Master Lock Padlock, Set Your Own Word Combination Lock, 2-1/2 in. Wide, Black, 3 Pack,1534BLKEC3

So a Comedy of Errors caused me to have to order this random lock and if you need something just like this, it came exactly as appeared. I ordered the green and when I ordered it I was concerned that I was not going to be able to create the exact combinations of words and numbers that I needed because it was a replacement of another lock, but lockily (wink) this item comes with several interchangeable green dials with combinations of words and numbers and you set the lock by picking out exactly what combination of letters and numbers that you would like to have as the passcode and then you follow the instructions to set the lock! It worked as expected and it's very easy to operate and it's also quite easy to change the combination if you want it to be something different but you want to be able to use the same lock. That's kind of the beauty of this particular choice. It's not like you're going to lose the key, you know what I mean? As long as you have the code you can get into it and if for whatever reason you need to change access to something that you want to keep the same lock, all you have to do is very easily change the code. It'll be handy to have for use with a gate or for a seasonal Locker. It feels really safe and secure and it doesn't feel like you could cut through it very easily and the shackle fit well into the hinge lock that I used it for. It's also extremely visible because of the colors on the Tumblers and it's kind of nice that you could select different colors for different applications on the same site. It makes it easy to discern and leave instructions because you can reference the color. It seemed very sturdy and it definitely looks as it appears in the advertisement. Good value.

This lock is perfect for kids learning to read. You can create any word up to 5 letters and if you have a 3d printer you can print your own ring dials. (Thingiverse dot com search-> "Master Lock Word Dial")I personally use this when we go to the gym or when we go for a bike ride and just need to lock for an hour or so. I would not put this lock on something completely out of sight and unattended for long periods of time. If someone takes a hammer to the letters then they can open the lock without knowing the combination.

I've been using this lock for over a year and here are some tips for using it.1. If you ever leave the lock sitting around unlocked where people that you don't want to use the lock have a visual on the combo, make it a habit of changing the combo regularly and not just leaving the lock in plain view when not in use. (We use this on the work fridge and sometimes I'll notice some people scoping out the lock combo if it's sitting on the counter unlocked).2. Never store the lock in your gym back, backpack, purse, etc in the unlocked position because the end could possibly fall off resulting in the 4 plastic keys sliding off.3. If the above happens, simply align all the red dots (if necessary) that are printed on the lock and you can easily put the combo back together or use that as a good time to make a new combo.4. When the lock is unlocked do not move the combo otherwise you won't be able to close the lock. (It has to be on the combo to lock).5. Make it a habit that when you lock it spin all the dials so that the protruding parts stick out evenly in a row together so there is no easy way to just spin them all together and try to unlock it.6. Make sure no one is watching you when you lock the lock since it has to be aligned on the combo to lock.7. I find a great combo to set up and remember is to take the first 2 dials and use letters, then the second 2 dials and use those as numbers. Now for the letters set up a loved one, friend, or sport player's initials. For the second 2 dials set up that loved one or friend's birth year, for a sports player you can put their playing number, etc. This makes it easy to remember.8. Don't use this lock where it will be unattended for a very long period of time because someone could just cut the plastic off the dials and unlock it.I'm sure there are more but here are just a few helpful tips.