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Gate lock guide: Why you should choose a bolt-on gate lock

If you look closely at the gates in your street, you will find bolt-on gate locks a common sight on metal gates.

Bolt-on gate locks are fixed to the frame of the gate with bolts or screws as shown below. They are usually installed symmetrically on the gate frame and are visible from both the inside and outside.

a bolt-on gate lock fitted in a metal gate

Bolt-on locks don’t require any cutting or welding of the gate making them a convenient lock choice for many installers.

What are the main benefits of a bolt-on gate lock?

Less work:

As you do not need to cut or weld your gate frame, you only need to drill a few holes, which is much easier and quicker to do. Installing such a lock is literally tightening up the screws. Imagine, how much time you will save if you do not need to clean and brush your welds!
We have actually timed how long it took one of our colleagues to install such a lock, you can see our video here:

The symmetry:

Bolt-on gate locks are installed symmetrically, which not only looks great, but allows you to have the same gate wing for both left-opening or right-opening situations. Which, again, saves time and helps you to avoid costly mistakes.

Easy installation:

As we discussed above, a bolt-on gate lock is very easy to install. This means that anyone can do it. You don’t need to have a skilled welder or cut a precise slot in the gate frame. In fact, these bolt-on gate locks are notoriously popular amongst the DIY-enthusiasts as well as fabricators.

Economies of scale:

When working with bolt-on locks, there are usually different models available that fit in the same way. Thanks to this you can prepare all your gate frames beforehand in the same way. This means you can have a standard production process and gain from economies of scale.

You can then stock these gates without risking any mismatch. Your customer can still get a ton of personalisation in the last stage of the selection, since any of your locks would fit in that gate regardless.

Early preparation:

A quick delivery process can be a huge advantage in the fencing market where seasonality plays a big role, and the summers can get really busy fast.


Therefore, having a quick process can help you better manage your work, handle more projects and get more done!

With a bolt-on gate lock, you can have the holes pre-drilled in the factory even before choosing the colour, and the installation of any bolt-on lock will be done quickly and precisely on site.

Where are bolt-on locks most commonly used?

Forged gates. You can see a lot of bolt-on locks used on forged gates that have flat bars like the below example.

The open design of the gate invites for a visible lock box. In addition, other locks might not be suitable for this style of metal gates. For example, the flat bars are not suitable for mortice locks due to the limited thickness of the bars. A weld-in lock box requires quite a bit of extra work in such a gate and doesn’t have any obvious advantages, so bolt-on gate locks remain a great solution for this type of metal gate.

Open-space fencing. Gates with mesh panels, metal bars or palisade fencing are often seen in the cities, around sports grounds or industry terrains. Such fencing does not obstruct the view too much and allows for visibly ‘open space’ – hence the name – while still requiring a quality working gate.


As these gates typically have simple, minimalistic design, bolt-on locks fit right in with their easy, standardised installation and symmetrical look.

Large perimeter projects. Building on the previous point, open-space fencing is often used around stadiums, city parks, local building developments, inside or outside logistic centres and large machine parks.

An important characteristic of such projects is that they need to be uniform and very cost-effective. Function takes precedence over appearance.

As discussed above, a bolt-on gate lock works great with economies of scale, both during production and installation, so this is a great option in such a situation.

How does a bolt-on gate lock compare to other lock types?

Mortice locks:

Compared to mortice locks, bolt-on gate locks are much easier to install, since the mortice lock require very precise cut-outs on 3 sides of the frame tube. It is therefore rather difficult to retrofit a mortice lock onto an existing gate. The bolt-on lock, on the other hand, can be installed by almost anyone on a new or existing gate.

However, mortice locks offer an aesthetic look, where the infill on both the gate and the rest of the fence look uniform, without the lock or anything else breaking the lines.

This can be especially important on gates that are filled up with composite or timber; as some bolt-on locks have rounded shape, it can be difficult to make a precise cut-out in the infill.

Weld-in locks:

A bolt-on gate lock will have a fixed width and size, which can be harder to install on some design-forward realisations, or which can look out of place in some cases.

Weld-in locks usually come with welding boxes in different thickness, which allows you to have very clean, uniform lines.

Some manufacturers favour the weld-in locks above mortice locks too, since they would only need to cut out one square piece of the gate frame, and not the precise cut-outs on 3 sides required for mortice locks.

