Types of Gym Locker Padlock Materials

Types of Gym Locker Padlock Materials

       The type of material used to design a padlock is a great factor to consider. Thickness, type of metal used and the general weight indicates the strength of the lock in most cases but not always. Alloy metal is a better option than standard hardened steel and when the alloy is thicker, that’s even better.

       In addition, a gym cabinet lock made of good material does not rust or get corroded. Below are some materials for the best locks for gym lockers that are frequently used.

Stainless steel

This is the commonly used material to design padlocks and has been used for a very long time. Stainless steel has good strength, no discoloration and it is high corrosion resistant. However, it is further categorized into ferrite and austenite. Ferrite steel has magnesium and can rust after being used for a long time or under poor environmental conditions. Only austenite steel cannot stain and can easily be identified by the use of a magnet.

Copper

The gym changing room maybe exposed to the elements but copper has good corrosion resistance and process-ability. Copper has a smooth surface, good density, no blow holes or poles; it is very firm and rust resistant thus making it suitable for designing padlocks.

Aluminum or Aluminum alloy

Aluminum is soft and light hence not often used but it is easy to form and its strength can be boosted by combining it with another stronger metal to make an alloy. This improves its characteristics and enables the padlock to last longer than the ones made out of pure aluminum which are usually attractive but wear out fast with time especially when exposed to poor environmental conditions.

Zinc 

Like the aluminum, zinc has poor strength and rust protection. Nevertheless, it is easy for manufacturing components which have complicated patterns mostly for pressure die casting. You should distinguish carefully when you see them in the market depending on whether you are considering the outer patterns and design or the durability.

In conclusion, along with the padlock shackle design, a lock’s material determines the level of security you are going to get for your valuables while you work out at a gym.