Wordlock Pl-004-Bk 5-Dial Padlock, Black

I previously owned a Master-Lock version of this "spelling lock" that offered four-letter combinations, so I bought this five-letter lock assuming two things: that the letter-dials could be removed and rearranged to suit my preference, and that all the letters of the alphabet were represented at least once.

I was mistaken.

Here, in order, are the letters available to the user on each dial from left to right:

Dial 1:
A, L, S, W, B, P, F, M, D, T
Dial 2:
A, P, O, R, I, L, C, E, T, N
Dial 3:
A, N, U, T, O, S, E, R, I, L
Dial 4:
A, O, S, K, N, R, T, E, L, D
Dial 5:
E, R, L, S, N, T, H, Y, D, BLANK

You must spell your word on the fixed dials without rearranging them, and you will have to choose a word that does not end in a vowel, as so many common words and names do. You may also notice that the letters G, J, Q, V, X, and Z are missing entirely, so if your preferred code-word contains one of these, you will be out of luck.

With the Master-Lock version, not only can you rearrange the dials for more variety, but you can also switch out the dials from different Master-Locks to spell a unique word that would not otherwise be possible, such as X-RAY or L33T.

I have no complaints about the WordLock's security--the whole lock has a heavy, sturdy feel to it, and the method of resetting the code-word via a dial on the side is as easy if not easier than the Master-Lock's method of snapping off the right side of the casing. But you will most likely have to resort to your third or fourth choice, as I have, before you find a word that will work with limited selection of letters.

I bought this lock for my kid -- he loves this lock
with its real words and he can change the combination
easily any time.

My neighbor's kid had a Masterlock. His dad and I
tried to program it -- you have to pull it apart --
you end up with a bunch of wheels and then you
have to re-assemble it carefully like a jeweler
or a . . . locksmith? And then you end
up with something unmemorable, like a "L35K".

Both locks seem sturdy, both made of hardened steel,
so for us it came down to how easy it was to choose
your own real words with Wordlock.

Why did we have to wait until the 21st century to
get this? Where's my jet car?

You are at the gym and you are trying to remember which locker was yours. Easier with these color coded padlocks which come in silver, pink, red or black.

Then comes remembering what the number series was for this particular lock. Now it is a lot easier because Art Fry who invented the beloved post it notes was the judge in a contest looking for the next new invention. Todd Basche was a winner and had come up with another clever timesaver: wordlocks.

These word-powered locks are bright and colorful and easy to see from a distance. They are also a welcome relief to those of us who are password challenged from trying to remember odd numeric combinations. You can set them to any five-letter combination (real word or not)

Also, if the kids all want their own lock, it is easy to color code which lock belongs to whom without any squabbles.

One reviewer seems to like the Master Lock version better and, of course, I agree that there are always personal preferences and possibly tighter and more stringent security environments where a Master Lock might be necessary. But in my gym and in other similar situations, it has not been a problem. In fact, most children prefer the ease of the word locks and to me that is the innovative part. It seems that Master Lock is also offering their own version of this creative concept. I am wondering who came first: Todd Basche and Wordlock or Master Lock's version? In any case, the ease of use and your lock situation should determine what you feel comfortable in using. The Wordlock is made of hardened steel shackle for strength and security standard in WLPLS. It may feel lighter; but I always prefer items that are lighter yet still durable, sturdy and secure.

I like both Wordlock's products very much as well as Master Lock. The consumer should decide which lock would service them best.

The ease of use and your lock situation should determine what you feel comfortable in using.

Bentley/2007

Wordlock 5 Letter Padlock, Pink #WLPLS-PK

Wordlock 5 Letter Padlock, Silver #WLPLS-SL

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