Master Lock Pink Covered Aluminum Keyed Padlock with Steel Shackle, Lock for Gym or School Locker with 1-9/16 Inch Lock Body, 146D

A compact, colorful padlock that punches above its weight

I’ve been rotating this pink Master Lock padlock through a few everyday jobs—gym locker, basement storage cage, and an outdoor deck box—to see where it shines and where it falls short. It’s not a high-security brute, and it doesn’t pretend to be. What it does offer is reliable, low-fuss protection in a compact, easy-to-spot package that’s more durable than its playful color might suggest.

Build quality and design

The body is aluminum wrapped in a vinyl jacket, so it’s light in the hand but doesn’t feel flimsy. The vinyl cover is more than cosmetic: it adds grip, protects painted surfaces from scuffs, and shrugs off moisture. The color-coded key heads are a nice touch for quick identification—small detail, genuinely useful.

The hardened steel shackle is where the lock gets its backbone. At 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick, it’s stout enough to deter casual cutters, and the 7/8 inch (22 mm) clearance has fit every gym hasp, locker latch, and small hasp I’ve thrown at it. The shackle width is about 13/16 inch (21 mm), which matters if you’re working with thicker eyelets; in typical locker and storage applications, it’s been a non-issue.

The body is a 1-9/16 inch (40 mm) class, with overall dimensions roughly 2.4 inches tall by 1.8 inches wide and 0.69 inches deep. In pocket terms, it disappears into a small pouch or the corner of a gym bag without adding noticeable weight.

Inside, the lock uses a four-pin cylinder with dual locking levers. That combination is fairly standard for a padlock at this size and price. It resists basic raking and casual prying, and the dual locking setup helps keep the shackle seated on both sides if someone tries to twist it out. This isn’t a pick-proof or pry-proof design, but it’s better than the no-name alternatives I’ve used for the same jobs.

Day-to-day use

Operation has been consistent. The key turns smoothly, the shackle pops with a positive click, and it snaps shut without needing the key inserted. That last part matters when you’re closing a locker quickly between sets or packing up after practice—just press down and you’re locked.

The small lock body makes it easy to manipulate with cold or wet hands, and the vinyl jacket gives it a touch of tactility. I also appreciate that the shorter shackle keeps the lock from dangling and rattling around, especially on thin locker doors or wire-mesh cages.

As with any padlock, fit is everything. The 7/8 inch shackle clearance is perfect for standard locker and hasp hardware, but if you’re trying to lock a thick chain or an oversized hasp staple, you’ll hit limits quickly. Measure your hardware before you commit; if your setup is chunky, a longer-shackle model will be a better match.

Security: appropriate for the job

In my testing, the security is what I’d call “credible deterrent” for everyday environments. The steel shackle and dual-locking design protect against quick pries with a screwdriver or shim attempts on one side of the shackle. The four-pin core provides basic pick resistance; it’s not high-security, but it’s a meaningful step above bargain-bin locks.

To keep expectations reasonable:
- The 1/4 inch shackle won’t stand up to large bolt cutters in determined hands.
- The aluminum body prioritizes light weight over brute-force resistance.
- If you’re securing expensive tools in a high-theft area, you’ll want a thicker shackle and a more advanced cylinder.

For gym lockers, school lockers, storage totes, and small sheds or deck boxes in average-risk settings, this padlock lands in the sweet spot: enough resistance to make a casual opportunist move on, without the cost or weight of heavy-duty hardware.

Weather performance

I left the lock on an outdoor deck box through sun, rain, and a few temperature swings. The vinyl jacket didn’t fade or peel, and I saw no rust on the shackle or exposed hardware. The keyway didn’t bind or get gritty, which often happens with cheaper locks after a single storm. In a damp locker room, it’s been similarly trouble-free—no sticking, no grinding.

As with all keyed padlocks, a touch of dry PTFE or graphite lubricant in the keyway a couple of times a year helps keep things smooth. If you’re near saltwater, rinse and dry after heavy exposure and re-lube; the corrosion resistance is solid for its class, but salt is relentless.

Where it fits best

This padlock is at its best in the following scenarios:
- Gym or school lockers where quick locking and compact size matter.
- Storage cages and wire-mesh lockers with standard hasps.
- Outdoor deck or patio boxes, garden sheds, and gates in typical residential settings.
- Travel cases or gear totes where you want visible identification and basic security.

I wouldn’t choose it for:
- High-value equipment in a shared or high-risk area.
- Thick chains, oversized hasps, or hardware requiring a longer shackle.
- Environments where locks routinely face aggressive attacks or heavy vandalism.

Ergonomics and small touches

A few thoughtful details add up:
- The pink finish is easy to spot in a row of black and silver hardware, which actually speeds up grab-and-go moments.
- The included two keys (with matching colored heads) reduce the odds of mixing them up with others on your ring.
- The lock closes with a confident snap, and the compact body doesn’t clang around or mar painted surfaces.

One note: the lighter-aluminum body is great for portability, but it’s not the same “brick” feeling you get from a thick brass or laminated steel lock. For the intended tasks, I prefer the lighter weight.

Value

Considering the construction, weather tolerance, and smooth operation, the price-to-performance is strong. You can definitely spend less on a no-name lock, but in my experience those savings show up quickly as sticky keyways, surface rust, and inconsistent tolerances. This one has behaved consistently and avoided the usual early failures.

Tips for choosing and using

• Measure your hasp: the 7/8 inch shackle clearance and 13/16 inch shackle width are the gating dimensions.
• Keep a spare key away from your primary key ring—glove box, wallet, or gym bag pocket.
• If you leave it outdoors, lube the keyway twice a year; a tiny spritz makes a big difference over time.
• For shared access, consider a key management plan early; this is a keyed (not combination) lock, so duplication and storage of spares matter.

Pros and cons

Pros:
- Compact, light, and easy to handle
- Hardened steel shackle with dual locking for solid basic security
- Vinyl jacket resists scratches and adds grip; color is easy to spot
- Weather performance has been reliable in humid and rainy conditions
- Snaps closed without a key; smooth key action
- Good value for everyday protection

Cons:
- Four-pin cylinder and 1/4 inch shackle are not high-security
- Shackle clearance limits use on thicker hardware
- Aluminum body trades some brute-force resistance for lighter weight

Recommendation

I recommend this pink Master Lock padlock for everyday, low- to moderate-risk tasks—gym and school lockers, storage cages, and outdoor boxes—where you want a compact, weather-capable lock that works reliably and doesn’t weigh you down. It’s easy to use, resists the typical wear-and-tear of humid locker rooms and rainy patios, and offers credible deterrence for casual threats. If you need high-security protection or have oversized hardware to lock, look for a thicker shackle and a more advanced core. Otherwise, this one hits the practical sweet spot with a welcome splash of color.