Asymmetrical surface-fixed locks:

There is a variety of locks in the market that are fixed on the gate on one side (usually, on the inside), so they are not visible at all from the street. This is typically done on solid gates that do not allow the installation of the bolt-on lock.

The advantage of such a solution is that you have no gap between your gate and your post, comparable to your inside door, where it is impossible to peak in from the outside.

This is, however, also the biggest disadvantage: gates are constantly exposed to the outside elements and need some space to crip and expand to be able to function properly. There are not a lot of solutions in the market that are designed with this in mind, so this can result in a badly functioning gate.

Why choose a bolt-on lock?

The above is a few of the reasons why our customers love the bolt-on locks and our own Superlock range remains one of our bestsellers. But if your gate hardware heart leans towards weld-in or mortice locks, there are plenty of reasons why these types are favoured. You can find out why in our other gate lock guides on weld-in locks and mortice locks.

Gate lock guide: Why you should choose a weld-in gate lock

You might be wondering how do you weld a lock? We’re here to help answer that!

A weld-in gate lock essentially consists of a weldable box and an internal lock mechanism. The weldable box has been prepared to fit the lock mechanism, which can be installed after the lock has been welded.

How to install a weld-in gate lock

In order to install a weldable lock, you have to measure the gate frame and cut out a piece of it to fit the weld in lock box. Once this has been done, the lock box (without the lock mechanism inside) is welded into place. The entire gate frame can then be sent off to be galvanised and painted.

a weld-in gate lock installed in a box section metal gate

Once the gate has been painted, you can install the lock mechanism.

This is usually done with the supplied fixing bolts to fix the lock mechanism in place within the weld in lock box. Now the gate frame is ready to be installed in its final place with the lock in place and fully integrated in the gate frame.

Here are some benefits of a weld-in gate lock

This process might seem a bit lengthy, so why should you use a weld-in lock on your gate?

  1. Straight forward manufacture: As mentioned above, it is easy enough to weld in a square (or a rectangular) box to the frame, without needing to provide precise cut-outs.
  2. Design: The weldable lock boxes can easily be integrated with the gate design. As the weld-in box is treated and painted together with the rest of the gate, the whole look is more harmonious.
  3. Easy replacement: Should you need to replace the lock mechanism; this can easily be achieved. Just remove the lock mechanism while the weld-in box stays safely in the frame.
  4. Back set: A weld-in box allows you to have a bigger back set size, which can be beneficial for large gates that require a wide stop plate.
  5. Durability: As the lock mechanism is safely protected from all sides against water and dirt, the lock can last longer.

When to use a weld-in gate lock?

Generally speaking, a weld-in box is a labour-intensive alternative that offers a deep integration of the lock box and the gate frame.

Thanks to this, such weld-in locks are used in situations where the look of the gate plays a large role. Forged gates with unique designs, specifically crafted cover plates or modern-style gates with decorative steel sheets as infill would all often use such weld-in locks.

In comparison

The main alternative to a weld-in gate lock is using an insert gate lock, which is also integrated into the gate. For some projects though, insert gate locks might be deemed too small or not secure enough, or alternatively, would be impossible to install due to technical limitations.

Mortice locks require precise cut-outs in the gate frame, which isn’t always possible to do easily. Mortice locks do traditionally have a shorter back set, which doesn’t always work on larger gates. Therefore, weld-in locks provide a great, durable alternative and a clean finished look for your gate.

Additionally, very large gates constructed with larger box section tubes could also benefit from using the weld-in fence gate lock. The latch on bolt-on locks might not be long enough, and the back set on the insert lock might not be sufficient. In this case, the weld-in lock option is the best alternative for these larger industrial gates.

It goes without saying that bolt-on locks are much easier to install. However, those only come in one width, while a weld-in gate lock can fit the exact width of the gate frame, providing a clean visual line.

Want to know more about the alternative fence gate locks out there? Check out our other guides about fence locks below!

Gate lock guide: Why you should choose a morticed gate lock

Everyone has come across a mortice lock because they are commonly used on regular doors. Using this type of locks on gates, however, has its own benefits and disadvantages.

Read on as we go through what a mortice lock is, where it can be used and how it compares to other lock types.

What is a morticed gate lock and when should I use it?

If you already know what a mortice lock is, you can skip this part and go straight to the next where we discuss the benefits of this lock type.

