Security solution for side gates... any ideas?

[nuzuki]

I have 3 metal side gates down the side of an outbuilding. I need to lock these but without a key. So I was thinking a bike combination lock but all the ones I have viewed on ebay seem to be set codes and cant be changed. Anyone know some that are changable? I have already bought 6 bike locks that were the wrong type so im keen to not make the same mistake again.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[SFK]

Nuzuki,
I am surprised that the Combination Chain locks that you got were not 'changeable'.
The search I did was "combination chain lock" and I found many suitable items that say they are changeable:
https://www.google.com/search?clien...0....0...1..64.psy-ab..0.0.0....0.5dWgxOfau34
and here on amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8...t=&hvlocphy=1006457&hvtargid=kwd-314780912146

and this one looks good from a good supplier:
https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk...4_1g4tOTYOl9WwamoexoCQk0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
SFK

 

[nuzuki]

Thanks SFK. I think resettable is the search term I was missing. I kept searching for changable. Those options are good but a little bit more than I wanted to pay as I know the technology behind these is cheap. I have bought some for just under £2 each that said in the instructions they can be changed but upon arrival it was obvious they couldnt (instructions in Chinglish). Ive seen a combination motorbike chain/lock I think for 8.99 on ebay. They might be overkill but would be a safer bet for the money I hope. Failing that I have some chain so might buy some combination padlocks. Im trying to keep the amount of keys down on my keyring.

In fact these look good and I can take them back if I have problems. Again a little more than I wanted to pay but I feel its worth it for piece of mind...

https://www.toolstation.com/shop/Se...ns/sd2949/Steel+Combination+Cable+Lock/p41942

 

[SFK]

Nuzuki,
A pleasure.

I did look at the Tool-Station ones, but discounted them as the reviews were very poor. But perhaps okay to buy as they do have a good returns policy.

I use "abus combination padlocks" with chains outside, and they have lasted >6 years in the rain. But just checked and they cost £13 each, so more expensive than you are looking for.

Good luck on getting what you need - and if you do find something suitable pls tell us so we all know what works for you.

SFK

 

[nuzuki]

If the toolstation doesnt work out then I shall take your recommendation on the abus.

Thanks for your advice. I'll let you know how they perform.

 

[scbk]

Im trying to keep the amount of keys down on my keyring.

Have you heard of keyed alike padlocks? (as many padlocks as you want, running off the same key)


Bare in mind aswell, you get what you pay for. Cheap locks don't last long outside. A half decent one will work for decades.

 

[nuzuki]

Ah brilliant. Thats exactly what I was looking for originally but didnt know the search term. I even tried buying 3 cheap poundshop locks in the hope theyd be the same key but even theyre all different.

Words of the day.... resettable and keyed alike

 

[nuzuki]

Ive just realised that keyed alike seems to be multiple keys for one padlock. I need almost the opposite, 3 padlocks that take the same key but obviously to have a spare key also. I'll keep searching if not i'll revert back to the bike lock idea. I also like the 5 digit combination bike locks, seems a better bet than the four digit ones.

 

[JohnD]

No it isn't

"keyed alike" means multiple locks that can be opened with the same key.

The Squire 660 is a very weather-proof padlock that lasts for years. It has large, brass levers that shrug off dirt and corrosion. IME cylinder locks, even if they have a notionally weatherproof plastic shroud, do not last long outside.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=squire+660+alike&_sacat=0

the brass, zinc and aluminium ones can be easily snapped using a simple technique and widely-available tool. Cable locks can be cut with a simple tool found in most garden sheds.

https://www.padlocks.co.uk/products/keyed-alike-padlocks

The ERA 5-lever is much stronger, but you might have to order "keyed alike" from a locksmith at much higher price.
https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/product/era-closed-shackle-padlock-64mm-489660 also sold by Wickes under their own brand
and they do a "big six" even stronger

Securit do a cheap similar copy.

 

[nuzuki]

Great, cheers John. Sounds like thats what I need. Although keyed alike bike chains would be even better.... best of both worlds. The gates I have to lock are the black wrought iron types.