By Kent · Lock Depot Staff Writer

Pick the padlock last, not first

Most padlock mistakes are made at the counter, before anything is measured. The lock gets chosen, then the hasp turns out to be too thick, or the building runs the other core size. Settle four things first: what the padlock closes, how much shackle it needs, whether it lives outside, and which core your system uses. Then the choice is short. Four ABUS items we stock cover most of it.

If you run interchangeable cores

Both 83 Series padlocks below ship less core. You install a core from your own system and the padlock keys into the same system as your doors. Order the right size, because small format and Schlage large format cores do not swap.

• ABUS 83IC/45: solid brass, SFIC prep, 5/16 inch hardened steel shackle with 1 inch of clearance. Use it indoors or under cover: cabinets, equipment rooms, sheds.
• ABUS 83WP-IC/53 LFIC-SCHLG: weather protected body for Schlage large format cores. Use it on gates and enclosures where the building is keyed on Schlage LFIC.

The brass model has no weather cover. The 83WP body has one, with a drainage system, per the ABUS brochure. That is a feature, not a test rating, and we do not quote a rating we do not have. What less core means is in our less core padlock guide.

If the job is a chain

The ABUS 00751 is 8KS hardened steel chain with 5/16 inch links, 2 feet long, with a fabric sleeve to protect finishes. The same chain comes in 6 ft (00713). It does not include a lock. The padlock shackle has to pass through the link, so thread it through before you buy. Measure the loop with string and buy the shortest length that closes it.

If the job is a file cabinet

The ABUS 07040 is a 16 gauge steel locking bar for a 4-drawer file cabinet. It mounts reversibly on either side and one padlock locks all four drawers. ABUS also makes it for other cabinets: 07010 (1 drawer), 07020 (2), 07030 (3) and 07050 (5). The padlock is not included, so you choose it, including one that matches your key system. Check the opening on the bar against the shackle before you order.

Quick pick

If the padlock goes on your building key system, read our gate and enclosure padlock guide first, and see the whole line on the ABUS page.

Common questions

Do these padlocks come with a core?

The 83IC/45 and the 83WP-IC/53 are sold less core. You supply the core from your own system.

Does the chain include a padlock?

No. The 00751 is chain and sleeve only. Pick a padlock whose shackle passes the 5/16 inch link.

Does the file cabinet bar include a lock?

No. The 07040 takes a padlock you supply.

Which one is for outdoor use?

Of the two padlocks, the 83WP-IC/53 is the weather protected one. The brass 83IC/45 has no weather cover.