For those who aren’t aware, a morticed gate lock is known as an insert lock. This lock type is mortised into a slot in the gate frame, which hides the actual internal lock mechanism within the gate frame. You will therefore only see the handles and cylinder when the gate is locked. This makes it a very inconspicuous lock, and popular for that exact reason.

a morticed gate lock on top of a hedge

What are the benefits of a morticed gate lock?

  1. Inobtrusive: As we have already covered, the lock blends in thanks to the way it’s installed. This means they can be used on a variety of gate designs without sticking out. This allows you to use different types of infills, offering your customers a wide range of designs and materials for their gates.
  2. Customisations: You can keep the same lock and offer an array of different handles and cover plates, so that your customers can go wild with their design choices, while your lock – and your work process – stay the same.

Where are these locks used?

  1. Doors: this is pretty obvious, but many gates are manufactured in exactly the same configurations as inside doors, therefore, the locking system stayed the same.
  2. Wooden gates: the most common use for a mortice gate lock is wooden gates and frames. There aren’t too many options for such gates other than sliding bolts, surface-fixed locks, and mortice gate locks.
  3. Solid gates: gates with composite or timber infill are often equipped with mortice locks. This allows you to keep the design of the gate uniform, as you do not need to make a larger cut in the infill.

How do mortice gate locks compare to other alternatives?

First alternative is a morticed door lock designed for inside use. A lock is a lock, right? However, your inside door is not influenced by the weather and other elements, so the requirements to the hardware are not the same.

You have probably encountered gates that are “locked”, but can be easily open with a simple push? This is due to inadequate hardware.

As any materials shrink and expand due to hot weather, rain, snow and other elements, your gate can change shape quite a bit, but the lock needs to stay securely closed at all times. Therefore, you need a bigger latch and adjusted inside mechanics.

Moreover, the inside and outside parts of the lock need to be designed to withstand the weather – otherwise, it will go rusty and start jamming in no time. Mortice locks designed specifically for outdoor use is therefore the recommended option.

Another alternative is a bolt-on gate lock. The mortice gate lock requires three precise cut-outs on three sides of the frame to be installed, while bolt-on locks require just a few holes through the gate frame. They are therefore much easier to install than a mortice lock.

Compared to a mortice lock, bolt-on locks are bulkier, more visible and can prove more complicated if you need to cut infill around them. Most bolt-on locks do come in different types, such as digital locks or quick exit pads, offering wider flexibility.

Weld-in locks are also used often for gates that have a particular design. When a forged gate is constructed out of flat metal bars rather than box section, a weld-in lock could potentially be the only option. Mortice locks require a certain thickness in order to fit within the box section. They therefore can’t be used on frames that are smaller. For example, the ML4 requires at least a 40mm box section.

Alternatively, a weld-in lock can be used to make sure the lock box is the same width as the box section.

A morticed gate lock is obviously easier to install in such cases, as it does not require any welding, but still requires precision cuts.

Going all in with a morticed gate lock

Hopefully the above has answered your question “What is a morticed gate lock?” and given some insights into the benefits of it. In summary, mortice locks are perfect if you are after a gate lock that is discreet, can be customised and used on a variety of gate materials. If you want to learn a bit more about other lock types, check out our two other Gate Lock Guides:

Gate lock guide: Why you should choose a morticed gate lock

Everyone has come across a mortice lock because they are commonly used on regular doors. Using this type of locks on gates, however, has its own benefits and disadvantages.

Read on as we go through what a mortice lock is, where it can be used and how it compares to other lock types.

What is a morticed gate lock and when should I use it?

If you already know what a mortice lock is, you can skip this part and go straight to the next where we discuss the benefits of this lock type.

For those who aren’t aware, a morticed gate lock is known as an insert lock. This lock type is mortised into a slot in the gate frame, which hides the actual internal lock mechanism within the gate frame. You will therefore only see the handles and cylinder when the gate is locked. This makes it a very inconspicuous lock, and popular for that exact reason.

a morticed gate lock on top of a hedge

What are the benefits of a morticed gate lock?

  1. Inobtrusive: As we have already covered, the lock blends in thanks to the way it’s installed. This means they can be used on a variety of gate designs without sticking out. This allows you to use different types of infills, offering your customers a wide range of designs and materials for their gates.
  2. Customisations: You can keep the same lock and offer an array of different handles and cover plates, so that your customers can go wild with their design choices, while your lock – and your work process – stay the same.

