Best Combination Lock: Picks and What to Look For

For real outdoor security on a shed, gate or storage unit, the ABUS 190CS/60 is the combination padlock locksmiths and reviewers single out, the Master Lock 178D is the better-known mid-range choice for lockers, toolboxes and general use, and a basic word-dial or multi-pack lock is fine for a gym locker or a bag. The point to understand before buying is that most combination padlocks are easier to bypass than a good keyed padlock, so the right choice depends far more on what you are protecting than on which brand is on the label.

Our top picks

Top pickMaster Lock Combination Padlock

Check price on Amazon

Also greatPuroma 1 Pack Combination Lock Locker 4

Check price on Amazon

Also greatMaster Lock Combination Padlock Heavy Duty Weatherproof

Check price on Amazon

Also greatPuroma 2 Pack Combination Lock Locker 4

Check price on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Combination Locks at a Glance

Why Combination Padlocks Are a Compromise

A locksmith guide that picks the ABUS 190CS/60 states plainly that most combination padlocks are easy to bypass. The usual weaknesses are shimming, where a thin strip is slid into the shackle gap to release the latch; actuator tripping; decoding the wheels by feel; and exploiting the reset hole. A combination lock does have a real advantage in everyday life: there is no key to lose, copy or hand over, and several people can share one code. If that convenience matters more than resisting a determined thief, a combination lock is entirely sensible. If you are protecting equipment of real value, a keyed padlock of recognised quality or a hardened chain-and-lock system is usually the stronger answer.

What Locksmiths and Reviewers Say About the Top Picks

ABUS 190CS/60

The locksmith guide describes it as a rare combination padlock that holds up for more than short-term use. It addresses the typical weak points directly: the oversized shackle lip is designed to block shim insertion, the wheels are shielded, and the reset hole is built so that a metal block covers the keyhole when the shackle is closed, preventing light-based decoding. The shackle must be pushed into the lock before release, which slows brute-force attempts. Four wheels yield 10,000 possible combinations. The guide advises looking for the Series 2 model. The trade-off is cost, which is higher than a mainstream lock, and weight, since a hardened steel body is not light.

Master Lock 178D

CNN Underscored named the 178D its best combination lock from its testing, calling it robust and hard to pick. The maker lists a 2 in wide body, a 5/16 in hardened steel shackle and a set-your-own four-digit combination, and describes it as weather resistant for indoor and outdoor use. Its shackle opening is small at 1 in by 1 in, so it fits a hasp or a thin chain but not a thick one. For a garden shed hasp, tool cabinet or gate latch, it sits in a sensible middle ground.

Puroma combination lock

The same CNN Underscored roundup named a Puroma lock runner-up, a little cheaper than the 178D, and reported that it was hard enough to cut with bolt cutters to give the tester a workout. Since Puroma sells many variants and multi-packs, read the exact specification of the version you are buying and compare shackle diameter with the Master Lock figures above.

Master Lock 1534D and the word-dial style

The 1534D lets you use letters as well as digits, with five dials and over 25 million possible combinations according to the maker. Master Lock lists it for indoor use such as lockers and cabinets, and its shackle is 1/4 in. A word you can remember is easier to hold in your head than a four-digit number, which is the real benefit, but do not choose an obvious word.

Budget Tiers

• Budget tier: Multi-pack combination locks and basic Master Lock models. Reviewers say these are fine for gym lockers, school lockers and luggage. They are not sturdy enough to guard anything you would be upset to lose.
• Mid-range: Master Lock 178D and a well-reviewed Puroma. These suit sheds, toolboxes, gates and bike storage in a low-risk area.
• Premium: ABUS 190CS/60. This is for storage units, outbuildings and anywhere a lock is the main barrier. At this level, also compare keyed padlocks, because a combination mechanism is still the weaker design.

Features That Matter

Shackle diameter and material

The shackle is usually the first thing attacked, so thickness matters. The ABUS lists 7/16 in stainless steel, the 178D lists 5/16 in hardened steel, and the 1534D lists 1/4 in. A thicker shackle resists cutting better, but it also needs a larger hasp opening.

