What Is The Tiny Hole On The Bottom Of A Padlock For?

Padlocks are one of those everyday items that are usually taken for granted. They're sturdy, reliable, and designed to keep our things secure, and that's usually all we know about them. But there is one little detail on padlocks that we all somehow notice. Those tiny holes on the bottom or sides of a padlock are always a source of speculation, with a lot of people wondering what they're there for. Well, it turns out that these holes are primarily designed for drainage.

Padlocks are tough, but even the best shed locks are not invincible. When used outdoors (on a shed, a fence, or a boat), these locks are exposed to rain, humidity, and sometimes even full-on submersion in water. Without a way to let all that water escape, it would just sit inside the lock, wreaking havoc. Most of the internal mechanisms of a padlock are made of metals like steel, which tend to rust in the presence of water and air. You really do not want to deal with a rusted padlock. Rust weakens the metal and could make the lock harder to open or close, hence the need for the pinhole.

These holes are also used for lubrication. Getting a dry or wet lubricant into this hole will loosen up the internal components of your stuck padlock in no time. But note that wet lubricants such as WD-40 or motor oil could attract dirt to your padlock. Go for dry lubricants like graphite or Houidini Lock Lube, which contains a dry lubricant known as PTFE.

Despite their tiny size, the pinholes in padlocks have a very big function. And there are things you could do to make their job even easier. One is to clean your padlock regularly to ensure that dirt doesn't build up and get the chance to clog these holes. Cleaning your padlock isn't a major task. A simple wipe with a damp cloth will get the exterior clean, and you could use a soft toothbrush and mild soapy water for tough grime. Afterwards, blast dust out of the keyhole, pinhole, and shackle of your padlock with a can of pressurized air, then lubricate immediately. Try to clean your lock at least once a month.

For padlocks that'll be left outside, like the Boxlock Smart Padlock, you can take extra steps to protect them from the elements. The first step is making sure your padlock is the best kind for outdoor use. Weatherproof padlocks are typically produced with metals or alloys that make them more moisture- and salinity-resistant. There are several materials used to make locks, but brass and aluminum are the corrosion-resistant options preferred for the outdoors. However, they aren't as strong as the popular but rust-susceptible steel.

The internal mechanisms of most weatherproof padlocks are not rust-resistant as well, which is why a lot of these locks have rubber gaskets between the shackle and body to prevent water entering inside them. A padlock cover will keep your locks (weatherproof or not) relatively safe. In cold weather, you can combine this with other hacks to prevent your locks from freezing, like wrapping them in a sock.