How to Install a Better Gate Lock! The Gatemate Long Throw Lock

[@christianpetersen1782]

Hi Karl, welcome back. I’m pleased to hear your business is doing well. No pressure but we missed you!! I’ve seen youths in my area hop over a 6 foot fence panel like it wasn’t there! I would prefer to have two locks; one like yours and the other near the bottom of the gate with a key for use both sides. I could leave the key in the lower lock on the inside of the gate when I’m busy in and out of the gate but lock the gate and remove the key at other times during the day and at night. Best wishes.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Thanks. And you’re not wrong about gate a 6” height being no obstacle. Actually most gates are only 5’ 10” like mine. The new gate will be at the legal maximum of 6’ 6”. When we’re away the gate is locked.

[@darrenelliott1916]

Great to see you back of the channel

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Hey Darren. Thanks so much for leaving a comment. I’ve had so many comments from old friends of the channel it’s been lovely reading them.

[@chrisharrell2449]

I see one down for with that particular lock system. That is if they manage to get in your garden they can unlock it by hand. And escape with your goods. I have a very similar system to yours, which uses keys on both sides is much more secure. Putting that aside a great video

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Agreed - but choosing the option where it could be unlocked by hand from the inside was intentional - the back gate is in constant use from the house as the bins and parcel box is on the other side. When we're away overnight, the gate can be padlocked. Had the gate been simply an occaisional means of access, as was the gate in my last house, then sure keyed access from both sides would have made the gate more secure.

[@chrisharrell2449]

@@StrawbyteWorkshop Yes, that makes sense in your case. I have to admit, sometimes you have to remember where you leave your key take out key as I've also broken A number of keys by leaving it in the lock and open the gate, If the wind catches the gate when passing through it. My gate is in a very windy situation. I have a damper on the closer, But even that's not enough help in very high winds.

[@j_emceee]

Thanks for the awesome video! I was considering this Gatemate lock but was hesitant about things like craftsmanship and how easy/difficult it might be to install (esp. considering the $80 USD price tag). And there wasn't much information about it in the listing, but your video cleared up most all of my questions -- thank you so much for sharing!!

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

You're welcome and I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@_tensketch]

It's been a while! Hope to see more projects from yourself.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

I’ve filmed loads of projects over the last 12 months so there’s more to come for sure. Typically the first one ready was a project I filmed on Sunday.

[@sherita4404]

The one on the top. Allows you to get locked out. Love the first one installed because it can be accessed from both sides. I saw a combination locked box cover that can be installed over the pull string or cable.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Hi - thanks for the comment. You're right the first does allow access from both sides and, importantly for me as the gate is in constant use when I'm working from home, doesn't need a key to let you out. The top one, when padlocked provides security when I'm away from home, that sort of thing. It works quite well. Since making the video a few people have sent me details of alternatives which look very smart and they may well be incorporated into the new fence/gate (still work-in-progress).

[@sidra040]

@@StrawbyteWorkshop Could you please share what others have sent you thanks

[@malcolmcoward7480]

Nice to see your return Karl.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Thanks Malcolm. I really enjoyed making this video and good to see you in the comments. It feels like old times.

[@malcolmcoward7480]

All the best for the future Karl

[@kevinconway1232]

Great to see you back Karl, your content is always informative and interesting. I fancy a Gatemate for myself now :-)

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Thanks Kevin, I'm glad you found the video interesting. Amazon Affiliate link for the Gatemate in the description - but shop around the prices vary wildly.

[@chewbacca8748]

Great to see you back Karl 👍

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Thanks. Everyone has been so kind in the comments. I've plenty more filmed and ready to edit into videos.

[@colindoesdiy]

Great new video Karl, that's just the sort of Hardware I've been looking for, for my new back gate. Well, I say new gate, it was installed last year, but I still haven't got around to fitting a lock or spring closer on it 🤣

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Thanks Colin. You’ll find a link to what I used in the description. The spring closer is the thing that started me down the road which led to the lock shown in the video and the secret sauce in the project. I like a closed gate.

[@colindoesdiy]

I know that nothing these days is really secure, but if it stops the opportunist thief from nipping into your back garden and then remaining unseen, it's good enough. The police don't take too kindly these days to broken glass and razor wire embedded in the top of the gate 🤣🤣.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

A comment I made in a piece to camera that ended up being cut was about a good lock being one that is always locked and the common reason for forgetting or not bothering is the need to access the garden from the drive from time to time. The fact I can leave it locked and let myself in from outside is a feature I glossed over to make the video less talky.

[@colindoesdiy]

That's exactly why I want a lock I can open from the outside. Our house is detached, and we have a side gate on both sides. The new gate, which I didn't fit, just has a sliding bolt which I can only unbolt if I go through the other gate and walk around the whole house to get to the other side, then do it all in reverse to lock it again 🤨

[@barry3400]

great video! I like the quality of the hardware, especially the long-throw lock.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Hey. Thanks for the comment.

[@AutoBeta2T]

Great video - I'll be getting one of those locks for my gate now! Ps. I insulated my garage last year with the instructions on your video. It worked amazingly well - thanks.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

I’m so glad your insulation project worked. The video has been copied many times with great success and I am still delighted with mine.

