how do thieves break a padlock or cut chain
one simple method to
stop thieves
breaking a padlock or cutting chain is
replacing
standard padlock and mild steel chain
with
Australian made
Padlock Protection
the reason we designed the unique Australian made Padlock Protection
stop all methods
opportunistic
smash and grab
semi professional thieves
use to break
a padlock or cut mild steel chain
most people do not know
99% of thieves use one of the following three methods to break a padlock or cut a link in mild steel chain
why do thieves use a leverage, hammer or bolt cutter attack to break a padlock or cut mild steel chain
Tools used cost nothing or only a few dollars to buy.
Thieves do not want to make any noise.
Using a leverage attack or bolt cutter is very quiet.
Hammer attack only makes a low volume noise for less than a second.
overview of leverage, hammer and bolt cutter attack
Following is an overview about the three methods thieves use to break a padlock or cut a link in mild steel chain.
1 - leverage attack involves twisting the chain to make it taut then place a spanner around the padlock body or put a steel bar or screwdriver through the padlocks shackle or a link in the chain then pull down and turn.
one of the following will happen
- padlock body will break
- the shackle pops out of the padlock body
- a link in the mild steel chain, normally used, will break
note
The average padlock only requires a 10 inch spanner to break it.
For the small percentage of people who have bought a more robust padlock all that is required to break them is a longer spanner or place a hollow steel tube on the end of the spanner to gain additional leverage as seen in the following picture.
the fact is, if a thief can
- place a spanner around the padlock body
- put a screwdriver or steel bar through the padlocks shackle or a link in the mild steel chain and twist it
the padlock or a link in the mild steel chain
will break
2 - hammer attack, hit the top edge of the padlock body with a hammer or hammer and screwdriver or similar to break apart the padlock.
3 - bolt cutter attack
thieves will always break
the weakest part
There was no point designing a unique security device in 2003 to stop the three methods listed above, opportunistic, smash and grab and semi professional thieves use to break a padlock or cut a link in mild steel chain.
Then include the same thin 4mm or 6mm diameter mild steel chain most people buy when they need a chain and padlock to secure an item.
why do they
mild steel chain is cheap to buy
but cheap means very low security
4mm or 6mm diameter mild steel chain is easy and quick to cut with a cheap 12 inch bolt cutter anyone can buy at Bunnings, Mitre 10 or their local hardware shop for about five dollars.
upgrade your security to
Padlock Protection
warranty
manufacturer direct special offer
place your order by
March 23, 2026
pay wholesale
free delivery Australia only
Australian made locking system is used with other security products
We have created, for your convenience, a list of security products using the patented
Australian made steel shroud as the locking system, following are three examples.
other products and / or services
what to do next
updated
Friday March 13, 2026
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