As the warmer weather approaches, it is a good opportunity to look at the security hardware associated with outdoors spaces, such as gardens, sheds and garages.

We are often asked for help identifying or suggesting suitable hardware for gates and entrances, and there is a wide range of products available to consider. To demonstrate some of the popular options and where they are most suitable for use, the below drawing shows some common features of a typical garden. We shall look at each area and explore the various products that are typically used in each case. 

1.) Timber Gate Locks

Timber pedestrian gates can be fabricated in a wide variety of styles and sizes. Often bespoke and built to suit the specific opening in question. As a result, there is little consistency when it comes to choosing the best product to secure a timber gate as it will depend on the key features of the gate design. These features will include thickness, construction type, and its exposure to the elements, but below are some common products used to secure timber gates:

Gatemate Rim Gate Locks 

There are many versions of this type of product on the market. Essentially a steel deadbolt that is operated directly by the turning of the key, and which locates into a simple steel staple. These locks can be supplied as either external cylinder only, or with a key both sides if it is desirable to be able to operate the lock from the inside. The external cylinder projection can be either 50mm or 70mm depending on what thickness of gate is being fitted and makes for a simple, secure and cost-effective way to secure gates and indeed any timber door with a robust bolt and modern dimple type keys.

Digital Rim Deadlocks  

As well as key locking solutions there are also mechanical digital locks to consider which will usually feature a laminated steel deadbolt as a locking point. This Codelock CL100 series is often used on timber gates and shed doors as it offers. We will explore various digital locks for use in outdoor spaces in a further supplement to this blog, but for a cost-effective entry-level solution to Codelocks CL100 is a great place to start.


Rim Mounting Deadlocks   

The humble deadlock is possibly still the most suitable product for the majority of outdoor gates and entrances where security is a serious consideration, but with typical gate designs being thin timber, using featheredge or panelling on timber frames, mortice locks present a problem for the installer. Rm Mounting Boxes such as the RIMBOX are ideal for adapting British Standard Mortice locks such as the 3G114E, for use instead as surface mounted options on thinner door and gates.  


Other commonly used products…. 

Other worthy mentions include Rim Locks, such as those more typically found on internal doors, and traditional nightlatches. Both feature simple internals that have proved reliable in outdoor settings and which are routinely used to secure gates and outdoor entrances such as bin stores and tool sheds.    

 

2.) Timber Gate Hardware   

Together with the locking element the other fittings for gates such as hinges and pulls and catches etc should be selected to enhance the appearance of the gate and ensure good functionality. Below are some common examples: 

Hook and Band / Tee hinges 

As with the locks themselves, hardware such as hinges must be reconsidered when it comes to garden gates as often to construction of the gate will not be suitable for traditional butt hinges. Thin panels will require surface fixing, and long hinge surfaces or ‘bands’ help to distribute the gates weight over a bigger area to prevent damage. Often available in hard wearing finishes such as galvanised or ‘Black Japan’ these hinges are specifically designed for use on outdoor entrance. 

Catches, Latches and Auto Latches     

Although not considered locking products, get latches such as the ring latch pictured here, the popular Suffolk Latch, and the simple but effective auto catch are among the oldest designs of hardware we sell. These simple products can be found in our gate hardware section online and are essential considerations for any garden makeover.    


4.) Hasps and Staples   

One product that is quite regularly employed to secure sheds in particular, is the Hasp and Staple. A simple product with 2 basic elements. The Hasp, which is essentially a strong metal band featuring a small aperture, and the Staple, which is fixed to the whichever surface the Hasp isn’t. when the door is closed, the hasp is folded over the staple which protrudes through the aperture, a Padlock is then used to secure the to elements together by preventing the staple returning back though the hasp. There are a range of different option available largely dependant on the level of security that is required, however there are also specialist hasps and staples to suit wide air gaps, 90 degree fixing positions, or for doors inside alcoves or next to adjoining walls etc. All of our hasps and staples can be found here:   

Please note that in most cases a padlock will be required to be purchased separately to use in conjunction with a Hasp and Staple.  

4.) Hasps and Staples   

One product that is quite regularly employed to secure sheds in particular, is the Hasp and Staple. A simple product with 2 basic elements. The Hasp, which is essentially a strong metal band featuring a small aperture, and the Staple, which is fixed to the whichever surface the Hasp isn’t. when the door is closed, the hasp is folded over the staple which protrudes through the aperture, a Padlock is then used to secure the to elements together by preventing the staple returning back though the hasp. There are a range of different option available largely dependant on the level of security that is required, however there are also specialist hasps and staples to suit wide air gaps, 90 degree fixing positions, or for doors inside alcoves or next to adjoining walls etc. All of our hasps and staples can be found here:   

Please note that in most cases a padlock will be required to be purchased separately to use in conjunction with a Hasp and Staple.  

5.) Locking and Non-Locking Bolts   

Barrel bolts, tower bolts, pad bolts, Monkey Tail Bolts and Bow Handle Bolts. These are a few of the different types of bolts available that may well be used in an outdoor space such as to secure a barn door, shed door, or even a gate. But what does each look like?  

More commonly used on internal surfaces but can often be seen securing side doors on outbuilding etc available straight or cranked in a range of sizes and finishes.

