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Comparing the ABUS Rock US vs European Versions

Now have two ABUS Rock 83/80 padlocks. On another thread, MacGNG showed a picture of the lock cylinder for the North American version. That made me think that a side-by-side comparison might be of some interest.

First, these are not little locks. Here are a couple pictures of the two ABUS locks, with a Master #3 padlock and a standard mortise lock cylinder mixed in. Can you spot the Master?



How about the side view…



Rather than compare shackle sizes, how about just comparing the shackle of the ABUS to the entire lock body of the Master?



OK, one last size comparison - the Master padlock vs the Scandinavian oval lock cylinder:



Now let's compare ABUS to ABUS. What are the differences? First, and most obviously, is the milling for the lock cylinders. On the right is the European version for the oval cylinder, on the left is the North American version. At the end, you can see that the actuators are different. The North American version has a spring return, and is not key retaining. The European version is key retaining.



The lock cylinders themselves:







The lock cylinders and their respective keys and cylinder retaining plates:



The cylinder retaining plates flipped over. This is the side that normally faces the inside of the lock body…



Are the cylinder retaining plates interchangeable? First, here is how the North American cylinder retaining plate fits with the correct (North American) cylinder:



And the oval cylinder retaining plate on the North American cylinder:



Houston, we have a problem.

How about the other way around? Oval plate and cylinder…



North American plate and oval cylinder…



Well, that seems to fit just fine!

So the North American cylinder retaining plate can be used on either the North American or European lock body. However, the European lock's retaining plate is not interchangeable.

And one final difference. Very minor, but it exists. The retaining plate screws use different tools. North American = phillips #3 screwdriver, European version = T27 Torx driver.



Hope this clarifies any questions. If not, ASK!!!

Gordon

Nice to see a side-by-side comparison. And as usual, in your perfect style, Gordon. Many thanks for sharing this.

Questions:

1. So, there's no Z-bar in either? I was thinking it would be fitted to both, and came with it out of the box. This allows the user to convert it for key retaining or non key retaining.

2. I only see a pic of one side of both. I'm curious if either of these are the Series 2 models (S2): http://www.lockshop-warehouse.co.uk/aca ... 83-80.html As well as the difference in logo, there's a difference in the Z-bar (S1 = red dot, S2 = black dot), and I believe the S2 has the NanoProtect Chrome coating while the S1 doesn't.

Many thanks, Gordon.

Now I'm even more jealous you've actually got both US and Euro

Wow great writeup as usual Gordon . If you ever wanted to lend/trade on of those beastly locks let me know!!

@MrAnybody - The European version is a Series 2.



Here are all the components not shown in the above writeup… The locking ball bearings, the spring and the cam.



The brass piece that is permanently attached to the cam limits the rotation (not that the keyway retaining plate does not do that anyway).



It rotates freely on the cam.



Have seen the Z-cams you are referring to, but neither of these two locks are so equipped. You may notice that the interface between the aussie oval cylinder and the cam is different in the lock you linked to. Maybe that has something to do with it.

Think I can fit a z-cam onto the US version. Will have to take apart another ABUS and see if it works, but if I remember correctly, the end of the plug is a little different.

Gordon

B-E-A utiful! A beast of a lock! This definitely qualifies as some PLUS size lock porn

I always get excited to see a new breakdown from you Gordon. Great photos and info!

And MrAnybody: always appreciate your questions, prompting even more info & helping me learn.

great post! thanks for sharing!!

i was also told by several different people that the american version is made in china or taiwan not germany.

WOW this lock is so really big!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Was just informed that both versions of the Rock padlock are made in China, but that the Pfaffenhain lock cylinder is still all German made. Here is a slightly redacted quote from the email:



Gordon

Many thanks for filling in that info, Gordon. Much appreciated.

Yep, could have something to do with the cam you show in the aussie oval cylinder. I'd love to find out more.

I'd also be interested if a z-bar does fit the US version. Have you seen a key retaining US version?

Would much appreciate any more photo additions if you start to play more with them, Gordon.



That's kind of you to say. Many thanks, Mike