New to this, been researching options for first cage. After advice, leaning towards a stainless steel model for a number of reasons but one of the main ones is cleanliness - read that you can wear them in the shower etc. So silly question - what about the padlock - don't they rust. Just thinking of padlocks I have had outside on sheds and gates and no matter the model they have always rusted to a degree. Okay with the cage you will be drying it but you can only dry so much. Cheers, Nigel
Most padlocks are made of brass and won't rust. The thing with padlocks is, they clink against the cage. Some tape or elastic bands wrapped around it generally does the job. However, tape will lose its stick when wet. If you eventually go down the custom made road, get a security screw, although slightly harder to tighten and remove than a padlock maybe the urge would have gone by the time it's off. Just my opinion for what it's worth.
Never seen a padlock made soley from brass - wouldn't be very secure - brass is a soft metal. The shackle and internal lock parts are more likely to be steel - hopefully stainless steel but even that rusts if it is not marine grade. I guess a regular drop of oil would be the best defence against rust. Cheers, Nigel
Navy surplus might have an all brass padlock, My USN duffel bag had one. I think if your going to cut thru a lock shackle..... it really does not matter if it's steel or brass. I have a MASTER LOCK I believe a " 120B " the body is brass , and it's been in salt water, fresh water and in all extreme temperature conditions without any problems. A shot of WD-40 and it looks and works like new.