I have always been very interested in The Love Lock Bridge in Paris. In my opinion, it was a beautiful expression of true love and commitment in the city that represents love.

However, in June of 2014, part of the bridge collapsed and was ruled dangerous and irresponsible, as a result of the overweight padlocks. This made me think: exactly how does a padlock work?

How Does A Padlock Work?

Are you like me? Have you ever stopped to think about how the padlock that you used in grade school actually secured your locker?

This article covers the basics, such as “what is a lock?” and “how does a padlock work?”

A padlock is type of mechanical fastening device that can be used for doors, vehicles, or containers. In case of The Love Lock Bridge, they were used to secure two peoples’ hearts forever…aww.

Padlocks are opened by a combination or key. The mechanics of the padlock will vary based on the way it is unlocked.

Locks and Keys: How Do They Work?

The most common type of locks on The Love Lock Bridge were padlocks, which we just reviewed. However, there are several different types of locks and keys in today’s market.

This article dives into the different types of locks, including ward locks, tumbler locks, biometric locks, electronic, and password locks, and discusses the basics of how they work..

Love in the Time of Padlocks

Now, even though The Love Lock Bridge was an expression of love, locks are built for a reason: to be sturdy and secure valuables.

Therefore, padlocks are made with heavy metal; typically brass, steel, or a combination of both. And as you can imagine, the weight of each lock multiplied by the 5,000 locks on the bridge will add up and lead to a dangerous disaster.

May The Love Lock Bridge rest in peace!

Have you ever visited The Love Lock Bridge or seen something similar? Do you have other helpful information that answers the question: “how does a padlock work?” We’d love to hear about it in the comments!