Lock for outdoor wooden gate please?...

[coolchris]

Hi all. I am after advice on which lock I would need to fit onto an outdoor wooden gate, as we are surrounded by little idiots, I need to lock the gate when I leave and obviously unlock when I get back. Preferably a lock that just shows the key insert (thingy) on the outside of the gate. Thanks in advance.

 

[foxhole]

Probably a rimlock is required with as long a bolt as possible since timber gate will shrink back in summer by 10-15mm.

 

[JohnD]

"keyhole"

With an outdoor gate, rain and damp are the big problems as they will make most locks go rusty.

I have had good results with a Squire 660 padlock, which is a big, old-fashioned looking thing with a galvanised steel case, and the internal levers are brass. It has lasted much better than any padlock with a cylinder (key is shaped like a Yale)

If you want to fit a mortice lock, you need a gate which is quite thick (as least 44mm like a front door). However they all have at least some steel parts inside, as far as I know. A better one like a Chubb mortice lock has mostly brass working parts inside, but the case goes rusty especially round the keyhole. Ordinary cheap 3-lever locks are usually very poorly made and will rust and break quickly. You can buy second-hand Chubbs on ebay, but be sure to get one with plenty of spare keys or new copy keys will cost you more than the lock. Also, fitting a mortice lock requires a fair bit of time and skill if you are not used to chiselling.

There are a few all-brass rimlocks available, as used in Utilities cabins, but they are very expensive. A second-hand Safe lock would be available on ebay, old ones are all-brass and can be mounted on the inside surface of your gate, and have a long key that will go all the way through. You can still get L&F brass safe locks new, and they are not very expensive. However you would not be able to open it from the inside as it only accepts a key from one side.

You can get cheap pressed-steel rimlocks made for sheds and gates, but they are very weak and insecure. It would not hurt to make a plywood cover for such a lock to keep the weather off it.

 

[coolchris]

Thanks for the suggestions: I was look at a Cays Lock (50mm). Would that do the trick?

 

[JohnD]

it is certainly very expensive for what it is...

looks like it only operates from one side, and has a small cylinder. These tend to get dirt in them and jam, when exposed to the weather.

However it does appear to have a good long throw.

My preference would be for one of these, but it does not look so neat.

or something like this at 1/4 the price of the Cays

either is available at any DIY shed or hardware store

Also look at Enfield Bolts which have a long throw and might cost about £25 for a pair

Your call

 

[coolchris]

The Enfield bolt looks good and seems to be weather proof. I was just wondering....the gate lock will be on the left hand side of the gate from the outside, so would the enfield still be OK. I cannot tell from the pics if this type of bolt/lock can be used on any side of the gate. Sorry if it sounds dumb, but I have no experience in fitting this stuff, but once i get the workings in my head, I should be able to do it.

BTW, the gate is 150mm thick, but I suppose I could put a block on the gate if it needs more thickness??

 

[JohnD]

the Enfield is supposed to go on the inside of the gate, and you can turn them over so they shoot left or right to suit you. I think they will accomodate a door up to 35mm thick. The key is cruciform so difficult to get copied.

p.s. 150mm is 6 inches Do you mean 15mm? A sheet of WBP ply on the inside of the gate, with plenty of screws, would stiffen and strengthen it and will accept shed-and-fence woodstain to blend in.

You might need to beef up the hinges. Steel Hook-and-band hinges, as used on garage doors, are easy to fit, heavy and very strong. Fit one of them upside down to prevent anyone lifting the gate off its hinges

 

[coolchris]

Yes, thank you for your help. Most appreciated. I think I will go for this one, as it not only is weatherproof, but a little better on the security side as well. 15mm...Yes, hehehehe. Sorry.

 

[foxhole]

I have one of these on my gate, [and garage] http://www.accesskeys.ie/Catalog/10830/Simplex-Unican-919
but need to reverse the keep each winter to accommodate the movement of the gates.Does save fumbling with keys as it's in constant use .
Left over from an office refurb otherwise a little expensive.