Master Lock Boat Cover Tie Downs

Master Lock: A Century of Security Innovation

Master Lock has been synonymous with reliable security for over a century. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1921, the company traces its origins to inventor and locksmith Harry Soref, who set out to solve a problem that plagued consumers of his era: locks were either cheap and easy to break or strong and prohibitively expensive. Soref's answer was the laminated padlock — a design built by stacking and riveting layers of steel together under enormous pressure, drawing inspiration from the construction of bank vault doors and battleships. That breakthrough earned Soref a patent in 1924 and laid the foundation for what would become one of the most recognized security brands in the world.

From Milwaukee Roots to a Global Name

Master Lock grew quickly from its five-employee startup, with early demand spurred in part by Prohibition-era federal agencies purchasing large quantities of laminated padlocks to secure bars and clubs across the country. Today, the company is headquartered in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and operates as a subsidiary of Fortune Brands Innovations. Harry Soref is credited with over 80 patents during his lifetime, and that tradition of engineering ingenuity continues to define the brand's product lineup to this day.

Padlocks Built to Perform

At the heart of the Master Lock catalog are its padlocks — available in a wide range of sizes, materials, and locking mechanisms to suit everything from job-site storage to outdoor equipment security. The laminated steel body that Soref pioneered remains central to many of Master Lock's most popular designs, offering a proven combination of toughness and affordability. Whether you need a weatherproof lock for an outdoor gate or a heavy-duty option for a storage unit, Master Lock's padlock lineup covers a broad spectrum of security needs.

Trailer and Towing Security

Master Lock has extended its expertise well beyond traditional padlocks into a comprehensive range of automotive and towing security products. Their trailer hitch locks replace standard hitch pins with lockable alternatives, helping prevent unauthorized removal of the hitch from a vehicle. For those who need to leave a trailer unattended at a campsite or job site, coupler and ball mount locks clamp over the hitch ball coupler to prevent anyone from attaching the trailer to another vehicle. Master Lock's towing security lineup also includes receiver and ball mount security products that slide through the hitch receiver for a locked, secure towing connection.

Rounding out the towing and hauling category, Master Lock offers tie straps and clips designed to keep cargo firmly secured during transport — a small but essential part of any safe towing setup. Across every category, Master Lock products are engineered with rust and corrosion resistance in mind, with many models backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Why Enthusiasts Trust Master Lock

What sets Master Lock apart is a rare combination of longevity and constant refinement. The core laminated steel padlock design is, by most accounts, fundamentally the same as Soref's original concept — a testament to how well-engineered it was from the start. At the same time, the brand continues to develop new locking mechanisms, weather-resistant materials, and specialized security products for automotive, towing, and outdoor applications. For anyone serious about protecting their equipment, trailers, or cargo, Master Lock offers a lineup backed by more than 100 years of real-world trust.