Why We Use Padlocks Over Puck Locks?
The puck lock was originally designed to lock bar-type door latches on utility trailers, offering a step up in security over padlocks with exposed shackles. Many of the trailer coupler lock manufacturers have adopted the puck lock as their locking method to eliminate the vulnerability of padlock shackle access.
However, during our research and development of the Bank Trailer Security Systems product line, we were not convinced the puck lock was a secure and reliable locking method.
Why Puck Locks Fall Short on Trailer Security
The design of the puck lock makes it easy to drill and unlatch in as little as 15 seconds. Moreover, there are countless examples online demonstrating the vulnerability of these locks.
Traditional padlocks also have examples of being easy to pick or bump open. This is largely because there are many cheaply manufactured padlocks by multiple manufacturers that have flooded the market with inferior products. But not all padlocks are equal.
A Smarter Padlock Design for Coupler Locks
Our trailer coupler lock design utilizes a padlock in a very unique way. We design our lock housing to completely enclose the padlock, eliminating access to the lock body and shackle. Therefore, the only exposed part of the padlock is the key access. This eliminates any access for tampering with the padlock shackle or body. The result: no points of entry for tampering or cutting.
Where our design eliminates the ability to tamper with the padlock, it is important to have a lock that cannot be easily picked. That’s why we teamed up with Master Lock, the industry leader in high-security padlocks, to provide a robust pick-resistant lock. We chose the Master Lock Commercial grade padlock with “Bump Stop” technology. This technology by Master Lock eliminates the ability of bump keys to pop open the lock. This technology also makes it extremely difficult to pick.
Proven Tamper Resistance in the Real World
Real-world tests confirm our confidence in this design. For example, we have had a couple of customers lose their keys and had to employ locksmiths to open the locks. This proved to be a difficult task for the locksmiths. It took almost 2 hours for one locksmith to open the padlock. On another occasion, it took almost 3 hours to open the lock. Both locksmiths were professionally trained, working for large, reputable companies.
These examples confirm that we made the right choice in using padlocks manufactured by Master Lock. I have never heard of a trailer thief trying to pick a lock to steal a trailer. If they cannot grab and go in a couple of minutes, they will leave that trailer and move on to an easier target.
This is why the Bank Trailer Security Systems LLC trailer coupler locks are the most secure tamper-resistant locks on the market. You can be sure that our trailer coupler locks protect your trailer. It will be right where you left it, ready for service when you need it. Explore our full line of high-security trailer locks and accessories.
