Locking a colourbond gate from the outside

[Mariarose3388]

Hi there, 

I'm trying to figure out a way to lock my gate from the outside when I go out. The D lock is on the inside so I need to install a lock on the outside that won't automatically lock when the gate closes and lock me inside as it's the only entrance/exit into my little granny flat so if I get locked in it's going to be a pain to unlock the outside from the inside! I'm thinking something like in the pictures attached could work? Just using a padlock....which I can just use on both sides depending whether I'm in or out. So long as the latch will swing all the way to the left so it won't accidentally fall down and lock! Anyone got any better ideas for me? Is there anything i need to know about/consider when it comes to screwing into colourbond? Thanks in advance!Insideoutside

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi  @Mariarose3388 

Pretty  much no solution with your existing gate hardware will be of a easy practicable option.

I recomment a proper double sided Lock system  D&D Lokklatch plus to replace your current hardware.

If you have more gates in the yard you can buy, say 3 locks and have them all keyed alike so one key opens them all.

They say easy diy but there are a couple of little beginner's pit falls so I recommend you have a skilled person install it for you,

A locksmith can key them alike and in some circumstances key them to your current front door lock key.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Mariarose3388,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

Similarly to @Jewelleryrescue, I think the best way to create a gate that is lockable from both inside and outside, is to replace the latch with one that was made for that purpose.

There are a number of options including the D&D Technologies LokkLatch Plus Privacy Gate Latch, D&D Technologies Lokklatch Deluxe S3 Gate Latch or D&D Technologies LokkLatch Magnetic Gate Lock.

They are relatively easy to install, but as Jewelleryrescue has said, you might consider getting some assistance if you aren't confident in your own abilities.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob