Home Security Comparisons · Reviewed October 15, 2026
Master Lock 141D vs ABUS 55/40: Which Keyed Padlock?
These compact keyed padlocks have nearly matching shackle clearances. Master Lock wraps an aluminum body in vinyl; ABUS uses solid brass and a self-locking shackle.
Best for
Buyers fitting a compact keyed padlock to a locker, cabinet, toolbox, bag or similarly low-risk closure after measuring the actual hasp opening.
Probably not for
High-security gates, bicycles, vehicle security, lockout-tagout, restricted key systems, insurance-rated installations or any application that exceeds the maker guidance.
Specifications at a glance
| Detail | Master Lock 141D | ABUS 55/40 |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Vinyl-covered solid aluminum | Solid brass |
| Body width | 1-9/16 in / 40 mm | 1-1/2 in / 38 mm |
| Shackle material | Hardened steel | Hardened steel |
| Shackle diameter | 1/4 in / 6 mm | 1/4 in / 6.5 mm |
| Vertical clearance | 7/8 in / 22 mm | 55/64 in / 22 mm |
| Horizontal clearance | 13/16 in / 21 mm | 53/64 in / 21 mm |
| Cylinder / locking | Four-pin cylinder; dual locking levers | Precision pin tumbler with mushroom counter pins; self-locking shackle |
| Exact model | 141D, keyed different | 55/40, keyed different |
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Master Lock Vinyl-Covered Solid Body Padlock (141D)
A 40 mm solid aluminum padlock with a black vinyl body cover, 6 mm hardened-steel shackle, four-pin cylinder and two locking levers. The published opening is 22 mm high by 21 mm wide.
Pros
- Vinyl-covered body can reduce scratching where the lock contacts a bag or cabinet
- Exact shackle opening closely matches the ABUS for fit planning
- Manufacturer explicitly positions 141D for basic, low-risk residential applications
Cons
- Aluminum body differs from the solid brass construction of ABUS
- Black body can hide which compact Master Lock model is being offered
- Basic-security positioning makes it a poor substitute for a higher-security lock
Who it’s for: Choose 141D when its vinyl-covered aluminum body and published low-risk applications suit the closure. Skip it for a specification that requires brass, a restricted keyway or a higher security class.
Check Master Lock Vinyl-Covered Solid Body Padlock (141D) on Amazon Paid linkABUS Solid Brass Padlock (55/40)
A compact solid-brass padlock with a 6.5 mm hardened-steel shackle, non-corrosive internal components, precision pin tumbler cylinder and push-to-lock shackle. Its opening is 22 mm high by 21 mm wide.
Pros
- Solid brass body and non-corrosive internal components are documented
- Self-locking action closes by pressing down the shackle
- Manufacturer publishes a current dimensional drawing and exact technical sheet
Cons
- Bare brass can mark or contact the surrounding hardware directly
- ABUS product-family names include several widths and long-shackle variants that look similar
- ABUS security levels should not be compared numerically with another brand scale
Who it’s for: Choose 55/40 when solid brass, the push-to-lock action and the exact 38 mm body width match the job. Skip it if a soft exterior cover or a larger shackle opening is required.
Check ABUS Solid Brass Padlock (55/40) on Amazon Paid linkFit the hasp before comparing security language
A compact padlock only works if the shackle can pass through the full hardware stack and still close without binding. Master Lock publishes a 22 mm vertical opening and 21 mm horizontal opening for 141D. ABUS publishes the same 22 mm by 21 mm opening for 55/40, although its shackle is listed at 6.5 mm rather than 6 mm. Measure the hasp hole, material thickness and any offset between parts instead of relying on the nominal 40 mm product label.
Leave enough clearance for the shackle to rotate into position, but avoid treating unused space as harmless. A loose fit can permit movement and expose more shackle. Neither maker specification proves performance on a particular door, gate or container. If the application has a required rating, insurer rule, facility standard or manufacturer-approved lock type, that requirement takes priority over this general comparison.
The body materials solve different practical problems
Master Lock describes 141D as a solid aluminum body with a vinyl cover. The cover provides a softer contact surface around painted cabinets, bags and other finishes, and the black coating makes the body easy to grip. It is still important to check surrounding clearance because the cover occupies space and can be damaged by sharp hasp edges. A cover is not evidence that the entire lock is sealed against every environment.
ABUS makes the 55/40 body from solid brass and lists non-corrosive materials for the internal components. Brass leaves the lock body directly exposed to the hardware, which may be acceptable on a steel cabinet but less desirable against a finished surface. The current ABUS sheet lists a 13 mm body depth and 60 mm overall height, while Master Lock does not publish an overall height on the cited product page. Do not infer a durability winner without a shared test.
