When I was growing up, buying a padlock meant finding the biggest, heaviest and nastiest looking model whose shackle would fit the hasp eye. A heavy, nasty looking padlock meant security. Looking back, how the hasp looked, how it was mounted or the material of the door or gate did not seem to be important.
Today, padlocks are designed for more specialized applications. A heavy duty padlock may now have a shrouded shackle or hidden shackle, providing more protection against cutting or forcible removal. The lock mechanism has also become a choice in many padlocks. There are key operated and combination padlocks. Key-operated padlocks are available with many common conventional or higher security keyways.
Combination padlocks provide the advantage to users of not having to carry a key in order to operate the lock. They are available in two forms. The first has a single dial usually operating three or four wheels. There are also the number dial padlocks that have become famous for use on baggage when traveling with the TSA. These individual number wheel padlocks are available in different configuration and sizes for more applications.
The basic four individual number wheel padlock has 10,000 possible combinations, 0000-9999. Three number wheel models have 1,000 possible combinations. The advantage of the individual number wheel padlocks is the wheels are separate, making it much easier to dial a combination.
FJM Security Products has introduced the model SX-575 Resettable Combination Padlock for Lockers, with four wheels and 10,000 potential codes. This lock has a ¼” diameter hardened metal shackle with a 31/32” clearance.
Key Override
The SX-575 padlock has key override. With this function, managers such as school officials can remove the locker lock without knowing its combination.
These padlocks are equipped with an Abloy style rotating disc lock mechanism located at the bottom of the body. Two keys are provided with the padlock. These keys have angled cuts requiring a “high security” key machine.
This type of lock mechanism does not require an extended area for the top pins or springs. When the key is used to operate the lock, the key can only be removed in the locked position. Each plastic head key has a code number in the key head. Additional keys can be order by code number from the factory.
The key override method unlocks the padlock by permitting the shackle to rotate out of the padlock body, not lift out of the body. The SX-575 padlock body has a shackle bypass for the release leg. Operating the override key turns the retaining sleeve to the notch-out position at the shackle bypass, permitting the shackle to rotate out to the unlocked position. The key cannot be removed in the unlocked position.
Resetting the Combination
The SX-575 combination padlock can be unlocked using two methods. The standard method is by rotating each of the numbered wheels to the four-digit combination. The FJM Security Combination Padlock for Lockers is preset to 0-0-0-0. This unlocks the shackle, permitting it to be lifted and rotated. This combination padlock does not have a spring loaded shackle. To lock the combination padlock, the shackle must be back in the locked position before rotating the wheels.
This resettable combination can be changed by first turning the wheels to the combination. Pull the shackle up and rotate the shackle 90 degrees counterclockwise. In this position, as the shackle is depressed approximately 1/8”, there is spring resistance. With the shackle depressed, rotate the number wheels to create a new combination. Release the shackle when finished.
Code Discovery
The Combination Padlock for Lockers has an interesting new feature, the patented Code Discovery. Code Discovery offers the ability to reset the combination when the original combination is no longer available.
To use Code Discovery, insert the override key and rotate to the unlocked position. With the key in this position, rotate each of the number wheels in either direction until it stops. Once all four wheels have been rotated, the shackle can now be lifted until the release leg is free. The four numbers on the edge of the padlock are the new combination.
For more information, contact FJM Security, 18424 Hwy 99, Lynnwood, WA 98037. Telephone: 800-654-1786. Web Site: www.fjmsecurity.com
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