Where are these locks used?

  1. Doors: this is pretty obvious, but many gates are manufactured in exactly the same configurations as inside doors, therefore, the locking system stayed the same.
  2. Wooden gates: the most common use for a mortice gate lock is wooden gates and frames. There aren’t too many options for such gates other than sliding bolts, surface-fixed locks, and mortice gate locks.
  3. Solid gates: gates with composite or timber infill are often equipped with mortice locks. This allows you to keep the design of the gate uniform, as you do not need to make a larger cut in the infill.

How do mortice gate locks compare to other alternatives?

First alternative is a morticed door lock designed for inside use. A lock is a lock, right? However, your inside door is not influenced by the weather and other elements, so the requirements to the hardware are not the same.

You have probably encountered gates that are “locked”, but can be easily open with a simple push? This is due to inadequate hardware.

As any materials shrink and expand due to hot weather, rain, snow and other elements, your gate can change shape quite a bit, but the lock needs to stay securely closed at all times. Therefore, you need a bigger latch and adjusted inside mechanics.

Moreover, the inside and outside parts of the lock need to be designed to withstand the weather – otherwise, it will go rusty and start jamming in no time. Mortice locks designed specifically for outdoor use is therefore the recommended option.

Another alternative is a bolt-on gate lock. The mortice gate lock requires three precise cut-outs on three sides of the frame to be installed, while bolt-on locks require just a few holes through the gate frame. They are therefore much easier to install than a mortice lock.

Compared to a mortice lock, bolt-on locks are bulkier, more visible and can prove more complicated if you need to cut infill around them. Most bolt-on locks do come in different types, such as digital locks or quick exit pads, offering wider flexibility.

Weld-in locks are also used often for gates that have a particular design. When a forged gate is constructed out of flat metal bars rather than box section, a weld-in lock could potentially be the only option. Mortice locks require a certain thickness in order to fit within the box section. They therefore can’t be used on frames that are smaller. For example, the ML4 requires at least a 40mm box section.

Alternatively, a weld-in lock can be used to make sure the lock box is the same width as the box section.

A morticed gate lock is obviously easier to install in such cases, as it does not require any welding, but still requires precision cuts.

Going all in with a morticed gate lock

Hopefully the above has answered your question “What is a morticed gate lock?” and given some insights into the benefits of it. In summary, mortice locks are perfect if you are after a gate lock that is discreet, can be customised and used on a variety of gate materials. If you want to learn a bit more about other lock types, check out our two other Gate Lock Guides:

Our gateway to quality – ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Gatemaster Ltd (encompassing Gatemaster and Gatemaster Offshore) has just become an ISO9001:2015 certified business.

It has always been our aim to supply products and services which meet or exceed customers’ needs and expectations and achieving ISO 9001 reinforces our commitment towards sustaining this strategy.

Our ISO9001:2015 certified Quality Management System supports our strategic direction to supply quality products to all gate professionals around the World in an efficient manner, to reduce their risk from supply chain and product errors.

We are committed to using our quality system to meet objectives, satisfy applicable requirements and to make the various tasks more rewarding for everyone involved. In turn fewer mistakes will be made, and internal and external customers will be happier resulting in an improved atmosphere.

Everyone is responsible for applying and improving the Gatemaster Quality Management System because it takes less time to do a job correctly first time, every time.

Our Quality Management System, which we have named “The Gateway to Quality”, encompasses the design, manufacture, assembly, and distribution of metal and wooden gate hardware for domestic, commercial, and offshore applications covering products we manufacture and supply on an on-going, regular basis as well as one-off special projects which require bespoke engineering and project management.

Achieving this certification is a massive step for us. Being a manufacturing company, we have always worked to the best quality throughout our operations. Having the ISO 9001:2015 certificate shows the world that we will always strive to deliver the best results to our customers, partners, and internal and external stakeholders”.


Simon Napthine, Managing Director

At Gatemaster, the BSI auditors were impressed by the level of commitment by the business to use best practice tools such as Strategy Deployment (Hoshin Kanri). This tool has become an integral part of the business whereby focused breakthrough objectives are cascaded throughout the organisation and everyone is focused on delivering these goals as a team. Key Performance Indicators on monthly report-out visuals (known as ‘Bowlers’) ensure that we do not deviate from our collective aims and focus on actioning any required countermeasures whenever a ‘miss’ occurs. This ensures that ‘we will not sit upon our laurels’ and will continue to strive for excellence in delivering customer satisfaction.

