Abstract: A padlock having a latching mechanism comprising a spring-biased latch bolt slidably disposed within a housing and having its free end extending outwardly from the housing to a locking position. The latch bolt has two upstanding spaced-apart shoulder portions, one shoulder portion being outside the housing positioned to engage the housing and prohibit sliding movement of the latch bolt into the housing, with the other shoulder portion being inside the housing and cooperating with the housing to maintain the one outside shoulder in its position to engage the housing. The latch bolt is pivotable about the inside shoulder portion to move the outside shoulder portion out of its position to engage the housing and thus permit the latch bolt to slide into the housing.