American Lock A5200D 1-3/4" Solid Body Steel Padlock

TL;DR: Solid padlock with advanced security features, surpasses average locks, great value, but there are higher-end options.Welcome to the clandestine world of padlock hierarchy, where not all locks are created equal. When I got my hands on this American Lock, I knew I was dealing with a heavy hitter in the lock league. Yes, American Lock joined forces with Master Lock, and some say it's like mixing champagne with soda, but I struck gold – mine was a genuine American Lock.This padlock isn't just a piece of metal; it's a fortress. With ball bearing locking lugs that laugh in the face of shimming attempts, an anti-bypass wafer that says "nice try" to intruders, and a core filled with serrated and spool pins – it's like the lock version of a high-security bank vault. It's a step above those run-of-the-mill locks you'd find at Home Depot, yet it doesn’t burn a hole in your wallet.While this lock is a bruiser in its own right, it's important to remember it's not the heavyweight champion of the lock world. If you're guarding Fort Knox, you might want to scout around for something even more formidable. But for the average Joe looking to keep their garden shed or gym locker safe, this lock is a solid, trusty choice.

These are first class locks.

To start, I'm no locksmith expert. I've been lock picking for about a year.This is the greatest lock I have ever come across. All steel lock except the pin assembly is brass. Tough and hefty. I bought this lock for lock picking. I haven't been able to pick it and am not ashamed at all to admit it. I have taken apart the pin assembly and both sets of pins are serrated and spool. Every pin in this lock is a security pin. And to make it even tougher, you need to put a lot of torque on the key when you open it. So what does that mean? If you're trying to pick it, you can't tell if you're putting enough tension on the wrench or not. The springs are incredibly strong. This is one tough lock. I recommend it for security. By all means try and pick it, but I have yet to get it.

Many people don’t recognize that there are various levels of padlock security. I know American Lock was purchased by Master Lock and the quality is declining, but the Lock I received was a genuine American Lock. This Lock has ball bearing locking lugs (prevent shimming), anti-bypass wafer, and serrated and spool pins in the core. The level of pick protection is superior to your typical Home Depot padlock without getting crazy expensive. This is a solid lock, but there are certainly better ones out there if you need to level security.

They can’t be cut with bolt cutters

I initially ordered another lock that I thought was made in USA but upon arrival discovered that it was really made in China, I actually cut it to pieces with a file, I left pics on the review for you to see. This American Lock, 5200 Series, assembled in Mexico, I ordered 4, and I tried to also cut with a file. Guess what, not happening, I ruined a new Nicholson file and a Starrett HS hacksaw blade and the lock was barely scratched. If you need better security than this then you will have to buy one of those $250.00 dollar locks.

This American 5200 lock is so poorly machined that it is extremely difficult to rotate the key due to the binding tension spring. I tried all the lubrication tricks I know to little effect. After a working for 20 minutes I could at least insert the key without excessive force. It is no surprise that lubrication will not compensate for quality. I have many locks in my collection however I've never encountered a lock of this supposed quality with this poor level of for finish or function. American (Master Lock) evidently has little quality control in the manufacturing of this model of lock. Words do not express my level of disappointment with American locks.Worse yet, I am stuck with this broken lock due to Amazon's return policy requiring me to travel 40 miles one way to a UPS Store or pay for return shipping.

Used these same padlocks 30 years ago in construction. Heavy duty, work smoothly for years