National Hardware N102-855 V32 Swivel Staple Safety Hasp in Zinc Plated

A compact hasp that gets the details right

I don’t usually expect much from a hasp beyond “opens, closes, takes a padlock,” but after installing National Hardware’s swivel hasp on a storage cabinet and a shed door, I found myself appreciating how the small design choices add up. This is a 3-1/4-inch, zinc‑plated, swivel‑staple safety hasp—simple on paper, but with a few thoughtful touches that make daily use easier and more secure than the average stamped option at the hardware aisle.

For clarity, I’ll refer to it as the National Hardware swivel hasp.

Build and design

The body is hot‑rolled steel with a ribbed leaf that noticeably stiffens the plate. Under hand pressure, there’s none of the flex you get with thinner, flat hasps. The zinc plating is even, with clean edges and no burrs—important both for corrosion resistance and for the way the leaf closes smoothly against the staple plate.

The signature feature is the swivel staple held by a spring washer. That sounds minor, but in practice it’s a big quality-of-life upgrade: the staple doesn’t flop around. It stays where you place it, so lining it up with the hasp eye is fast, and you can lock or unlock with one hand without chasing the staple. When closed, the leaf fully covers the mounting screws, which is a must for basic tamper resistance.

The 3-1/4-inch size is small and tidy—ideal for cabinets, chests, utility doors, or a shed with tight stiles. If you’re trying to span a large gap or secure a heavy gate with wide trim, you’ll want a longer hasp.

Installation experience

Out of the box, mine included matching screws, and they seat flush under the leaf. I mounted one on a plywood storage cabinet and another on a pine shed door with a fir jamb. Here’s what worked well:

• Dry-fit first. Because the staple swivels, you can position it to accommodate slight misalignments, but take a minute to mark hole locations with the leaf closed and the padlock you plan to use in place. That ensures the shackle clears cleanly.
• Predrill. For softwood, a 1/16- to 3/32-inch pilot keeps the screws from splitting edges and pulls the plate snug.
• Back up thin material. On 1/2-inch plywood, I added a small backer plate inside and used longer wood screws. Concealed screws are only as secure as the substrate.
• Leaf on the door, staple on the jamb. That orientation keeps the concealed screws on the moving side and the staple on the more solid frame.

Everything aligned easily. The swivel staple’s spring tension is firm enough to hold position as you mark and drive screws, which saves a hand.

Day-to-day use

The daily interaction is where this hasp stands out. The swivel action is smooth, and the spring washer keeps the staple parked right where you want it, so you’re not wrangling parts. The leaf closes with a positive feel and sits flat against the staple plate without rattling.

One-handed locking is genuinely practical. On the shed, I often have a bag or a leash in one hand; I can swing the leaf, rotate the staple into the eye, and snap a padlock closed with the other hand without fuss.

Padlock compatibility has been straightforward. The staple comfortably fits a typical medium-duty shackle. If you’re using an extra-thick shackle or a closed-shackle lock, check the shackle diameter before mounting; there’s no point installing a hasp you can’t lock with your preferred hardware.

Security considerations

No hasp is a silver bullet, and the National Hardware swivel hasp fits squarely in the light‑ to medium‑security category. A few points to keep in mind:

• Concealed screws are a real advantage. With the leaf closed, there’s no easy way to back the screws out.
• The hasp’s security ultimately depends on your padlock, the mounting surface, and the surrounding door hardware. A stout hasp on a flimsy door is still a weak system.
• For higher security, consider upgrading the fasteners. Use longer, high-quality screws into framing, or through-bolt with washers and nuts if the build allows.
• If the installation is fully exterior and you’re in a coastal or highly corrosive environment, zinc plating is serviceable but not invincible. Stainless or hot-dipped galvanized hardware would be longer-lived in salty air.

For most residential cabinets, utility closets, tool chests, and garden sheds, this hasp delivers appropriate security. If you’re protecting high‑value equipment or a detached building with no surveillance, you’ll likely want a heavier, larger hasp with a hardened staple—and pair it with a robust padlock.

Durability and weather resistance

After a couple of months of exposure on the shed, the zinc finish has held up well—no chalking or red rust, just the faint dulling that’s normal as zinc forms its protective patina. The spring washer hasn’t loosened; the swivel still has the right amount of tension. On the interior cabinet, it’s essentially unchanged from day one.

Zinc plating is a good middle ground: it resists corrosion better than plain steel without the premium of stainless. If you’re regularly blasting it with sprinklers or you live near the ocean, expect to do occasional maintenance—wipe down the hardware, and a light spritz of a corrosion inhibitor will extend its life.

Fit and size notes

At 3-1/4 inches overall, this is compact. That’s a plus for clean installs on narrow stiles or lid edges, but it does mean:

• It won’t bridge large gaps or misaligned surfaces well. Aim for flush or near-flush mounting.
• If your application has decorative trim, check that the leaf can swing fully without catching.
• The mounting footprint and screw spacing are modest; they’re secure in solid wood, but if you’re working with MDF, particleboard, or thin sheet metal, plan on reinforcement or through-bolting.

If you need more span or a beefier latch surface, step up to a larger hasp in the same style.

Tips to get the most from it

• Choose the right padlock. A lock with a shrouded or closed shackle improves cut resistance and makes the most of the concealed-screw design.
• Mount on solid stock. Hitting framing behind a door skin increases both security and longevity.
• Consider screw upgrades. Security screws or longer wood screws into studs make a meaningful difference with almost no added cost.
• Test with the lock in place during layout. Avoid surprises with shackle clearance or knuckle interference.
• Keep it clean. Periodically wipe away grime; a dab of light oil on the swivel interface keeps the action smooth.

Where it makes sense—and where it doesn’t

This swivel hasp shines on:

• Indoor cabinets and utility closets where you want quick, one‑handed locking and a tidy footprint.
• Storage chests and trunks, especially where a flopping staple would be annoying.
• Garden sheds and side doors that need basic weather resistance and concealed screws.

It’s less ideal for:

• Large gates or doors with wide reveals where a longer hasp is necessary.
• High‑risk locations where a hardened, heavy-duty hasp (and matching lock) is warranted.
• Coastal installs where stainless hardware is the better long-term choice.

Verdict

The National Hardware swivel hasp is a straightforward, well-executed piece of hardware. The hot‑rolled, ribbed leaf resists flex, the zinc plating is clean, and the concealed screws deliver the baseline tamper resistance a safety hasp should. The standout detail—the spring‑tensioned swivel staple—sounds small but materially improves everyday use. Installation is uncomplicated, and the included screws make it an out‑of‑the‑bag solution for most wood applications.

I recommend this hasp for light‑ to medium‑security needs on doors, cabinets, boxes, and sheds. It’s compact, sturdy for its size, easy to operate one‑handed, and appropriately weather‑resistant. If you need more reach, heavier security, or marine‑grade corrosion resistance, look to a larger or stainless variant. For everything else, this is a reliable, good‑value choice that gets the fundamentals right.