Combination padlocks

ianc1200

ianc1200

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Because I have two boats, and two containers, at the marina, and having work done which means others getting into all, I ordered four combination padlocks. These were a 4 dial Smith and Locke brushed aluminium padlock (I can't find a link). I set with all the same number to open.

Two weeks ago one of these "dropped a digit" - not sure in correct terminology - but the last number moved along one. I changed padlocks around - and last week one that had been fine simply refused to open. Tried single digits each ways, on all four, but no joy. Ended up levering the hasp and staple off the washboard/sliding hatch. Took less than 20 seconds, but damaged the washboards.

Better to leave unlocked (which is what I've done)?
 
ianc1200 said:
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Better to leave unlocked (which is what I've done)?
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There is an argument in favour of that where the cost and inconvenience of repairing the damage exceeds the value of what might be nicked.

My boat is old and the forehatch and companionway doors are timber. Easily broken open but time-consuming to repair. All my instruments are obsolescent and the most valuable things left on board when we have gone ashore are obsolescent tablets, passports and perhaps some money.

But I confess to being inconsistent about this. If we step ashore to have a shower we probably wouldn't lock up, but if we go off for a day ashore, we would.
 
My experience with combination locks has not been happy. Our bikes, fortunately aged, were stolen in Amsterdam when locked, and the current lock is prone to episodes of bad behaviour and not open. Neither was of great quality but the usual cycle-shop stuff.
 
They are not weatherproof and mixing aluminium or brass and steel is not is good idea in a wet salty environment.....I have used squire weatherproof ones from Screwfix with no problems for the last 5 years. I suspect having no lock in place will invalidate your insurance.
 
The best thing (and of course the worst thing) about combination padlocks is generally how easy it is to open them even when you have forgotten the code.
I have opened several different combination padlocks for people who had locked them and couldn't open them. Just a couple of weeks ago some locked their gym locker padlock but accidentally reset the code to an unknown number before locking it. It did take me several minutes to open that one as it was very new and hadn't got worn internal components.
If you want to secure something for real the use a decent keyed lock.
 
On a nearly 50 year old MAB, I work on the basis that I'd rather have stuff nicked than have someone effectively destroy the boat and still have it nicked, so my security is just enough to keep out a casual thief, and require damage I can show to an insurance assessor to break in.

All the instruments are post coded, so easily identifiable at a boat jumble and virtually worthless to a thief and there's nothing else worth stealing.
 
johnalison said:
My experience with combination locks has not been happy. Our bikes, fortunately aged, were stolen in Amsterdam when locked, and the current lock is prone to episodes of bad behaviour and not open. Neither was of great quality but the usual cycle-shop stuff.
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This appears to be the authentic Amsterdam experience. The locals were quite unsympathetic when it happened to me, and I have spent the last few weeks walking 2 hours a day, as I'm now afraid to use my other bike.
 
Slight thread drift. My wife, she likes to keep up to date with teckie stuff, has just bought a couple of padlocks which operate using thumb print recognition. She uses them for her photography equipment so I believe that they are weather proof.

I’ve used the same cockpit locker padlocks now on my last 3 boats. I have 3 of them, good, old fashioned brass, all using the same key.
 
I found a half decent combination padlock but had no idea of the code.

YouTube provided several tuition videos on decoding padlocks and after a few minutes I had it open. Very satisfying when I cracked the unknown code...

The OP has no need to break anything next time if he consults You Tube.
 
LittleSister said:
Years ago, having twice arrived at my boat without the key, I replaced the padlock with a combination lock. Seemed a a great idea, until next time I arrived at the boat in the dark, with all the boat's numerous torches locked inside! :rolleyes:
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I have that tee shirt too!

i reflected for a minute about being a wally, cast my eyes around and spotted the danbuoy light. Using this it was easy to see the numbers!

We had a good quality combination lock on a previous boat, a brass Master with a heavy chromed hardened loop.

It was ofter left on a mooring for the winter. A few drops of oil inside now and again kept it good.
 
I spent a happy hour following the YouTube "how to unlock any combination padlock" video's yesterday; this one simply won't open. It makes all the clicking noises & the wheels lock as you're supposed to look for, but won't open. I'll try the method on the known good one's tomorrow.

Many thanks for all the thoughts/ideas.
 
rotrax said:
I have that tee shirt too!

i reflected for a minute about being a wally, cast my eyes around and spotted the danbuoy light. Using this it was easy to see the numbers!

We had a good quality combination lock on a previous boat, a brass Master with a heavy chromed hardened loop.

It was ofter left on a mooring for the winter. A few drops of oil inside now and again kept it good.
Click to expand...

Would have been fun trying that, our danbuoy light was a strobe!
 
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