The shackles are close in size, not identical in construction claims
Both manufacturers specify a hardened-steel shackle. Master Lock lists a 1/4-inch, or 6 mm, diameter. ABUS lists 1/4 inch in the U.S. sheet and 6.5 mm in the metric sheet. That half-millimeter difference can matter at a tight opening, so use the more conservative measurement when checking the ABUS fit. The locks share published clearance, but that does not make their shackles interchangeable or establish equal resistance to cutting, prying or weather.
Inspect the hasp as carefully as the lock. Thin sheet metal, exposed screws or a large loose loop can remain the easier point of attack. Close the empty hasp first, measure the aligned hole and look for sharp edges that could cut a vinyl cover or obstruct the keyway. If the opening barely accepts a 6 mm rod, neither product should be ordered until the manufacturer dimensions and actual hardware are reconciled.
Cylinder and closing behavior change the daily routine
Master Lock specifies a four-pin cylinder and dual locking levers. ABUS specifies a precision pin tumbler cylinder with mushroom counter pins. These are manufacturer descriptions, not results from a common picking or attack test, so this guide does not rank the cylinders. Keyway shape, key control, tolerances and the surrounding installation all affect real use and cannot be reduced to the number of pins.
The ABUS 55/40 is self-locking: press the shackle down to close it without inserting the key. That is convenient for repeated cabinet or locker use, but the user should still pull the body after closing to confirm engagement. Follow the exact 141D instructions and likewise verify closure. Never assume a click means the entire hasp is aligned or that a partly engaged shackle is secure.
Keying terms need to match the intended system
The exact models linked here are keyed-different retail products. That means the supplied key is intended for its lock, not for another randomly purchased unit. Facilities managing several doors may need keyed-alike, master-keyed or restricted-key products ordered through an authorized channel. Do not build a multi-lock system by assuming that two units with the same retail model will share keys.
Record the model and any maker key information in a secure place separate from the lock. Master Lock and ABUS have different replacement and keying programs, and eligibility can depend on the exact product and key code. Avoid posting key photos or codes publicly. If losing a key would create a safety or access problem, plan authorized backup access before installing either lock.
Use the manufacturers stated application range as a boundary
Master Lock labels 141D as basic security for low-risk environments and lists bags, cabinets and related personal uses. ABUS describes 55/40 for basic protection on items such as cabinets, lockers, toolboxes, doors and sheds. Those examples help define the category, but they are not a promise that every installation is suitable. A shed containing expensive equipment can present a different risk from an indoor locker even if both accept the same shackle.
Neither compact lock should be treated as bicycle security, vehicle security, life-safety hardware or a lockout-tagout device unless the exact manufacturer literature explicitly approves that use. Workplace and rental-property requirements can be more specific. Consider lighting, exposure, monitoring, hardware strength and the consequence of forced entry. A more appropriate hasp or lock class may matter more than choosing between these two bodies.
Choose the body and closing action, then verify the listing
Choose Master Lock 141D when a vinyl-covered aluminum body, 40 mm width and clearly stated basic residential positioning fit the closure. Choose ABUS 55/40 when a solid-brass body, non-corrosive internal components and push-to-lock action are the more useful attributes. Their shackle clearances are effectively matched, so body construction and operation are the clearer differentiators. No attack test, security ranking or longevity conclusion is claimed.
The verified Amazon ASINs are B00004Y8C6 for Master Lock 141D and B005UM98YM for the keyed-different ABUS 55/40. Confirm the title, exact model and single-lock configuration at checkout because both brands sell multipacks, keyed-alike sets and long-shackle variants. This guide makes no price, stock, theft-prevention guarantee, picking-resistance measurement or personal-testing claim.
Official sources and further reading
Sources reviewed on October 15, 2026. Prices, availability and terms can change; recheck before buying.
- Master Lock: current 141D body, shackle, cylinder, security positioning and dimensions
- ABUS: current 55/40 construction, locking action, applications and dimensions
- ABUS: 2026 U.S. 55/40 technical sheet and dimensional data
- Amazon: exact Master Lock 141D listing and ASIN identity
- Amazon: exact ABUS 55/40 keyed-different listing and ASIN identity
Commission disclaimer
This article contains affiliate links. If you buy or sign up through one of them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. That commission does not change the price you pay or the criteria used in this guide. Product details, prices, availability, and terms can change, so confirm the current information on the linked page before buying.