Abstract: In order to lessen the cost of manufacturing padlocks, the body of the padlock is made of a shell of hardened steel and has two holes in one wall for the reception of the legs of the shackle, a core with corresponding bores for said legs and for a locking mechanism made of a soft alloy, the bores for said legs within the core being partially lined with hardened steel inserts facing the open ends of said shell, said inserts holding said core within said shell. The core may be cast, extruded or may be made by sintering.