This certificate hasn’t come easy as every employee at Gatemaster will attest to, but with the hard work of our dedicated colleagues, we can now proudly announce our success to the world…

We are ISO9001:2015 certified!

Snapshots from our factory

Gate locks with code, panic exit or key? Different types of locks for gates

gate locks with code on grey metal mesh gate
latching deadlock with ornate handle on black metal gate in front of green shrubbery
gate locking bolt on wooden gate

Not sure what gate locks with code or key are? Or what the difference between bolt-on locks and mortice locks is? It can be confusing as there are a few different types of gate locks depending on different categories.

Read on below as we cover:

Different types of gate locks based on installation:

Locks can be categorised in different types of installations. The material of your gate influences which of the below lock types you can use, as some of these won’t work for all gate materials. You can’t use a weld in lock on a wooden gate for example.

Note that the below categories aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive; i.e. you can have gate locks with code that bolt on or are surface fixed. So, one lock can be in a few of the below categories.

Bolt on locks

Bolt-on locks are locks that are fixed to the gate by being bolted on. They commonly require you to drill holes through the front profile of the gate through which they are installed with the supplied fixings. As shown below, they sit between the external frame of the gate and the internal bars.

bolt-on gate lock with key access on gate. Gate stands in front of a tractor.
Bolt-on locks are installed on the gate frame for quick and easy installations.
gate locks with code fitted to green metal gate
Bolt-on gate locks with code are just as easy to install as bolt-on locks with keys.

Bolt-on locks are therefore mainly used on gates with a metal frame where a space can be created within the gate for the lock to be installed. If having a solid infill gate, you would need to cut a hole for the bolt-on lock to sit in which can make it more of a challenge to install the lock. The Gatemaster Superlock can be a great option for these scenarios with its slim case and removable locking bolt, meaning it can be fitted into very tight spaces. This range includes gate locks with code, key access and quick exits. See how easy it is to install in this video.

Bolt-on locks are useful for retrofitting to gates and can easily be replaced, if necessary, as most of them will use the same fixing holes.

Weldable locks

Where bolt-on locks sit on the back of the gate profile, a weld in lock will be integrated into it. To install a weld-in lock you cut out a section of the gate frame and weld in the lock case. The whole gate frame can then be sent off to be powder coated or painted, making the lock case virtually invisible. Once painted, the internal lock mechanism is installed within the lock case, and it’s done.

Inconspicuous, weld-in locks are both a secure and stylish lock option for metal gates. In terms of replacing a weld-in lock, it is often possible to buy the inner mechanism without the lock case. You can therefore easily switch them over and get a new lock in the existing welded lock case (if the casing is still up to scratch!).

Surface-fixed locks

Almost needless to say, but surface-fixed locks are locks that are installed by fixing them to the face of the gate. Surface fixed locks are an excellent solution for wooden gates as they can be installed with ease and don’t require any chiselling or morticing of the gate frame.

Surface fixed digital keypad lock on white timber gate

gate locking bolt installed on metal gate with ornamental scrolls.

Most surface-fixed locks can also be fitted to metal or composite gate in addition to timber gates. The Gatemaster Locking Bolt for instance can be directly fixed to a wooden gate after cutting out a hole for the cylinder to reach the outside. The main lock is then installed with four timber screws. But it can also be fitted to a metal gate by using a weldable lock plate to fix the lock to as shown below.

For a simple, yet secure solution for your garden gate you can get surface-fixed gate locks with code, which can be installed quickly on your garden gate. We recommend using a keyless combination lock for wooden gates as it is a convenient solution and easy to use too. Read more about our Gatemaster options here.

Mortice locks

A mortice lock is a lock that is installed in a cut-out slot in the gate. They can be installed on both timber and metal gates, but they require a bit more gate preparation to install for both materials.

To install a mortice lock on a wooden gate, the installer would have to chisel out the slot to fit the lock inside which requires precision. This isn’t a problem for an expert carpenter or wooden gate specialist, and a mortice lock is useful as it sits flush on the front of the gate and is more inconspicuous than a surface-fixed lock for example.

For a metal gate, you would again have to cut out the correctly sized slot to fit the lock inside. To make it a bit easier for our customers, we actually offer a pre-cut box section for our ML4 mortice lock.

mortice lock installed in gate frame in front of industrial unit.

