MASTER LOCK BIOMETRIC PADLOCK

£129 Modern tech on a classic padlock

Shared bike storage solutions can be fraught with irritation if you, your co-workers, housemates or partner misplace the key. That’s where Master Lock’s new padlock comes in as it has a biometric scanner that supports up to 10 people’s fingerprints, doing away with the need for a key.

The Biometric padlock is recommended for outdoor general purpose use (sheds, gates and so on) and has a weather cover for protection. The shackle is made of boron alloy, for maximum resistance to sawing, and is 9mm thick and gives 51mm vertical clearance. The metal lock body is 56mm wide. The biometric scanner is backed up by a five-position directional code, which is activated by a ring of buttons around the fingerprint scanner, meaning trusted persons beyond the 10 fingerprint holders can also get access.

It’s powered by a CR2 coin battery that should last for two years before it needs replacing and a warning light shows when the battery is low. If you fear battery failure, there is a ‘jump start’ contact on the base. Simply press a 9V (PP3) battery against the contact and then use your fingerprint to unlock.

This clever problem solver isn’t cheap but it’s security rated at 8/10 by Master Lock and has a two-year warranty.

02 01 02 03 ALLEZ ALLOY The padlock’s body is reinforced zinc alloy with a rubberised weather cover; the shackle is a generous 51mm tall x 41mm wide and is made from 9mm diameter boron steel. The sensor on the body can recognise up to 10 fingerprints or you can use a fiveposition code with the ring control around the lock pad as back-up. The biometric padlock is rated for all weather and outdoor use, perfect for your bike store, shed or even pairing with a cable or chain. MANY HANDS GRE AT OU T DOORS