Padlocks are probably the most well recognised type of locking mechanism in the world, and are used in a variety of theft, vandalism, and sabotage situations. As well as being used to protect valuable possessions, padlocks are also often used to prevent unauthorised access to goods and environments.
While the basic design of pad locks (Vorhangschlösser) may seem simple, there are a number of variations in terms of the locking mechanism and the materials used, with many of these differences noticeable in terms of the price of the padlocks that are on sale. When researching padlocks on the Internet, there are a wealth of valuable resources out there, including commercial manufacturers websites, consumer forums, and online locksmith and padlock stores.

A padlock is normally composed of a few simple parts, such as a body, a shackle, and a lock. However, while the standard U shaped metal body is a feature in all padlocks, the type of material used during construction and the mechanism used for locking can vary a lot. Padlocks also come in a few unique configurations, such as those that swing away and those that slide out from the padlock body. The two basic types of padlock mechanisms are known as integrated mechanisms and modular mechanisms, with modular components used in most advanced modern padlocks. Padlocks with integrated locking mechanisms feature tumblers and a design that does not allow disassembly of the padlock, while modular mechanisms do not directly employ tumblers at all.

When researching different padlock designs and comparing different products, the Internet can be an extremely valuable resource. If you are trying to decide between two or three different brands, it is easy to visit the manufacturers websites and contrast products based on materials and mechanisms. Along with commercial websites, consumer forums can also be a great place to get recommendations from fellow consumers, as can home improvement blogs and websites. When trying to track down specific brands and styles of padlocks online, it is crucial to use accurate keywords in order to avoid inappropriate websites.