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Squire High Security Padlocks, Accessories and Alternatives
This page provides details on the specific padlocks, disc locks and D-locks available and the options that relate to them.
- Lock Suitability
- Dimensions & Technical Information
- Closed Shackle or Open Shackle?
- Security Ratings/Approvals - CEN, British Standards, Sold Secure
- Keyed Alike?
- Combination Locks
- Using a D-Lock
- Number of Keys and Spare Key Blanks
- Lock Maintenance Advice
Lock Suitability
We offer a range of locks, predominantly UK-made locks from Squire. We find all of our range to give good security at appropriate prices. Our buying power means we can offer good discounts against normal selling prices. We will not supply locks that we have discovered have poor reliability; we only sell locks that we think are good.
The Squire Stronghold closed shackle locks are available in different sizes: the larger size (the 65mm SS65CS) is a much stronger lock with a higher security rating than the smaller 50mm SS50 range. The larger lock is also heavier (see below for full weight and dimension information). We offer several alternative locks suited to different chains and different situations, including high-security combination locks where keys are not wanted.
Note: The SS50CS, SS50C-Combi and SHCB65 locks are too small to be used with the Protector 16mm and 19mm chains! Indeed, only the SS65CS is recommended for use with the ultimate security Protector 19mm chains, and the SS65CS or Untouchable locks for the Protector 16mm chains. The shackle opening on several of the smaller locks is not large enough to go around the links on 16mm or bigger chains. The ML2L motorcycle disc lock can be used to lock the entire range of Protector chains, but is not recommended for the 19mm and is likely to be the weak point when used with the 16mm. However, it may offer a useful alternative when it is difficult to fit a chain through a structural part of the bike and if the Anti-Pinch Pin is unsuitable.
The Untouchable locks are suitable for use with the Protector 16mm chains, only (note that the Untouchable lock is not suitable for use with the 11mm, 13mm or with the 19mm!).
Lock dimensions, weights and other technical details are listed below.
Dimensions & Technical Information
| Lock Model No. | Shackle Type | Body Width | Body Thickness | Shackle Diameter | Vertical Shackle Clearance | Horizontal Shackle Clearance |
| SS65CS | Closed | 65.0 | 31.8 | 12.7 | 19.0 | 19.0 |
| SS50CS | Closed | 50.0 | 26.0 | 10.0 | 14.0 (*) | 14.0 |
| SS50S & SS50P5 | Open | 50.0 | 26.0 | 10.0 | 26.0 | 22.0 |
| SS50C-Combi | Closed | 56(**) | 31(**) | 10.0 | 16.0 (*) | 15.9 (*) |
| SS50-Combi | Open | 56(**) | 31(**) | 10.0 | 26.0 (*) | 22.0 (*) |
| ML2L | Disc Lock | 118 | 38 | 13.0 | 80 | 25 |
| Untouchable | Enclosed | 40.0 (dia) | 40.0 (dia) | 21.0 | 15.2 | N/A (***) |
| SHCB65 | Closed | 65.0 | 23.0 | 11.0 | 15.0 (*) | 20.0 (*) |
Only the SS65CS and Untouchable locks are large enough and of sufficient security rating to fully match the 16mm, or just the SS65CS locks to match the 19mm chains. |
||||||
| Lock Model No. | Weight |
|---|---|
| Squire SS65CS | 1.0kg |
| Squire SS50CS | 0.6kg |
| Squire SS50S and SS50P5 (Open Shackle) | 0.47kg |
| Squire SS50C-Combi | 0.62kg |
| Squire SS50-Combi (Open Shackle) | 0.53kg |
| Squire ML2L | 0.78kg |
| Vector Untouchable | 0.55kg |
| SHCB65 | 0.5kg |
Details common to Squire SS65CS, SS50CS, SS50S (Open Shackle) and ML2L:
Mechanism: 6 pin tumbler, 250,000 combinations, anti-bump, anti-drill
Shackle: Hardened steel
Shackle Material: Boron alloy steel
Details for the Squire SS50C-Combi and SS50-Combi:
Mechanism: 5-Digit (0-9) Recodable combination lock, 100,000 combinations
Shackle: Hardened steel
Shackle Material: Boron alloy steel
Details for the Squire SHCB65:
Mechanism: 4-Digit Recodable combination lock, 10,000 combinations
Shackle: Hardened steel, rotating
Closed Shackle or Open Shackle?
A closed shackle padlock is the higher security option because the lock body partly surrounds the shackle (see the photo above), whereas an open shackle padlock has much more of the shackle exposed and thus vulnerable to attack. However, an open shackle lock can be used in more situations and weighs less than its closed shackle equivalent. D-Locks and motorcycle disc locks are designed to suit different situations and heavier shackles are offered to counteract the fact that they are exposed.
