FAQs
ACCOUNT & ORDER QUESTIONS
How do I log into my Commando Lock Account?
- If you're signed into your account, just head on over to Profile, which is located below My Account and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
I Forgot my password, what should I do?
- Select Sign In, which is located at the top right-hand side of CommandoLock.com, and click on "Forgot Your Password".
How do I unsubscribe from emails?
- Simply click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any Commando Lock email.
Where is my order?
- You can check your domestic order status and details by logging into your account. Tracking is available also.
Can I cancel or modify my order?
- We attempt to process and ship your order as quickly as possible. Please contact us as quickly as soon as possible if you need to modify or cancel your order. We are unable to cancel or modify upon your behalf after the order has shipped.
How long does it take to process my order?
- Please allow 1-5 business days for your order to be processed. Most shipments will take an additional 1-7 business days.
Why did I not receive an order confirmation?
- If you've checked your spam and trash folders and still cannot locate your confirmation or shipping emails, send us a quick request here.
Will I receive a notification and tracking on my order?
- Yes, you will. When your package is scanned by our shipping provider, it automatically sends you an email with the tracking number included. If you have any questions, please contact us here.
Where can I buy Commando Lock?
- We have several dealers throughout the United States. Our full product line is available on our website and Amazon also.
Where are Commando Locks manufactured?
- All of our locks are manufactured in our facility in Troy, MI USA. We buy steel and brass from US companies, we stamp the lock bodies, we make our own rivets, shackles and buy internal parts from US companies. We only source one piece of the lock overseas and some of our packaging is produced outside of the US. We make every effort to make and buy in America.
KEY QUESTIONS
I’ve lost my key. Can I get a new one?
- Commando locks each come with two keys. Keep one as a backup in case you need to make extra copies. As part of our security protocol, we do not give out key codes for lost and unregistered keys, if you have lost both keys your best bet is calling a locksmith, trying to remove (cut the lock) and get a new one if possible. Unfortunately, this is the challenging side of adhering to security guidelines, we can’t confidently send out new keys without fear of compromising someone’s lock (how could we confirm who the true owner is?)
What are keyed alike padlocks?
- Keyed alike padlocks are simply a group of padlocks that open with the same key. They are often sold in sets of 2 or 4 locks keyed alike.
Can I order keyed alike Commando locks?
- Commando offers keyed alike sets of 2 or 4 locks for sale at retail and online. Custom sets are available in volume by contacting us at sales@commandolock.com for consultation.
What is a keyway?
- A keyway is the shape of the locking cylinder as it relates to the shape of the key.
Why keyways do Commando Lock offer?
- Commando offers two keyways: M1 and Y52
Can I get new keys at my local hardware store?
- Yes! Both Commando keyways are industry standards that are available at any hardware store - M1 and Y52.
DESIGN QUESTIONS
The Commando lock has a unique shape. Why?
- We engineered our locks for maximum protection against hammer blows. The thicker walls protect the inner locking mechanism.
Commando locks are heavier. Why?
- Commando locks are about 15% heavier than other locks due to the shape of the lock. In other words, we added about 15% more material around the locking mechanism for highest security protection.
Are Commando locks stronger than their competitors?
- In a word, yes. The Commando method of manufacture creates the strongest laminated padlock body in the industry.
Why a dual ball locking mechanism?
- Ball locking is the minimum standard for high security.
- Locks both the heal and toe of the shackle for strength.
- Stronger than lever locking design.
- Cannot be shimmed, a popular bypassing technique.
- Designed for longest life.
How does a pin cylinder lock work?
- When the right key is inserted into a pin-and-tumbler lock, the notches of the key allow the spring-loaded pins to move up and down until they line up with the shear line between the core and the shell of the cylinder. When the pins align with the shear line, the cylinder can turn, and the lock will open.
How many pins does a padlock cylinder have?
- Padlock cylinders have Driver pins and Key pins. A 4-pin cylinder has 8 pins and a 5 pin cylinder has 10.
What is a High Security padlock Cylinder?
- Many padlocks have only 3 or 4 pin cylinders. A 5-pin cylinder with at least 1 security pin is the minimum acceptable design for high security applications.
What is a security pin?
- Security pins have special shapes machined into their designs to frustrate or defeat a lock picker. Pins can look like a spool of yarn, a mushroom or have serrated grooves.
- Security pins give the picker a “false set” that binds the lock instead of opening it. Multiple security pins mean multiple potential false sets.
Why up to 10 security pins?
- Commando is the only brand to offer 10 security pins at this price point
- Security pins offer more security over standard pins
- Against picking
- Against raking
- Against bumping
Do 10 security pins mean 10 times more security against picking, raking & bumping?
- If 1 security pin is more secure than none, then 10 security pins are potentially 10 times more secure than none.
Why stainless-steel springs inside the cylinder?
- Weather resistance
- Longer fatigue life than brass springs
Why no spring release on the shackle?
- Many padlocks have springs to hide sloppy manufacturing and design that present themselves as a loose shackle. The spring activated shackle is pushed into place making it feel secure.
- Commando locks are made to tight aerospace tolerances eliminating the need for a spring.
- Military specifications exclude springs as a requirement due to their propensity to fatigue, rust and bind
What is lead free brass? Why is it important?
- Brass is an alloy generally of copper, tin and zinc. Lead is often introduced into base materials to soften it for machining purposes. Unfortunately, lead has also been linked to cancer. Commando uses low lead containing brass (.07% max) that is designed for cold forming as a harder product.
Why are Commando lock shackles stronger?
- Commando boron alloy shackles are hardened to the core making them 50% tougher and stronger than case hardened shackles that have a hard outer shell (.015 thick) and a soft core.
Why is the Commando Tactical shackle guard stronger?
- The Commando Tactical shackle guard is made of hardened steel that cannot be cut with bolt cutters or a saw. It protects the shackle on all 4 sides making it 25% stronger than conventional locks that only protect 3 sides of the shackle.
iCHANGE
- Our patented interchangeable lock system - instructions below.