A mortice lock is a good solution for when you want an inconspicuous gate lock but don’t want to have to weld in a lock case. But time is money, so depending on the time you want to spend on installations and preparations, you might want to consider if a quick fit bolt-on lock is more suitable!

Different types of gate locks based on functions:

In addition to the installation process, locks are categorised based on the actual lock functions they have. Which one you choose depends on the needs and usage of the gate, so read on below to get the main features of deadlocks, latching locks and locks that can do both.

Deadlocking locks

dimensional drawing of deadlock

A deadlock has a simple locking action operated by a key. When the key is turned, it will move the deadbolt and lock the gate. The gate is now locked and can only be opened again with the key.

Deadlocks won’t have any handles and can only be opened and closed with the use of a key.

You therefore have to remember to lock it behind you as it will not close otherwise.

Latching locks

Technical drawing of latch deadlock

A latch only lock cannot be deadlocked, and it will only latch. They will therefore always have a handle, or a thumb turn to operate the latch and open the gate or door.

Compared to the deadbolt, a latch bolt has a tapered/sloped end which helps close the gate lock. When opening the gate, you simply operate the handle, and the latch will retract. You can think of a latching lock in a similar way as a standard door latch, which can only open or close and not be locked.

Combined latching and deadlocking locks

Now we get to the good part! Some locks have a combined function and is able to both latch and deadlock.

These are commonly called latch deadlocks and will either have two bolts (one for latching and one for deadlocking) or a combined latch deadlock like our Superlock BLD, Select Pro weld-in SWLD to name a few.

As you can see in the video, a combined latch deadlock latches when closed but can be deadlocked with a key if necessary. If it remains unlocked, it is operated with the handles just like a normal door latch.

Different types of gate locks based on access:

The final grouping, we will cover today is based on the access (and sometimes exit) functions of the lock.

Gate locks with key

Gate lock with key access in grey mesh metal gate

Key access locks are probably the most common type of access when it comes to gates. A simple key lock is beneficial to use in most cases and especially when the number of people using the gate is low or doesn’t change much.

They are also easy to source and can be found in most hardware shops.

Gate locks with code

Mahogany post with keyless combination lock installed

Gate locks with code have many names: digital locks, keypad access, keyless lock, combination lock, code lock to name a few. Common for them all is the fact that they are opened by punching in a code on the keypad.

Gate locks with code are popular because they are convenient to use:

  • No need for any keys
  • No need to hand them out
  • No need to have them replaced when losy or new people need access.

We offer keyless outdoor gate locks as either single-sided with keypad on the outside and lever handle on the inside, or double-sided with keypad on both sides.

Locks with keypad access can either be electronic or mechanical, both of which have their benefits (you can read more about that here).

Gate locks with push pads

Gate lock with green push pad installed on grey metal infill gate

A push pad lock has a button on the inside which releases the lock and allows you to open the gate. In our Superlock and Select Pro ranges, these buttons are large green pads built into the design to enable a quick exit.

A push pad lock is named this because of the way you exit the lock, and the outside access method can either be gate locks with code or a key access. You might therefore see a push pad exit lock under the other categories as well.

So, there you have it: some main categories of locks you will find and their main features.

Think we’ve forgotten to cover one? Let us know by getting in touch via email sales@gatemasterlocks.com.

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Everything you need to know about heavy-duty gate hinges

metal gate with heavy duty gate hinge between gate post and gate leaf
The world of gate hinge can be a minefield with all the different types and functions. In this article we will cover the following to help clarify the world of heavy-duty gate hinges:

What are heavy-duty gate hinges?

Let’s start with the basics.

Heavy-duty gate hinges generally refer to a hinge that is designed to work for gates that carry a lot of weight due to their construction or size. This can be anything from a large bi-folding gate on an industrial unit or a heavy metal frame gate with wooden cladding. Both of these can weigh a lot and some hinges are simply not built to sustain this kind of loading.

That is why some hinges are labelled “heavy-duty” or “extra heavy-duty” even.

What makes a gate hinge heavy-duty?

There are many factors that can make a hinge more suitable for heavy gates and separate them from the rest of the hinges on the market. Below are some common characteristics of heavy-duty gate hinges on the market, so consider these when researching.

