The essential feature of any padlock is to prevent theft or unauthorized access to an item or area. A top-quality weatherproof padlock can work in the outdoors, and it can handle changes in weather as well. Don't think only about the padlock; also consider what kind of hasp or chain it will be using.

Weatherproof padlocks work great in all weathers or temperature changes, plus they are rustproof. Such locks are not only good at securing your item or area, but they can also tolerate changing weather conditions.

At times, the insurers mention that a padlock should be rated for security to meet CEN or Sold Secured standards. They also indicate the level of rating required for this purpose. CEN is the European rating level while Sold Secured is American.

For instance, CEN grade 5 is the same as Sold Secure Gold while CEN rating 4 and 3 are equivalent to Sold Secure Silver and Bronze respectively. A padlock that has a shackle with a diameter of less than 11mm doesn’t meet these ratings at all.

Many padlock manufacturers provide a guide for safety ratings regarding their products. You can read those ratings on the packaging. However, the primary issue is that there is no industry standard and therefore, you cannot compare the products. For example, one brand has a security rating of 15, but the lock might not be that secure when you compare it with another product with a safety rating of 5. 

If you have plenty of padlocks to take care of, then you should look for a weatherproof padlock keyed alike option or master keying. A restricted key also reduces unauthorized duplication of keys. If you need to have access to the padlock, then a combination padlock is a better choice.

Not really, you can determine the size requirement based on its intended purpose. Surely you don’t need a giant-sized padlock for your suitcase. Similarly, a flimsy padlock for luggage will be no good when you want to secure your main gates with it. Therefore, a lock must be right for its application.

If you are looking for an outdoor padlock, then consider a lock that is weather-resistant at least. The body of this padlock will not rust, but the internal springs will rust out because they are made of steel. Low-cost weatherproof padlocks feature low-quality brass or lamination. Such locks have plastic jackets to provide some protection.

The high-quality padlocks are made of brass, phosphor bronze or stainless steel  materials.

These locks are very robust, and they can withstand changing weather and temperatures as well.

If you are looking for a padlock that you can use onboard a boat or a ship, then you need a marine grade padlock rather than a plain old weatherproof one. 

Padlocks don’t require much maintenance; however, the odd spot of lubrication or cleaning will improve the lifespan. Once or twice a year is good enough. A dry graphite powder is highly recommended for lubrication. You can find this powder at good security shops or locksmiths.

In our reviews for the 10 best weatherproof padlocks in the world, the winner turns out to be the 4-Digit Combination Padlock from Desired Tools. This multipurpose padlock offers you a perfect combination of affordable price and functionality.

The primary object of a weather resistant padlock is to enable you to use it outdoors without any hesitation. This padlock does that, and it doesn't require any key to achieve all this. You can put it to a variety of uses, and it won't fail you.

If nothing else here is a cheap and dirty trick you can use to protect your outdoor padlocks: