Everyone has probably used a padlock at least once in their life. But have you ever noticed the little hole that is on each of them? It is not a manufacturing defect or decoration, it is a purely practical matter that we should not ignore. So why is it actually there?
Manufacturers must anticipate that the user of such a padlock will use it to securely secure anything outdoors. And as we well know, in such a place, the castle will hardly be protected from weather effects such as rain or even snow. The lock is difficult to manufacture as a perfectly sealed object – and if we could possibly get one, it would certainly be necessary to pay extra for it. Therefore, we prefer to put up with a small hole in its lower part.
Did you know this? Check out Marty Silva’s youtube video for an explanation:
Source: Youtube
So that the lock does not rust
From the above, the purpose of the small but significant opening in the body of the padlock is slowly becoming apparent. In practice, it is nothing more mysterious than the drain hole through which the lock gets rid of the water that has flowed inside. Once the rain has passed, the inside of the lock can dry out, preventing it from corroding.
Water can destroy the lock
Even more important is the function of the aforementioned opening in winter, when temperatures below and above zero often alternate in our conditions. Imagine that it snows and the next day the snow melts – of course the water will flow inside the castle. But then night comes, the temperature drops below zero again, the water turns into ice. The one, as we know, has more volume and also a tremendous power to tear everything that stands in the way of its expansion. In a critical situation, the lock mechanism could be damaged. However, there is no danger of such a thing with the drain hole.
How to lubricate the lock?
So far, we have described situations where the liquid is drained out of the body of the lock. However, the small hole can also be used in the opposite way, in the event that an older lock needs to be lubricated. The oil will flow through the hole exactly to those places that need to be revitalized for the smooth operation of the entire mechanism.
Special locks – special functions
Some manufacturers even state that the drilled hole can do its job even with large temperature changes, when the material from which the lock is made naturally expands or contracts. Special models of locks can even have a hidden mechanism in such an opening, which will help the unfortunate owner to return the stuck safety assistant to a working condition.
For longer lock life
Did you know how important such a seemingly small thing is? If not, now you will know why it is in the castle and how you can use it, for example, to take care of it. It is worth it, you can extend the time during which it will serve you reliably even in adverse conditions.
Sources: allpadlocks.com, monroengineering.com, twentyfirstsecurity.com.au
