY stores sell these, at reasonable prices too, and they all have websites so look before you buy.

Price - Pennies or Pounds, the choice is yours, you do get what you pay for.

Brand names are great, and these include - Do it All, Wilkinsons, Woolworths, Wickes, B&Q, Homebase, Focus, Machine Mart, Screwfix direct etc.
Mail order is fine, but check the cost of delivery, as some companies charge the earth. The same goes for the likes of Ebay.

Compare padlocks with mortise locks? - difficult one, how do you compare an orange with a banana? They are totally different, both are good, both different, so I can not do the comparison.

The only other disadvantage I can come up with, is that if you ever lose your single key, then you will need to replace all locks it fits.

Maintenance - Just give your padlocks a regular squirt of oil. 

...less