BEST B Series Padlocks: 11B, 21B or 41B, Shackle Codes, Key Retained or Not, and Chain Options

You need a padlock that works with the keys of your BEST system, and an earlier order lists a number such as 21B772-L-M5. That number carries the answers in a few characters: the size of the padlock, the shackle height, the key function and the chain. The codes below come from BEST's current B Series Padlocks catalog and its PL78 parts and ordering list.

11B, 21B or 41B: which BEST padlock size

The series gives the shackle diameter. All three cases are machined from solid extruded brass, carry the standard 626 satin chromium plated finish and are 2-1/16 inches long.

The cases are 25/32, 13/16 and 7/8 inch thick, in the same order. On all three the shackle locks at both heel and toe, and the width of the shackle opening is 7/8 inch. The catalog lists ASTM F883 grades by series: Grade 3 for the 11B with a stainless steel shackle, Grade 4 for the 21B with a stainless steel shackle, and for the 41B Grade 3 with a stainless steel shackle or Grade 4 with the XSPL cut resistant shackle.

Does a BEST padlock take the same core as BEST locks?

For most of the BEST line, yes. The catalog puts a standard removable core at the heart of every BEST padlock and calls it interchangeable throughout most of the BEST product line, which lets BEST locks of any type, size or style be masterkeyed into one system. The 7 after the series is the core housing, which the order chart describes as a 7-pin housing that accepts all BEST cores. BEST's B Series sell sheet gives the keying as 7-pin SFIC.

Our SFIC vs LFIC guide explains the core, the housing and the control key, and our BEST 9K and 45H guide reads the core housing code in two BEST lock numbers. PL78 offers each size complete with a combinated core or less core, and asks for the keymark and number of keys, or L/C for less core. Cores sold on their own are on our interchangeable cores and housings page.

BEST padlock shackle height codes

BEST measures the shackle height from the top of the case to the inside of the shackle, with the padlock locked. The code after the 7 gives both the height and the shackle material:

PL78 uses the same codes for the 11B, 21B and 41B. The 21B also has code 21, a 1 inch shackle opening that comes only with the shroud option described below. Read the code as one block after the 7. An 11B72 has the 3/4 inch shackle (code 2), while an 11B772 has the 2 inch one (code 72).

Key retained (T) or non-key retained (L)

The function letter comes right after the shackle code. BEST lists T as key retained and L as non-key retained, and offers both on every size, the shrouded 21B included. Its documents name the two functions without describing them. To match padlocks you already have, take the letter from the earlier order. Our 21B722-T and 21B722-L are the same 5/16 inch padlock with a 1-1/2 inch stainless steel shackle. Only the last letter changes.

Chain options: M, M1, M5 and M/CR

The chain code follows the function letter. PL78 gives four:

• M: case drilled, no clevis or chain
• M1: clevis with bronze chain
• M5: clevis with galvanized steel chain
• M/CR: clevis only

The catalog gives 9 inches as the standard chain length, with special lengths on request, and its 21B and 41B charts describe the M5 chain as galvanized steel with a grey polycoating. Its 11B chart limits M1 to brass padlocks. PL78 adds that chains are not available on cable padlocks, on padlocks with a weather cover or on the shrouded 21B.

Reading BEST padlock numbers on our pages

Our product pages sometimes add hyphens, as in 11B722-L. All four numbers below have the 7-pin core housing:

• 11B722-L: 11B (1/4 inch shackle), code 22 (1-1/2 inch stainless steel shackle), L (non-key retained).
• 11B782T: 11B, code 82 (4 inch stainless steel shackle), T (key retained).
• 21B772-L-M5: 21B (5/16 inch shackle), code 72 (2 inch stainless steel shackle), L, M5 galvanized steel chain.
• 41B722T: 41B (3/8 inch shackle), code 22 (1-1/2 inch stainless steel shackle), T.

Other options on the B Series order chart

A selection from the catalog's charts. The option code goes at the end of the number.

The weather cover is molded PVC. The car seal slot is cut in the case below the core, and with it the catalog requires a special long blade key for 7-pin systems. The frangible shackle (11B720 only, a 1-1/2 inch brass shackle) is designed for fire and safety equipment and cabinets and can be snapped in an emergency by a hard blow or strong, steady pressure; the catalog adds a reminder to check lock regulations.

The shrouded 21B (option SH, shackle code 21) has a cast stainless steel shroud with a black powder-coated finish, a through hardened shackle and the same internal components and body as the standard 21B. It takes no special stamp, and BEST states that it meets ASTM F883 Grade 4, and Grade 6 for cut resistance.

Repairing a BEST padlock

The catalog has a repair and parts page for the 11B, 21B and 41B series. It says the padlocks can be repaired and worn parts replaced, and its exploded views of a standard brass padlock and of the shrouded 21B name the parts, among them the shackle, shackle spring, steel pin, steel ball bearings, locking cam, throw member and interchangeable core. The page gives no part numbers for them. For repair instruction the catalog refers readers to local BEST offices.

BEST padlocks at The Builders Supply

Browse BEST products and our padlocks and hasps. Finish numbers such as 626 and 606 are explained in our finish codes chart. Master Lock padlocks use a numbering of their own, covered in our Master Lock padlock parts and keys guide.

Have the full padlock number ready when you call. Our customer support team is available Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM Central Time, at 1-888-800-7789 or [email protected].