Tower Bolts  

 Similar in concept to the barrel bolt above however larger and made from more durable materials for use outdoors there are very commonly used to secure side gates and shed doors, but can be found as additional security on any opening.  

Essentially a lockable version of the Tower Bolt above, often employing the use of anti-tamper fixings such as coach bolts and designed to offer security to any opening where access is only required from one side. Again, a padlock is necessary to secure the Pad Bolt and passes through an eye on the bolt body preventing the bolt from being withdrawn. The padlock must be purchased separately depending on requirements.

Monkey Tail Bolts and Bow Handle Door Bolts   

Very useful products often seen on the internal sides of timber doors and garage/barn doors. The extended tail or handle means they can be fitted at high and low heights without the user struggling to operate them. Ideal for the tops and bottoms of large doors and gates. Commonly used on car park gates etc.  


6.) Metal Gate Locks 

As Well as Timber gates, there are a wide range of products available to fit to metal gates. Again the most appropriate will often depend on the construction type of the gate. Consideration must always be paid to if the locking device can be operated from the outside by reaching through the bars of the gate or over it. Here are a few common examples of locks often seen on metal gates: 


Bolt on Gate Latches / Deadlocks   

 Available in a wide range of designs and with the option of key only, key and lever, latch, or deadbolt variation, these are very popular locks for use on gates with box section type construction. The lock clamps on the frame of the gate using bolt through fixings. The depth of the box section must therefore be known when ordering. Often using a euro profile cylinder the versatile locks are often seen on communal gates, in commercial and public spaces and in schools.


Weldable Gate Locks

Another way locks are often affixed to metal gates is buy way of a case or housing which can be welded directly on to the gate material. This May be done when the gates are fabricated or can be added after manufacture if security is required by the user.

   

Digital locks for metal gates 

As with timber gates, there are options available for digital locking on metal gates also. Just like their key operated counterparts, digital locks for metal gates will need to be specified depending on the fixing type required to attach it to the gate, with both bolt on and weld on options available. Again, digital lock options will be covered in more detail in our focused blog.

  

7.) Intercom and Electronic Gate Security Systems   

We have previously covered access control systems in our series of blogs, and just as with entrance doors, access control can be used in conjunction with pedestrian and vehicle gates etc. Here we will look at 2 common electronic security products used in residential ourdoot spaces such as driveways and garages, however, should you wish to discuss more about integrating access control into an outdoor space please do contact our technical team!  

External Gate Mag Lock  

Magnetic locks are available in fully weatherproof external use versions for securing gates and barriers. These can be used in conjunction with the intercom systems above or any of the access control system covered in our previous blogs to allow secure access to an outdoor space such as a driveway, garden or garage. A link to this product is below however should you have any questions relating to how to integrate an electronic locking device into a clients outdoor space please get in touch with our technical team! 


8.) Garage Door and Roller Shutter Locks 

Up and Over garage doors can be a vulnerable area in terms of security due to their construction. Garage door locks themselves are a fairly specialist area and spares and complete systems are not easy for distributers to stock, however we do provide a good range of replacement garage door handles, which often include the locking element, meaning we are often able to supply the parts required for lock changes and damaged cylinders etc.

Roller shutters will usually feature a more conventional espag type locking system and we stock a good range of roller shutter lock spares.  

Garage Door Handles   

We carry a wide range of the popular handle types for garage doors. Be sure to identify the correct spindle type and fixing screw centres

Roller Shutter locks  

Central gearboxes for roller shutter should be measured in both the open and closed states and the arm measurements recorded when ‘thrown’ and when withdrawn. This measurement together with the case dimensions and nozzle dimensions should be sufficient to identify a suitable replacement

9.) Addition Garage Security 

As mentioned, garages can be a vulnerable point of attack from intruders. This is due to the often-expensive nature of their contents and the fact that they are often separate from the main dwelling, and it is unlikely anybody is inside. For this reason, additional security should be considered for garages and similar outbuildings…  

  

Additional surface mounted locks such as the Ifam X5 and the generic garage door security bolt are a good way to add extra locking points to a garage door. These fit to the surface and provide additional resistance to attack. 

Garage defenders use an element which is anchored into the ground to prevent the raising or lifting of a garage door. 

Small self-contained alarm systems can be a vital deterrent to secure a remote building from intruders.  

Retractable parking posts can be an excellent way to prevent a garage or barn door from being opened or a vehicle moved from hardstanding without considerable efforts.   

All of these products can be found online with our additional security offerings: 

And here are a few other items you may wish to consider when securing outdoor spaces and remote buildings: 

Spike Strips 

These can be glued nailed or screwed on top the top edges of walls, fences and window sills to make climbing and standing on them extremely difficult. A great addition to a garden’s security arrangements that doesn’t cost the earth or take long to install.   


Ground Anchors (Anchor Plates)   

Ideal for use in outbuildings and on hardstanding’s etc to secure equipment and vehicles to a permanent anchor point, usually using security chain or cable. 


Security Chain 

Supplied in different lengths at to meet different levels of security requirement, Security Chain can be used with ground anchors such as those above or can be used to secure metal gates etc from intruders.