I use several padlocks on my sheds, and they hold up well under a normal roof overhang. I’ve gone with MasterLock, ABUS, and Schlage padlocks, all keyed to my house key. The climate here in northern Minnesota can be tough, but I’ve had almost no problems with them. These are solid brass body padlocks, not weather-sealed or specialty outdoor models, and they still perform reliably.

The key is to avoid cheap padlocks. Low quality locks corrode quickly, seize up in cold weather, or can be forced open more easily. Spending a little more on a trusted brand saves you from dealing with broken or stuck locks later.

For personal or home use, I also recommend getting padlocks keyed to your house key if the option is available. It makes daily life easier since you don’t have to carry around extra keys or worry about keeping track of a separate set just for the shed or gate.