Body construction

Laminated or solid steel bodies are generally tougher than zinc or aluminium bodies. The ABUS uses a hardened steel body. Cheaper locks often use lighter alloy bodies that can be pried or cut more easily.

Number of wheels or digits

More wheels mean more possible codes, but this is a smaller factor than it seems. A four-wheel lock gives 10,000 codes in theory, yet the real weakness is usually the mechanism, not the code count. A lock with five dials, like the 1534D, offers many more combinations, but that does not make the body or shackle stronger.

Resettable code

Most of these locks let you set your own combination, which is useful if you share a lock and want to change the code after someone leaves. Choose a code that is not a birth date, not repeated digits and not sequential numbers. Write it down somewhere safe at home, because a forgotten code on a decent lock can be expensive to resolve.

Weather resistance

A lock exposed to rain should be listed for outdoor use. Master Lock lists the 178D as weather resistant, while the 1534D is listed for indoor use only. Outdoors, grit and moisture can stiffen dials and corrode internals. Rinse with clean water occasionally and use a light, lock-safe lubricant in the shackle channel if the maker allows it.

Choosing for the Place You Will Use It

• Gym or school locker: The small body fits the hasp, and the main risk is casual tampering. A basic resettable lock or the 1534D word-dial lock is sufficient.
• Garden shed or garage side door: Choose a mid-range lock with a hardened shackle that fits your hasp, such as the 178D, and consider a shielded hasp so the shackle is not exposed to bolt cutters.
• Storage unit or outbuilding with valuables: Consider the ABUS 190CS/60 or step up to a keyed disc-style padlock. The lock only protects as well as the hasp it is attached to.
• Bike or equipment: A padlock alone is rarely enough. Use it with a hardened chain or cable that cannot be cut quickly.
• Luggage and travel: Use a TSA-accepted lock such as the Master Lock 4688D so inspectors can open it without damage. Treat it as a tamper signal, not as protection.

Pick X If… Decision Table

Alternatives to a Combination Padlock

• Keyed shrouded padlock: The shroud covers the shackle, which makes cutting difficult. Better for gates and storage.
• Disc-style padlock: The shackle is mostly hidden by the body. It needs a matching hasp, but it resists bolt cutters well.
• Smart or keypad padlock: Bluetooth or keypad padlocks offer shared codes and access logs, but they need batteries and are not necessarily tougher. Look for the maker’s stated security rating.

Common Mistakes

People often pick the thickest-looking lock and attach it to a flimsy hasp, which defeats the point. Another mistake is leaving the factory default code in place, usually 0000. A third is buying a lock rated for indoor use and then leaving it outside through a wet winter. Finally, remember that no padlock is theft-proof. It slows a thief down and makes your property less attractive than the next one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are combination locks less secure than key locks?

In general, yes, according to locksmith guidance. Most combination padlocks can be bypassed using shimming, decoding or the reset hole. A well-designed one such as the ABUS 190CS/60 closes several of those gaps, but a quality keyed padlock is still the safer pick for valuables.

What should I do if I forget my combination?

Check whether the maker has a lost-combination process, since Master Lock, for example, offers support for recovering or resetting codes. Some locks can only be opened by cutting. Keep a record of the code in a safe place at home.

How many digits should I choose?

More is better in principle, but the mechanism matters more than the code length. A four-wheel lock gives 10,000 combinations and a five-dial lock gives millions. Avoid obvious codes such as birth years, repeated numbers or the factory default.

Can I use a combination lock outdoors?

Only if the maker lists it for outdoor use. Master Lock describes the 178D as weather resistant, while it lists the 1534D for indoor use. Even outdoor locks benefit from rinsing off grit and light lubrication as the maker allows.

Which combination lock is best for a gym locker?

Any small resettable lock that fits the hasp will do. Reviewers say basic models are fine for this purpose, and the main requirement is that the shackle is thin enough to pass through the locker door. Avoid leaving valuables in the locker if you can.

Are TSA luggage locks worth it?

They are useful because screening staff can open them with a master key without cutting them. They are not high-security items, and the cable on models such as the 4688D is easy to cut. Treat them as a way to discourage casual tampering.