Requirements for street locks
When buying a gate lock, you should take into account the fact that it will be located on the street. The lock must be reliably protected from moisture penetration, function properly in the cold and withstand exposure to the sun.
Experts recommend choosing an all-weather model for entering the local area. Such products are usually equipped with high-quality protection against external negative factors, including corrosion. Sometimes, for greater reliability, the lock is supplemented with a casing.
How are locking mechanisms classified?
As you can see in the photo of gate locks, they can differ in the following parameters:
- method of fastening;
- constipation designs;
- opening method.
The cost is affected by a number of factors, the main ones being:
- complexity of design;
- manufacturer.
Making a choice
The choice of a lock for a gate depends on how reliably you want to protect your property, on the price of the product and on the choice of method of opening the door (by direct contact or remotely).
You can evaluate the appearance of the locking mechanism in numerous photos of gate locks on the Internet; diagrams of their internal structure and operating principle are also presented there.
The simplest and cheapest lock models are mechanical padlocks. But they are also easy to hack.
The most reliable and expensive are electromagnetic and radio wave. At the same time, they are more convenient: they work remotely. The main disadvantage of such locks: difficulty in installation, as well as the impossibility of their operation without electric current.
A gate lock is an important and necessary thing for a country house or garden plot. Therefore, you need to approach the choice of model responsibly. This is not something you should skimp on. After all, you will protect part of your life. Choose reliable protection and rest assured about your property.
Types of constipations according to the method of fastening
It is recommended to select the lock installation method based on the material of the door leaf, the required type of opening (one- or two-way) and financial capabilities.
If you live in your home all year round, it is better to purchase a high-quality, expensive lock with the ability to open remotely.
Attachments
Modern models of hinged locks:
- have compact dimensions;
- divided into cylindrical and combination locks;
- They cling to the hinges and into the eyelets of the bolts.
Their advantages:
- low price;
- ease of use;
- ease of installation.
The disadvantages of hinged locks include:
- one-way closing/opening;
- it immediately becomes clear that the owners are not at home;
- lack of rigid fixation of the door when closed;
- ease of hacking.
How to choose a lock for a gate
Types of locks by installation type
By type of installation they can be mortise, overhead and hinged, and their choice depends not only on your personal preferences, but also on the design of the gate (see Which gates are better - making a choice).
So:
- The hinged one can be installed on almost any gate. But it is the most unreliable in terms of burglary and is also not convenient to use, since it requires the installation of a latch or other internal locking device used while the owners are on the site.
Hanging element
- Overheads are valued for their ease of installation and the absence of the need to disrupt the structure of the gate and reduce its strength. These are locked on the outside with a key, and on the inside with a turntable.
Rim lock
- The most reliable and popular are mortise ones. But their installation is not always possible or requires additional welding work.
Mortise lock
- Slatted: best used only from inside the fenced area. Breaking such a bolt will not be difficult (it is enough to saw it through by inserting a hacksaw into the gap between the fence and the gate).
Rack lock
By mechanism type
When deciding which lock to choose, it is necessary to take into account the mechanism’s ability to operate normally in any weather conditions.
Let's see how different types of mechanisms installed on the gate behave:
- Cylinder. The mechanism is made with great precision, so even the smallest drop of water that gets into it and turns into ice will disrupt its operation. Therefore, when solving the problem of how to install a cylinder-type lock, it is necessary to consider its protection from moisture and dust.
Cylinder lock
- Suvaldny. It is more resistant to unfavorable operating conditions, but it can also fail if it gets directly exposed to moisture. Therefore, if it is not possible to insert it, it must also be protected with additional structural elements.
Level mechanism
For reference. As protection, a metal “pocket” is welded - a cavity into which the locking device is mounted. It would not be superfluous to install a canopy over the gate.
Another method of protection is a special cover on the key hole
- Electromagnetic. If you don’t know how to make a gate lock as reliable and durable as possible, pay attention to elements without a mechanism, which are a winding placed in a metal case with a steel magnetic core. When electric current enters the winding, it holds the gate in the closed position. Since there are no moving parts in such a lock, there is nothing to break in it, which makes it the most reliable for use as an external one. But the electromagnetic element requires constant power supply, which is not always realistic.
- Electromechanical. In addition to the winding, it has a locking mechanism that allows you to open and close the gate with a regular key and in the absence of control voltage.
Electromechanical lock
Mortise options
Mortise locks for gates have the following advantages:
- reliability;
- convenience;
- possibility of two-way opening/closing;
- possibility of self-installation.
A niche is made in the canvas into which the locking product is inserted. Outside there is only a small hole with a key slot.
Flaws:
- difficulty of installation;
- weakening of the door leaf in the area of the locking device.
Mortise locks
Using mortise locks for gates is the most convenient and reliable option. The lock itself is built into a special niche in the door, so that only the key hole is visible from the outside.
From the street side the lock is opened with a key, from the inside - with a turntable. The latch allows you to secure the door without locking it.
