What is That Little Hole At The Bottom of a Padlock For?

A padlock is a common object with a very important use. They are used by people for gates, toolboxes, bicycle storage, and outdoor sheds. They are made to resist cuts and other attempts to harm them from the environment. They do, however, contain a hidden feature—a little hole on the bottom—that has a very important function.

Fulfilling a Crucial Role “Image Source: Ray Shrewsberry | Pixabay”

One surefire method to prevent your possessions from being stolen is to use a padlock. They’re a metal tool that’s little but powerful. Padlocks are therefore vulnerable to corrosion due to weather extremes and water damage. Luckily, water can escape through a little secret hole built into the bottom of them. This keeps the padlock from rusting and increases its useful life.

A substitute for the padlock hole. Photo courtesy of Master Lock

Although the tiny hole feature of the padlock was originally groundbreaking, there are also padlocks that are waterproof available. This design guarantees that a padlock will consistently keep your possessions safe throughout the entire year.

An Additional Rationale for the Padlock Design

The little hole on the bottom of a padlock has a purpose beyond just keeping it from rusting. Even with the right code or key, there are situations where the padlock becomes stuck or impossible to open. Therefore, to facilitate the padlock’s opening, a synthetic lubricant can be applied to the hole.

Other Commonplace Items With “Hidden Features”

woman looking at phone in surprise — *Image Credit: Shutterstock*

Padlocks aren’t the only thing that has been designed with secret or hidden features. Here are a few other handy items that serve multiple purposes.

Screwdrivers as Wrenches

A screwdriver inside of a wrench. Car engine in the background.

Not everything that has been created with secret or hidden characteristics is a padlock. These are some additional useful multipurpose products.

Using screwdrivers as wrenches

Color swatches and buttons against a white background.

Auto repair knowledge is a useful talent, particularly in light of the growing number of automobiles on the road. However, the majority of mechanics concur that maintaining the microscopic spaces and crevices in cars can make working on them difficult. Thankfully, most screwdrivers can be made smaller by sliding them inside a wrench.

A color swatch was once included with clothing. Few people understand why, yet some still do, depending on their materials and quality. There are several causes. Initially, when garments are torn or damaged, these swatches facilitate the process of color-matching materials or threads. These color swatches can also be used to see how specific materials, such laundry soap, will affect the color of the item. Those tiny swatches are essentially a test piece of fabric that matches the ensemble, allowing the customer to know how to take care of their clothes.

Because of its antimicrobial properties, brass is a common metal for doorknobs, stair railings, padlocks, and other items that people frequently come into contact with.

Many times, people forget which side of their car the gas tank is located on. Fortunately, automakers have taken that into consideration and included a reminder sign. The indicator usually has a triangle shape, is located close to your gas gauge, and indicates the right side.

A Logo Serves Two Purposes

A ketchup bottle on its side. White background.

The Heinz 57 label can be found on a variety of sauces, such as steak sauce and ketchup, but it serves more purposes than just emphasizing the logo. Surprisingly, it also acts as a point of reference for where to tap the bottle to make sure the sauce flows freely.

Padlocks and the other items on the above list are only a couple of the many amazing inventions and designs that have been made to make life more simple and easy.