One Series, More Possibilities: The Versatility of our 83-Series Padlocks

Choosing the right padlock often comes down to more than the lock body—it also depends on having the right shackle for the application. With our 83-Series, we make it easy for locksmiths, homeowners & distributors alike to easily use our product for whatever application they need. This includes our ecosystem of shackles, shackle change tools, & parts, so you can find exactly what you need, and nothing that you don't. Today we'll be looking at what makes the 83-Series of padlocks so special, the ecosystem that supports its ease of use, and how it can be beneficial to you as a homeowner, locksmith, or an ABUS enthusiast.

The 83-Series

So, what exactly makes the 83-Series so special? Aren't all padlocks made for the same reason? 

While the overall goal is to keep one's values secured, the 83-Series has some extra features that make it easier for installers, locksmiths, homeowners, & safety professionals to use depending on their personal situation.

Interchangeable cylinders can fit many commercial keyways such as Schlage, Kwikset, & YALE which allow you to match our padlocks to your current key system. This means you can match the same key you use for your front door, to the padlock that secures your shed, letting you carry around less keys. 

Our patented Z-bar allows to quickly change a padlock from key-retaining to non-key-retaining. This added accountability makes sure that keys aren't lost while the padlock is opened, and that the key is not taken while it's in the open position.

Dual ball-bearing locking makes sure to secure the shackle tightly, making it difficult to pry & pull of the shackle. Some heavier models, such as the 83/80 utilize a triple ball-bearing system in order to better hold the much heavier shackle down. 

And lastly, swappable shackles make it easier to adapt our padlocks to whatever application you need. Using our shackle change tool, we make this process even faster, allowing you to change a shackle in seconds. 

But how do you know which shackle is the best for you application?

Greater Versatility for More Applications

Standard shackles work well for many everyday security needs, but not every application has the same clearance or use case requirements. This is where our various offered shackle types play a huge role into finding what is right for you.

Brass shackles for example are typically used in high-corrosive environments, due to their natural resistance of rust and corrosion. Additionally, brass does not emit sparks under normal impacts or friction, making it an ideal choice for explosive environments where steel could cause a dangerous mechanical spark.

Our MAX shackles offer enhanced resistance to torque, cutting, and tensile forces, perfect for higher security needs. Built to withstand bolt cutters, leverage attacks, & prying forces, the MAX shackle is best used in open environments where there may be lots of traffic.

For the highest corrosion resistance, stainless steel shackles work best. Stainless steel contains chromium, which forms self-healing protective surface layer that stops moisture and salt from eating away at the metal. This typically makes it best used in marine environments for boats, docks, or coastal rigging, keeping the coast clear for long periods of time.

And lastly, our special alloy steel shackle with NANO PROTECT™ coating offers high security, while maintaining corrosion resistance. Built from hardened special steel alloy, it resists many physical attacks, while the specialized NANO PROTECT coating seals the metal at a microscopic level, making the shackle highly resistance to rain, humidity, salt, & general weathering. 

While we offer all of these shackle variations, it's important to note that not every type of shackle will work with every lock body. Most shackle diameters for 83-Series locks are 5/16", but certain locks such as the 83AL/40 uses a 1/4" diameter shackle, or similarly the Professional Plated 83/50 uses a 3/8" shackle diameter. We recommend to always check your model of padlock before purchasing an extra shackle to ensure compatibility.

More Than Just a Lock

When using an 83-Series padlock, you aren't just using another lock, you're incorporating an ecosystem that is flexible to your current keying system, providing all the benefits of added security, without adding more keys. And with the many parts, shackles, & padlock variations we offer, we make it our goal to find the best lock system for your needs.