To open the gate, you need to turn the handle on the outside or inside of the door.
The main advantage of a mortise lock is that the mechanism is hidden inside the door leaf, so in case of a break-in it will not be easy to get to it. The downside is that installation is complicated; not every owner will be able to install the lock themselves.
Overhead lock systems
Rim locks are distinguished by the presence of a body on the front and sides. The back wall of such products is always hidden by a wicket door. The thickness of the metal does not matter. The main requirement is strength.
Advantages:
- variety of design solutions;
- ease of installation;
- low cost;
- not visible from the street;
- Difficulty of breaking.
Types of locks based on operating principle
The wicket lock may have different mechanisms inside. For some, a mechanical method of operation is provided, while others operate using electric current.
Mechanical options
The key feature is the need for direct interaction between a person and a device. There are mechanical constipations:
- latches;
- rack and pinion;
- cylinder;
- suvaldnye.
The latch secures the door in the closed position. In this case, no locking occurs. Opens from 2 sides.
Types of locks for gates and rules for their installation
After installing the gate, you need to think about reliable protection. There are several main types of locks. It is necessary to characterize each type of device separately, this will allow you to choose the most suitable option. When purchasing it, you need to pay attention to the material and features of the house. The personal preferences of the owners play a significant role in the selection and installation of this product.
Mortise
This mechanism is similar to an overhead product. To install a mortise lock on a gate made of corrugated sheets, you need a face plate. Its quality affects the strength of the product. The bar must be held firmly, otherwise such a device can be easily hacked. For long-term operation of the device, it is necessary to provide waterproofing. The door is sheathed with the above material on 2 sides. Then water will not get on the product.
Invoices
This type is the most popular. During the installation process, it is necessary to secure the mechanism from inside the gate. When choosing such devices, you should prefer those that open with a key from the inside.
It is advisable to provide locking devices. They are responsible for opening the lock, during which the bolt is pulled out of the body, and when locked, it is pushed back.
The strength of the mechanism depends on the number of rods inside the cylinder. These designs are durable and are widely used for gates. There are 2 types of overhead devices: cylindrical and level. Each installation has its own characteristics.
Type 1 has a code system. It is burglar resistant. The presence of an armored cup minimizes the possibility of breakdown. The second is not inferior to the first in terms of protection against hacking. The basis of the lever device are plates. Thanks to their figured shape, the mechanisms have the following advantages:
- high degree of protection against opening;
- the presence of armor plates;
- small dimensions.
Mounted
This type of lock for a gate is the simplest; to install it, you need to weld the hinges to the door. The main advantages of the devices are their affordable price, ease of installation and a good level of protection.
However, hanging structures also have disadvantages. They are fixed on one side of the gate. When installed on the outside, the mechanism is easy to break. Due to this disadvantage, it is less common.
Rack and pinion
This locking mechanism was popular 20 years ago. Now these products are rarely installed for gates. They come with a deadbolt. The rack moves along the structure. It consists of fixing hinges; they must be welded to the door.
The lock can only be used from the inside. The product is not reliable. To open the structure, it is enough to insert a crowbar into the hole between the door and the locking device. Keys are used for locking. They are too big to carry with you all the time. When opening the device, you will have to make some effort.
Code
These gate locks are convenient and reliable. The code device works without a key. To enter the gate, you must dial the required combination. To open the mechanism from the inside, you need to press the button. The main flaw is wear of parts, as a result of which the buttons stop working. These are mechanical devices.
Another type of code structures is electromechanical. They have a complex design. The code is entered on the electronic panel. A special device activates the locking mechanism. The symbol combination is easy to change and no key replacement is required.
Code designs are recognized as the most reliable, but their price is high. Self-installation is difficult, so specialists are involved. Electromechanical devices require constant power from batteries. They periodically fail.
Radio wave
The operating principle of radio wave locks is similar to car alarms. The price of such products is high; they are placed on armored doors. It is not advisable to use them for a gate made of corrugated sheets.
The main advantages of the design are its high resistance to burglary attempts. To open the device, you must have practical skills in radio engineering. Installing a lock on a gate is fraught with difficulties.
The installation of any of the mechanisms considered has some features. But there are several general rules for everyone:
- Before installation, please read the instructions. It comes complete with the device.
- It is necessary to make markings for the installation location of the product.
- Then use a grinder to cut out places for the product, key and cylinder.
- Then comes the installation of all the parts.
- The serviceability of the mechanism is checked.
The presented algorithm is more characteristic of the mortise type. If you are installing an electromechanical or radio wave structure, you should contact a professional.
Cylindrical models
For such devices, the surface of one side of the key is curved. It is made for a specific secret set of pins. There can be several hundred codes for cylinders of the same size, as well as key variations.
Advantages:
- difficulty of hacking;
- no need to replace the entire locking mechanism when replacing the key.
