If you ever thought that that little hole in the lower part of the lock was there because someone in the factory had made the wrongs wrong, you are not the only one. A surprising number of people does not even wonder why they are there, until they find themselves blocked in the middle of an a downpour, with a rusty finding of the past, a symbol of safety. Well, the time has come to reveal the secret that these metal protections have been hiding for decades. Well yes, it has more to do with the resistance to the weather than with the style.
Locks They are designed to resist the weather, scratches, efforts and all the other threats that hide around your property. But they also have an Achilles heel: water. That’s why ingenious engineers have hidden a small opening in their intestine that acts like a secret superhero: it allows water to flow out, prevents rust and, if you know the right makeup, helps when the lock no longer wants to collaborate. Prepare to look at your old lock with a new respect (or at least with less custody in the rain).
Small hole, big reasons
That small hole in the lower part of the lock is for a reason. From an engineering perspective, it is you discharge holewhich allows you to flow the water from inside the lock. Why is it important? Because rust is for the locks what Kryptonite is for Superman: an invisible enemy that in the end destroys all the mechanisms, prevents the keys from turning and, ultimately, blocks your patience.
Most of the classic locks, especially those in brass or steel, have complex mechanisms with springs, cylinders and locations for the keys that must remain dry to work without problems. When the water penetrates inside through rain, snow or simply humidity, it can be trapped there, unless there is a place to flow. And here comes our heroine: the small hole.
This small detail contributes significantly to the duration of the locks, especially those that remain constantly outdoors: hanging on bicycles, garden houses, gates of garages, containers or even fences, where they are left at the mercy (and the implactable) nature. And even if they are only a few millimeters of opening, the effect is more than evident: the longer life of the lock, less faults and, of course, less replacement of the closing systems.
When the padlock “freezes” – and not in an emotional sense
In addition to its water drainage function, this hole has another role, a little less known: it allows the lubrication of the internal components of the lock. In the event that the lock is blocking, due to rust, cold, usury or simply too many years of service, it is possible to inject a synthetic lubricant (such as WD-40 or special lock oil).
This is actually a recommended practice when carrying out locks. Without having to open or dismantle the entire mechanism, it is possible to intervene precisely on the essential internal parts and make them go back to work without problems. In addition, some manufacturers even recommend lubricating regularly through this hole as part of the basic maintenance. So yes, this small hole is actually a miniature service point.
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And the intermper -resistant locks?
Of course, the development of technology did not stop at the hole. Today on the market there are intermper -resistant locks, made of stainless materials, with rubber seals and even plastic protections covering the lock as a waterproof. Often these locks do not have a hole, or this is hidden or protected, because their design prevents the water from the water from entering.
But anyway: if you use a classic metal lock, the lock is your best ally. It is the silent mechanic in the background that makes everything work without hitches, even when you forget about it.
Do not be fooled by its small size.
So, the next time you have a classic padlock in your hand designed to protect the valuable objects of your bike, do not watch that small hole in the bottom. It is not there by chance. It is the result of an intelligent engineering thought that combines functionality, durability and usability.
And if you have an old lock at home that no longer opens, give other chance. It may not be necessary to replace it, just a little lubricant and a light sprayed in the hole. But if you do, it recalls: even the smaller details sometimes solve the biggest problems.
