What Is the Small Hole on a Padlock for?

January 2, 2025, 4:08 pm | Read time: 2 minutes

A padlock is a practical thing, for example, if you want to lock the cellar compartment or the garden shed. Some people also hang the locks on bridges to show their love. Perhaps you have already noticed that there is a tiny hole next to the slot for the key. What’s it all about?

It’s often the little things in everyday life that we give little thought to – or we don’t even notice them. Have you ever noticed the small hole on the underside of the padlock next to the slot? This not only fulfills one important function but two. You can find out what it is in this article.

The Function of the Hole in the Padlock

As padlocks are sometimes used outdoors, it can quickly happen that water gets inside. This could lead to rust, causing the locking mechanism to stop working or the spring that pushes the shackle upwards to jam.

In the cold winter months, the water that has penetrated can also freeze. If you then want to unlock the garden shed in which the snow shovel is located, the ice in the lock can be damaging. However, the water flows out of the lock through the small hole and does not cause any damage – neither through corrosion nor through icing.

Anja Würfl

There Is a Second Reason

“A lock contains a delicate mechanism that only works properly if it is oiled. And that’s also what the small hole in the padlock is for. A drop of oil can be inserted here to keep the mechanism smooth. Oil also protects against moisture in the lock.”

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Lubricate the Padlock Correctly

To oil the padlock, you should proceed as follows:

Apply a little oil to an old cloth.
Rub the padlock shackle and slot with the cloth.
Put a little oil in the hole in the padlock. To distribute the oil better, you can swivel the lock slightly and tap it on a hard surface.
Now insert the key into the slot and open and close it a few times.
Then, wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth and leave the lock to dry for a few hours.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@myhomebook.de.