Level models
They are a modification of cylindrical locks. The key is equipped with projections on two or three sides. It is required, firstly, to recess the pins, and secondly, to do this many times in different versions and in a certain order.
Advantages:
- difficulty opening;
- works in any weather;
- reliability.
Flaws:
- higher cost;
- the need to replace the entire device if the keys are lost.
Electromechanical options
An electromechanical lock is distinguished by the absence of springs. Instead, there are magnetic coils. A similar mechanism can be installed both on a wooden fence and on a fence made of corrugated sheets.
From the street it is opened by an ordinary key. From the inside, if there is an intercom, all it takes is pressing a button to let a visitor in.
Outdoor lock care
Outdoor gate locks must be regularly inspected and adjusted for safe operation. The keyhole is lubricated with oil. The composition for processing is selected according to the type of metal.
The fastening points are checked and the screws are tightened. The elements are also cleaned from dust, and the deformed parts of the street locking mechanism on the gate are replaced.
If there are additional video surveillance systems or intercom systems, it is necessary to check the reliability of the electrical wiring, the quality of the connections and the safety of operation.
Electromagnetic locking systems
Power magnetic locks use the force of attraction created by electricity. The locking mechanism is a magnetic coil with a metal strip.
Advantages:
- highest reliability;
- automatic closing;
- the ability to have a push-button key and an electronic code.
Flaws:
- high cost;
- Difficulty in self-installation.
Radio wave locks
The basic difference is the presence of a beacon inside the structure that remotely detects the signal sent by the code key. Moreover, the mechanism itself can be both magnetic and electromagnetic.
Radio wave locking products have the highest cost. But they allow you to open the gate remotely from anywhere in the yard.
The main disadvantage is that if there is no electricity, such locks do not work. Therefore, it is imperative to provide emergency power.
Types of the most reliable garage locks
Before you start installing locks on your garage door, you need to study the best types in more detail.
Mounted
Among the popular models are hinged ones with a special hidden bow. In Soviet times, mounted products were most often used.
The advantages of such models include their versatility, as they are installed on barn doors, barn doors and other similar products. Another advantage is the ease of use of locks, since they do not need to be installed in gates or doors. It is recommended to buy mounted models made of steel because they are the most reliable.
Mortise and overhead
Particularly reliable are overhead and mortise models, which are often installed on garage doors. The main feature of mortise products is that they are installed on a special metal plate three millimeters thick. The metal plate should be placed near the gate leaf. If it is not possible to install the plate, the shutter mechanism is attached to the sash.
The invoices are mounted in the upper part of the gate leaf frame. Experts advise using models that can be opened with a key on both sides, as they are more reliable.
Screw
People who are interested in reliable types of locks can pay attention to screw models. Such a device consists of the following parts:
- Frame. It is the main part in which other components are located.
- Bow. This element is responsible for screwing in the screw when the door is closed.
- Threaded rod. An important component that is required to unlock and secure the shackle.
Due to the complexity of the screw mechanism, it is quite difficult to hack.
Rack and crossbar
Internal rack locks are not used as often, since such designs are not very reliable. The peculiarities of such models include the fact that spring slats with a unique shape are used for locking. To control the bolts, special handles made in the form of a screw are used.
The advantages of rack structures include their low cost, as well as ease of use.
Level crossbars are more reliable, and therefore they are used more often than rack and pinion ones. However, they are quite large and therefore awkward to install on the garage door.
We make a choice by manufacturer
Experts recommend not skimping on security and purchasing branded locks. The most popular models are:
- Apecs. The advantages of Apecs mortise locks are simplicity, different numbers of valves, and the ability to install them yourself.
- Cisa and Kale. Plus - the impossibility of hacking.
When choosing a gate lock, you need to focus, first of all, on your taste preferences. However, experts do not advise choosing cheap locks, because your safety depends on it.
Locks for corrugated fences by installation type
After you have installed your own gates from corrugated sheets, a fence, and a gate, it is the right time to think about choosing a lock. For a gate made of corrugated sheets you can buy the following locks:
- Mounted
- Mortise
- Overhead
Padlocks, although they are rather cumbersome and not always convenient mechanisms, continue to be purchased for installation on gates made of corrugated sheets. And this despite the fact that today the market offers more modern models.
The padlock is made of anti-corrosion material, so it is not afraid of snow or rain.
Depending on the design, padlocks for corrugated fences are:
- Classic ones, in which there is a mechanical secret and it is opened with a key
- Coded ones open without a key, but after setting a certain code combination
For gates of hollow structures, a mortise lock is suitable, which cuts directly into the door leaf itself. Their installation is more labor-intensive, but this in no way diminishes their popularity.
Box, flat or rim locks are easier to install than previous models. During installation, the canvas is not damaged, and the installation itself is reduced to screwing. Electromechanical gate lock reviews? To unlock it from the outside you need a key, and there may also be a key or a latch inside.
Advice: to protect against the influence of precipitation, it is advisable to build a special canopy over the lock.
