How to replace external door lock?

[srik42]

 

 

Hey guys,

Just moved into my new house. Looks like the previous owner has made enough holes to hold this door in place. This door lock has now come off. 

I want to install a new lock on the same door but drill out a new hole. and but i am very new to DIY. I have some basic skills but not an expert.  I want to securely open and close that door. 

What tools and materials do I need to fix a new lock? Also any recommendations for a good secure lock?  I have a basic 12V ozito drill and  Ryobi HSS drill bit set. 

Thank you 

[JacobZ]

Hi @srik42,

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

The previous owner has certainly done a number on that gate. I can't see why they've made that many holes, but regardless, I have a few solutions to offer.

The first thing I'd suggest is screwing a piece of Metal Mate 32 x 3mm x 1m Black Aluminium Flat Bar over all the holes, so your new lock has something solid to grab to. You can attach the metal plate to the gate post with these Otter 8 x 16mm Black Button Screws which being black will match the aluminium plate and the fence.

Once this plate is in place, you can attach your choice of gate lock. This LokkLatch General Purpose Gate Latch would be a great option that is lockable and relatively easy to install.
 

You'll only need a drill and some drill and driver bits so you have everything you need. Your drill bit set will be fine for this install, but your 12v ozito drill might struggle to drill and drive screws through the metal. If you give it a try with that drill and don't have any success, you may need to use a stronger drill.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[srik42]

Hi JacobZ,

I bought all the equipments as you told. Good news is have managed to cover the holes with metal mate bar using the button head fasteners. I was trying to install the latch system. But it was very hard to drill a hole into the steel tube to fasten the new latch. I used a size 2 drill bit to drill a pilot hole into the steel tube. But I found the drill bit on the 12v ozito  drill slipping and found it hard to make a small hole. I tried  to punching in a small notch with an old screw driver and hammer to mimic a small dent that will permit the drill bit to sit. But that didn't work either. 

It looks like I need a stronger drill to pierce a hole. Do you have any better recommendations ? Or do I need to buy or borrow myself another drill? If so what do I need to? 

Thanks 

Srikant