Security Ratings/Approvals - CEN, British Standards, Sold Secure
CEN is the main European lock standardisation and approvals body. The new CEN EN12320 standard is basically the same as the British Standard BS EN 12320 - lock testing standards are being harmonised across Europe. A higher CEN rating indicates a higher security lock: CEN 6 is the highest rating and CEN 1 is the lowest on that scale. This standard only relates to padlocks and padlock fittings (such as padbars); it does not relate to chains.
Sold Secure is an independent British security testing and approvals organisation that awards Gold standard to the highest security products, with Silver and Bronze for lower grade products. Note that Sold Secure awards these grades according to a range of criteria appropriate to the intended use. Hence, Sold Secure Motorcycle Gold is different (in fact a much higher standard) when compared with Sold Secure Bicycle Gold. It is important to know the type of grading as well as the level that is required.
Classe SRA and NF are both French security testing certifications (with NF the more stringent). Thatcham is another UK organisation that specialises more in certification of immobilisers, alarms and similar electronic products; we do not regard them as good as Sold Secure for testing physical security products.
The following table shows the ratings and approval information for various of our padlocks:
| Squire SS65CS | Closed Shackle | CEN6 - Extra High Security, CEN EN12320 (new standard) Grade 6 |
Sold Secure Motorcycle Gold, Police Preferred Specification (when bought direct from us as accredited SBD members) |
| Squire SS50CS | Closed Shackle | CEN4 - Security, CEN EN12320 (new standard) Grade 4 | Sold Secure Motorcycle Gold, Police Preferred Specification (when bought direct from us as accredited SBD members) |
| Squire SS50S | Open Shackle | CEN4 - Security, CEN EN12320 (new standard) Grade 4 | |
| Squire SS50P5 | Open Shackle | CEN3, CEN EN12320 (new standard) Grade 3 | Sold Secure Bicycle Gold |
| Squire ML2L | Disc Lock | Sold Secure Motorcycle Gold, Police Preferred Specification (when bought direct from us as accredited SBD members) | |
| Untouchable | Enclosed Shackle | Classe SRA, NF, FFMC | Sold Secure Motorcycle Gold, ATV Gold, Motor Scooter Gold |
Keyed Alike?
Multiple Stronghold padlocks (SS65CS/SS50CS/SS50S) and ML2L disc locks can all use the same key, even when mixing different sizes and types of lock. This makes life much easier if you are locking multiple things, such as two motorbikes or a bicycle and a shed - you could use a pair of SS65CS padlocks for highest security or one SS65CS for the bike and one SS50CS or SS50S for the shed. All locks using the same key means you don't have to fumble for the right key and you don't have to carry multiple keys. There is a small extra cost to this option but it is only a small fraction of the cost of the locks. We generally keep a stock of various keyed alike sets and can also order locks to match a previously-purchased lock of these types. Special orders from Squire usually take 1-2 weeks.
The Squire SS50P5 locks are not available keyed-alike and they also use a different type of key that cannot be used with the SS65CS/SS50CS/SS50S/ML2L locks. The Squire Urban Paramount D-lock is no longer available, and its replacement, the Hammerhead, uses a different cylinder and therefore can't be keyed-alike to the SS50CS etc locks.
The Squire SS50C-Combi and SS50-Combi combination locks are recodable, meaning you can set your own combination and change it as required. This can be ideal when access to a lock must be shared across several people and when access must be controlled over time, such as when an employee leaves or a client departs: Simply change the combination and advise the remaining staff/new clients of the new number.
The Untouchable locks are not available keyed-alike.
An alternative to keyed-alike locks can be using recodable combination locks, such as described here.
Combination Locks
The Squire SS50C-Combi, SS50-Combi and SHCB65 combination locks are recodable, meaning you can set your own combination and change it as required. This can be ideal when access to a lock must be shared across several people and when access must be controlled over time, such as when an employee leaves or a client departs: Simply change the combination and advise the remaining staff/new clients of the new number.
Using a D-Lock
D-locks, otherwise known as U-locks, are useful compromises between security and weight for carrying. They are not recommended for high-value items such as motorbikes but are much better than nothing - and much better than virtually any type of cable lock - for portable security for bicycles.
However, it is important that they are used correctly.
D-locks are commonly attacked by thieves by twisting them. If you loop a D-lock through some railings and around the seat tube on a bike, for example, and if you leave a lot of spare room in the 'D', it is easy for a thief to insert a piece of timber, scaffold pole, or other strong lever through the 'D' and to apply a large twisting force to the lock. With enough space to use a big lever and with enough leverage applied, most locks will fail. It is therefore imperative that you don't purchase a lock that is too large (as that creates more space in the 'D') and it is crucial that you fill as much of the 'D' as possible. You can fill the space by looping the lock around the bicycle wheel as well as the seat tube, and by going through two or three railings rather than one, for example. Ideally, and especially if you have quick-release wheels, it is advisable to remove the front wheel and to lock it and the rear wheel and definitely the frame to an immovable object. The front wheel then helps to fill space inside the 'D' as well as being protected itself.
A D-lock can be used to lock a chain by simply looping links of the chain over the arm(s) of the 'D'. Note that a D-lock is invariably not as secure as a more compact and more protected lock, so you should be aware that relying on a D-lock for home security is not likely to be as good as using a good quality chain with a proper padlock. Of course, you do improve your security by using a chain and lock and a D-lock as well.
Number of Keys and Spare Key Blanks
Each of the Squire keyed padlocks is supplied with two keys; keyed-alike sets have two keys for each lock in the set (e.g. a keyed alike set of two locks is supplied with a total of 4 keys).
The Squire cylinders are very popular and most key-copying kiosks and locksmiths will have more blanks and are likely to be able to offer a key-cutting service if you require more keys.
Spare key blanks are available for all of the Squire 6-lever locks if you want additional keys and your local key copying service or locksmith does not have the right blanks (beware that the current Stronghold locks with 6-pin cylinder have a different key design to older models - the cylinders changed around 2006).
The Untouchable locks are each offered with 3 keys. Keyed-alike is not available for these.
We do not offer a key copying service.
Lock Maintenance Advice
Good quality locks tend not to need much maintenance in many circumstances. The most important thing is to keep the locks clean as dirt or grit getting inside can cause problems. Traditional oils can tend to attract dirt so it should be used sparingly if at all. .
Regular Cleaning/Lubrication: You can use things like WD40 but it's really not much good as a lubricant and only good as a water displacer (hence it's name). We tend to prefer GT85 as that is good for cleaning & removing water but also has some PTFE/silicone that helps to keep water out as well as provide lubrication. Turning the lock upside down and using the little plastic straw in the can's nozzle and putting the other end of that right in the keyway and giving it a squirt is the way to do it. You may wish to wear gloves or to use some cloth as there will often be a lot of surplus lubricant coming out of the lock and these are not always ideal all over your hands (or dripping onto a nice carpet if you're doing it indoors!). Graphite powders can also work well if a lock is dry and never exposed to rain etc - an occasional puff of graphite powder provides good lubrication without attracting dust and dirt, but it may do little to exclude water or to remove dirt or water that is already inside the lock.
Preventing Freezing: If a lock is exposed to wind and rain and is likely to get wet inside, we use an aerosol lube such as is often used by mountain bikers ("Finesse Multi Lube"). Similar products will probably also work well. That helps to keep the water away and can therefore avoid the problems associated with locks getting frozen solid in cold weather. We do find with the one we use that it gets pretty stiff at around -10 C, but in more normal temperatures it gives a good compromise. Locks that have sliding keyway covers can help to exclude dirt, but they can also trap moisture and potentially increase problems with freezing.
Dealing with Dirty, Sticking or Jamming Locks: If a lock has already got dirt inside and is starting to get sticky to operate with the key, it is a good idea to flush it out soon, before the problem gets worse. GT85 or WD40 are good for this. If it has already got beyond that and is jamming, squirting in a lot of GT85 or WD40 and inserting and removing the key many times (e.g. 30-100 times) and trying (gently) to operate the key repeatedly will invariably free it up. It really can take a lot of flushing and key movements to clear grit etc from inside the cylinder, but it does eventually work virtually every time. The Squire Stronghold locks are precision engineered items and dirt is the enemy so it is much better to keep them clean to avoid problems like this, or if they start to show signs to clean them out as described sooner rather than later. If you use WD40 for this process, you should follow it with something with better lubricant properties as WD40 has almost no lubricating ability.
If your lock has already frozen: If you've got a lock that has already frozen as a result of water getting inside and temperatures dropping such that you can't operate the key, defrost sprays used for clearing car windscreens can often help but may take a while and a few squirts (again, straight into the keyway with the lock inverted). Another option can be to heat the key over a flame or other heat source (taking care not to get burnt etc!) and then to insert the key and leave it for e.g. 30 seconds before trying to operate it, and repeating as required. If it is possible to move the lock into warm surroundings and leave it to warm up and thaw out, that is often an easier but slower option. If you can leave the lock indoors for a day or more, it may help to dry it out inside and help to prevent a repeat occurrence. A non-ideal option can be to flood the outside of the lock with hot water, again with care. All of these techniques should be followed promptly with rinsing the lock with GT85/WD40/similar to remove the water from the melted ice etc so that it doesn't freeze up all over again as soon as the temperature drops! Naturally, you should exercise caution when using any source of heat or with hot water - the lock body and the key can hold and transfer a surprising amount of heat so it is easy to get a surprise burn.
Squire Guarantee: Squire locks we supply have a 10-year guarantee directly with Squire and on the rare occasions we have had to return locks to them, they have provided replacements and refunded postage very quickly. We refuse to sell locks where we've had problems or where the manufacturer has not provided good backup - security has to be reliable or it is worthless! Cheap locks are often a false economy, but even top-quality locks need some occasional care and attention.