  • Material: It might be an obvious one, but the material has to be of a certain strength. Steel and stainless steel are the most common materials as they are strong and durable.
  • Construction: Due to the amount of force these hinges experience, a heavy-duty gate hinge has to be designed specially to accommodate the force of the gate. This is especially true for wide gates as the wider the gate, the more force the top hinge will experience.
  • Size: It is natural that the most heavy-duty gate hinges are larger so they can hold more. But you can still find smaller hinges like universal hinges or flag hinges that are heavy-duty due to the material they are made of. So don’t let the size fool you!
  • Weight limits: Heavy-duty hinges will have gone through strenuous testing cycles to establish the weight they can carry while still opening and closing the gate reliably. Understandably, despite being heavy-duty, all hinges have a limit, and, in this case, it will be a maximum weight that they can carry safely without having a negative impact on the performance and safety of the gate. Note that some hinges have this limit stated as pairs, meaning it will take two hinges to carry this weight and still function properly.
  • Grease points: Maintenance is important for a large gate and the hinges are no exception. Depending on the usage level, a heavy-duty gate hinge will often require lubrication on a regular basis. Having a hinge that has built-in grease points can save you time (and a mess) when carrying out the maintenance. The built-in grease points will take the oil right to where it is needed and means you don’t have to take the hinges apart to carry out maintenance.
  • Friction: With the force of a heavy gate, the hinges will experience a lot of friction when operated. Using a low friction hinge is therefore advised for heavy gates. Low friction can be achieved by using a brass bearing or a similar bearing device between other metals. Brass is known for its low friction capabilities and is commonly used to minimise resistance.
  • Adjustability: This isn’t something that is necessary for a hinge to be heavy-duty, however using adjustable heavy duty gate hinges will make your life easier when installing. An adjustable hinge will make it possible to fine-tune the installation on site and have tolerance for the gap between the gate and gate post.

When should you use heavy-duty gate hinges?

Although heavy-duty gate hinges sound a treat, we don’t recommend using them on gates where it isn’t necessary. For lighter gates such as smaller garden gates, side gates or light single leaf gates, you might not need to go for heavy-duty. We do recommend you always check the capability and strength of the hinges to make sure they are suitable for your gate.

Heavy-duty gate hinges are really marketed towards larger, heavier gates that are commonly found on wide entrances or industrial areas where lorries need access for instance.

Obviously, the bigger the gate leaf is, the more weight and pressure on the hinges. If your gate is particularly heavy, you should therefore look into a heavy-duty hinge.

What types of heavy-duty gate hinges are there?

Heavy duty hinges for gates come in many shapes and sizes, and you can find a heavy-duty option for most standard hinges out there. This included bullet hinges, flag hinges, weld-on hinges, pivot hinges, the list goes on.

Check with your supplier if you can get a heavy-duty option of your preferred hinge. And always, remember to make sure the hinges you choose are suitable for the weight and size of your gate.

Installed heavy-duty gate hinges on metal gate
The Superhinge

If you are looking for a low friction, heavy-duty gate hinge we have designed the Superhinge specifically for heavier gates.

You can read more about the Superhinge in this case study, where it was used on a wide, 4-leaf bi-folding gate by our customer Hill Trident.


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Latch length: How long are the latch bolts on our bolt-on locks?

We often get asked questions regarding the latch lengths for our bolt-on locks:

  • How long is it?
  • How much does it throw?
  • How much will it stick out?

close up image of latch bolt on bolt-on lock for metal gate

To make an easy overview of the different measurements above, we have created this guide for our bolt-on lock ranges – the Superlock and the Select Pro range.

Below you will find a drawing outlining the different key measurements to know about latch bolts and dead bolts as well as a table overview with all the measurements for our locks.

The table is split into the lock variation as we have two sizes:

  1. 10-30mm gate frames
  2. 40-60mm gate frames

When checking the dimensions for your lock, please check the product code and size for the right dimensions.

Deadbolt and latch length (bolt-on locks)

The actual dimensions that the latch will protrude from the front plate of the lock are shown in the diagram and chart below.

Dimension A in the below overview shows the dead bolt/latch bolt dimensions from the front of the bolt-on lock and through the gate frame when the lock isn’t operated (resting). All our bolts are adjustable by simply twisting the bolt in or out and locking in place with the supplied allen key. In the table further down you can find the minimum and maximum parameters of the bolts based on their adjustability.

