Master Lock Black Combination Padlock, Set Your Own Combo Lock, Weather Resistant Indoor and Outdoor Padlock with Code for Gym Locker, Gate, Shed, 178D

I beams out in my yard and noticed the two padlocks on my gates. I open them about 4 or 5 times a year and don’t oil the padlock or do any maintenance. They’re just left out in the weather year round and they always work. When I saw them today I realized it had been a long time since I bought them and thought how nice it is that a product actually lasts and I don’t have to think about it ever, much less replace it. So I looked it up and I bought both in August 2018 and here it is almost 7 years later and they still work great and don’t show any signs of wear besides some minor fading. That is what I call a fine product and there aren’t too many out there nowadays since everything became disposable, so I wanted to write this long overdue review since it’s so remarkable to me. Now I will say, they cost $9.49 back in 2018 so the price has doubled, which isn’t great, but that’s the way of things too nowadays so there’s no sense complaining I’m just really happy there are a few solid products still being made out there, and this lock is definitely one of them.

This is a review of the Master Lock 178D Set Your Own Combo Padlock. I will do my normal list of specs-cool features and then list a summary as to my thoughts after using. -This is made of die cast metal and has a black finish to help protect it from the outside elements.) -It has a 2” wide die cast case and a 1” shackle. Diameter of the shackle is 5/16”. -Comes with 1 change key. -Operate by using a four digit number combination you set. -Unlike a lot of locks, this is a very well built solid lock designed for outdoor use. -To use, enter the combo and push down the shackle and then pull it up to unlock. Summary – I am using these on my two sheds. The combo is easy to set. You simply unlock the lock – open the shackle, insert the key – turn 90 degrees, set the combo of your choice and then remove the key. I really like this feature as I wanted my two sheds to have the same combo so I do not forget and for simplicity. The movement of the dials has a slight clicking and bump feel as you move the numbers vs. being an easy roll. (Might get smoother with time.) I like this as it is easy to lock your digits in and know they are aligned right. Whatever you do, do not forget the combo. The key is only for changing the code and will not open the lock. I am very happy with this lock and all master locks in general so far. Good make and reliable. Highly recommend.

Good product and quality

We lock our front and back gates with these locks. They are in the elements, unprotected from sun/rain. The last ones (same model) were in service since 1994(!), and were good reliable easy to use locks. They were 'used' (unlocked/locked) several times a week. I decided to replace them because the numbers on the combination wheels were becomming a bit corroded and difficult to read, they were getting more difficult to turn (not that bad though), and the lock mecahnism wasn't working as well as it used to. Sometimes the lock didn't latch when locking, and you had to bang it on the gate to get it to latch. I tried lubricating the locks with triflow, which helped for a couple weeks, but then became stingy again. I thought that after 19 years, I could afford to buy a couple more. So I've been using the two replacements for a month now, and they're great. The numbers are easier to read, the wheels are easy to turn, and the lock mechanism works perfectly. I assume these will last ~20 years like the last set. By the way, it's a bit counter-intuitive, but to open the lock, set the dials to the combination, then push the shackle *IN* to disengage the lock. Some people set the number, then pull, but that's not it works.

Have purchased 20 + of these locks. Love the ability to customize combination. Secure and Durable. Only issue if locks are are used outside in upward or harsh weather conditions numbers wear out and begin to stick.

Have a few of these outdoors (in Phoenix heat) on various things and most importantly my tool shed. They work great and I like not having to keep track of keys. My oldest of the locks saw roughly 5 years of shed door duty and I just recently replaced it after the locking mechanism began acting up on a consistent basis — issue was occurring after scrambling the combo it should lock closed with a simple press but it was no longer catching the mechanism without holding the shackle into lock body and then would have to proceed to scramble the combo at the same time for it to catch, still worked but got tired of it and finally just replaced. Haven't noticed signs of rust on any of them at any point. Maybe once a year I spurt some silicone lubricating spray into the mechanism to keep the action smooth. Definitely recommend, it’s a solid lock at a good price point.

Going on 5yrs of outdoor use in New England with 3 of these locks. No corrosion issues but can freeze up in winter. A good soaking spray of WD40 can help prevent that though. Only complaint is that it can be difficult to see the numbers at times

Love these, nice to change combination from time to time. We make the # same on all our locks. No key to loose or not have handy when you need to open.

I frequent the gym 5 days a week and in doing so, you become more exposed to potential theft. Unfortunately, our gym discovered that someone was using bolt cutters to cut locks and steal belongings from customers whilst they worked out. All the lockers that were targeted had a cheap lock made out of inferior material and thin shackle, so I decided to purchase a superior lock just in-case I would become the next target. I have been using the Master Lock 178D for 3 days so far and I am very impressed with the quality of the lock. The material/durability is exception for the price you pay and programming the lock is a breeze - it took me 2 minutes. In addition, the shackle is thick enough to discourage a thief, as it would take a significant amount of effort to cut this lock. Overall, I am very satisfied with the security and experiencing using this lock and would highly recommend it. You can't go wrong for $20 and prime 2 day shipping!

This is a light and smallish look, with the shackle about 1-inch (thumb-tip to thumb-knuckle) across. A determined thief will kill it with a bolt cutter without too many problems, but as a casual deterrent it'll do a great job. The combination mechanism is in the bottom of the lock, with a small plastic "skirt" around it that will direct water away from the mechanism unless you install the lock the wrong way up! It's also quite neat in that it will only re-lock after you have scrambled the access code. If you try to close the lock with your desired combination still set, it'll refuse to lock. You can't click it closed but inadvertently leave it openable just with a pull. Setting or altering the combination involves a separate side key that is used to override the security mechanism - provided you have entered your existing code first. You will need to keep this side-key safe somewhere. Value for money, yes! We have other Master locks and they work well even after years in the elements. It's a bit bulky compared to a key lock, but seems solid enough.

Necesitaba un candado confiable para el locker del gimnasio ya que los que uno compra en cualquier ferretería o supermercado a veces son fáciles de romper o abrir, en este caso ya había usado candados de la marca Master por lo que sé que son de calidad, este me gustó porque es de combinación así que no tengo que preocuparme por si pierdo la llave, además de que le puedes personalizar la combinación que tú quieras con una especie de llave que viene incluida, eso sí, es algo pesado y de grosor, pueden ver el tamaño con relación a una moneda de 5 pesos, pero por lo mismo se nota la calidad del metal, definitivamente satisfecho con la compra, y como tiene superficie plana al frente y por detrás le puedes poner algún sticker como lo hice yo para ubicarlo más fácilmente entre los casilleros del gimnasio. Lo compraría de nuevo y además me salió en oferta.

The Lock is of Very Good Quality...Heavy and Strong....This is the first time I ever purchased such a good lock...

Very robust