While traditional padlocks rely on this built-in drainage and lubrication point, weatherproof padlocks offer another approach. These versions are fully sealed to prevent water from entering at all, making them ideal for extreme climates or constant outdoor exposure. Still, the classic design with the bottom hole remains widely used because it’s inexpensive, dependable, and easy to maintain. For many people, that little opening is what keeps their padlock functioning year after year.
Padlocks aren’t the only everyday items with hidden or overlooked features that quietly make life easier. Screwdrivers can fit into wrenches to reach tight spaces, clothing swatches allow you to test detergents before washing, brass doorknobs naturally resist bacteria, and even your car’s gas gauge has a small arrow pointing to which side the gas tank is on. From ketchup labels that mark the perfect tapping spot to tiny padlock holes that keep your belongings secure, these thoughtful designs remind us that the simplest objects often have the smartest secrets.