Dimension B is the latching movement. This is how much the latch retracts when the handle is operated, pulling the latch back. The latching movement enables the gate to be pushed shut as the bolt will retract as it hits the striker and then spring out into the keep or post, holding it closed.

Dimension C is then the deadlocking (extending) movement and only applies to the locks that can be deadbolted extra. When turning the key to deadlock the gate, the dead bolt will extend this much into the gate post.

Please find all the measurements in the two tables below. Note that these only apply to our bolt-on locks in the Superlock and the Select Pro ranges.

Diagram of latch lengths of bolt-on locks within gate frame.
Dimension explainer:
A = How far the locking bolt protrudes from the lock in its standard resting position
B = Latching (retracting) movement
C = Deadlocking (extending) movement
Ø = Diameter of the locking bolt

Latch lengths for 10-30mm gate frame bolt-on locks

ProductA – length, minA – length, maxB – latching movementC – deadlock movement
Superlock BLD
27 mm53 mm15 mm15 mm
Superlock BD
15 mm43 mmN/A15 mm
Superlock BDG
27 mm53 mm15 mmN/A
Superlock BDGS
27 mm53 mm15 mmN/A
Superlock BQK
27 mm53 mm15 mmN/A
Superlock BQDG
27 mm53 mm15 mmN/A
Select Pro SBD
11 mm38 mmN/A30 mm
Select Pro SBLD
26 mm54 mm13 mm30 mm
Select Pro SBKLLT
34 mm62 mm20 mmN/A
Select Pro SBL
22 mm54 mm13 mmN/A
Select Pro DGL
35 mm65 mm22 mmN/A
Select Pro DGLS
35 mm65 mm22 mmN/A
Select Pro SBQEDGL
35 mm65 mm22 mmN/A
Select Pro SBQEKL
35 mm65 mm22 mmN/A

Latch lengths for 40-60mm gate frame bolt-on locks

ProductA – length, minA – length, maxB – latching movementC – deadlock movement
Superlock BLD
57 mm83 mm15 mm15 mm
Superlock BD
45 mm73 mmN/A15 mm
Superlock BDG
58 mm84 mm15 mmN/A
Superlock BDGS
58 mm84 mm15 mmN/A
Superlock BQK
58 mm84 mm15 mmN/A
Superlock BQDG
58 mm84 mm15 mmN/A
Select Pro SBD
40 mm68 mmN/A30 mm
Select Pro SBLD
58 mm86 mm13 mm30 mm
Select Pro SBKLLT
68 mm95 mm20 mmN/A
Select Pro SBL
60 mm86 mm13 mmN/A
Select Pro DGL
68 mm95 mm22 mmN/A
Select Pro DGLS
68 mm95 mm22 mmN/A
Select Pro SBQEDGL
68 mm95 mm22 mmN/A
Select Pro SBQEKL
68 mm95 mm22 mmN/A

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How to easily change the code on your keypad lock

man opening combination code on metal gate

One of the benefits of using a keypad lock is that you can easily change the code when staff changes or in case of a security breach.

Whether you’ve got one of our Select Pro or Superlock digital gate locks, you can change the code yourself.

Below we have compiled our handy instruction videos showing you exactly how to change the code on your digital lock.

How to change the code

Select Pro keypad locks

The Select Pro range is our classic bolt-on lock range, which features a square lock case.

The Select Pro keypad locks include the following variations:

  • DGL – double-sided digital lock
  • DGLS – single-sided digital lock
  • DGLW – double-sided digital lock, surface-fixed
  • DGLSW – single-sided digital lock, surface-fixed

To change the code on these keypad locks in the Select Pro range, please follow the steps in the below video.

Please use the video as a guide. If your lock isn’t in the video, please note that precise code changing instructions are provided with the lock.

For the Select Pro SBQEKL Bolt-On quick exit key access lock, you have to follow the steps in the below guide instead:

Superlock keypad locks

The Superlock is our iconic rectangular locks, and the range includes different versions with mechanical keypads.

The Superlock range includes the following digital options:

  • BDG – double-sided digital lock
  • BDGS – single-sided digital lock
  • BQDG – quick exit lock with keypad on one side

The video shows how to change the code on the BQDG, but the same method works for all the above.

Please use the video as a guide. If your lock isn’t in the video, please note that precise code changing instructions are provided with the lock.

Do you still have questions about how to change the keypad lock?

Give us a call on +44 (0) 1243 558 580 and our technical department will be able to guide you every step of the way.

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