[@Enfrance2003]

I fitted a Gatemate lock to my side gates a year ago and it has proved to be well worth the investment. My only mild gripe is that the black finish has degraded to a Matt grey which is a bit disappointing. However, it obviously doesn’t affect the efficiency of the device.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

I agree with the observation. It's been a year since fitted I'm seeing the same effect. Not too bad as the rear of the gate is north-facing - but a little disappointing. Along with some rust streaking on the stainless bolt. But otherwise still happy. Thanks for leaving a comment.

[@giova69374]

maybe you know can i install this in my garage door both sides 2 locks thanks if you know

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

@@giova69374 So long as you've something to screw or bolt into on both the frame and door, I see no reason why not. Thinking about my old up-and-over garage door from a couple of years back, the frame would have been fine, but I might have needed to add a plate to the door itself for the bolt mechanism to screw into.

[@daleknut1]

Along time coming great to see another video

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Thanks. There’s more to come - don’t worry. I’m taking it that you’re a big Dr Who fan?

[@paulhodgson4790]

Welcome back Karl

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Thanks Paul. I’m blown away with the positive comments.

[@lizzapaolia959]

Great lock for a gate. Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Thank you for the comment.

[@troyboy4345]

Nice to see you at the Harrogate Woodworking show on Sunday 12th Nov (the guy that shook your hand as you walked round with your Mrs) .... btw, I got a bit carried away with spending ! ... 😅

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Hey. Thanks for leaving a comment. It was nice to see you too.

[@5e34nut]

Hi mate, Great video and very informative... The only thing I would have advised was to rotate the gate 180 as the bracing is on the wrong side... Keep up the brilliant vids

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Hi thanks for the comment and encouragement. The gate itself is a cheap crappy gate the developer installed that will be replaced anyway.

[@5e34nut]

@@StrawbyteWorkshop That developer should be ashamed of themselves. But, I am enjoying your content and your video style. I'm currently watching your sketchup cutlist video, tres bien

[@graemechalmers8016]

Love lock have them on two of my gates. I used flat head bolts on the keeper as I thought just screwed in means the keeper screws are the weak point.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Since making the video I’ve replaced all the screws with slightly longer ones. Thanks for the comment.

[@saglike93]

This looks fantastic, can the euro cylinder be changed on these so I can get it remade to be keyed alike to my other keys?

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

I'm not sure there was a keyed alike option which promised matching existing locks at a property, however I couldn't find a lock supplier in my area to supply one. That might be a question for their 'customer loyalty' team who provide product specific advice, according to their FAQ. See the contact us page of the Birkdale website: products.birkdalesales.com/

[@saglike93]

@@StrawbyteWorkshop yeah fair enough mate I guess my question was is there a screw visible that releases the euro cylinder from the rest of the device I couldn’t see one anywhere on it from product images etc

[@mftaqi]

hi karl i m interested in 2nd latch idea. can you share its make n model plz?. my elderly parent lock the restroom from inside and then forget how to unlock it. i need it for them plz.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

It's a self locking gravity latch from a brand called Scottchen. Bought from amazon: amzn.to/4072SAU

[@arturkozlowski3381]

Hello mate. If u lock it up outside with a key can u open inside with that knob?

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

@@arturkozlowski3381 yes

[@Zarafa73]

Great video, thank you

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

You are very welcome. And thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@And-the-new]

Spring loaded is gut but will tear out all that weathered wood

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

@@And-the-new thank for the comment. I’m trying a couple more closers suggested by viewers so we’ll see.

[@1teem]

How do you measure if your gate needs 50mm vs 72mm lock?

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

It's the thickness of gate front to back at the place you plan to install the lock.

[@krcright9746]

Great installation. Not a fan of the gravity latch if I’m honest

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

I’m in two minds about it. Been auditioning some alternatives for the new gate this week. Thank you for your comment.

[@TheFirefighter56]

Hope you have another sticker.😄

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Oh yeah. I think I’ll have to try and make the RHS one work. Thanks for the comment. K.

[@oliverosbourne6776]

how is the Gatemate 1490106 Euro Long Single Throw Lock holding out is it rusty or freezin up atall ?

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

One winter through and it's held-up pretty well. The only rust has come from the fact I used steel screwdrivers to drive in the stainless steel screws. A common issue and the reason why you might want to consider stainless tools (if you have the money). In terms of fit - most of the issues I've had have been with a crappy gate which is coming away from one wall. Not the lock's fault.

[@bmwhiteside]

Trouble with them is that the keys are made of soft metal and will bend or brake easily if left in the lock and brushed against while passing through the gate.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Mmm.. I hadn't noticed the keys and you're right. - but frankly I've found that to be true of many locks lately. If I revisit the lock at any time I'll make that point. Thanks.

[@DeanCurry-k7r]

One can have a sturdier key made(copy) at a hardware store.

[@h001139]

Great video

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Howie57]

Chiseling is not necessary, after drilling the lock fits nicely in.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Thanks for the comment.

[@Howie57]

​@@StrawbyteWorkshopI saw your video after I bought the lock, I couldn't find my chisels so I decided just to try and fit it, it pushed in perfectly 😊

[@sammygirlie345]

Nice lock gate is on backwards

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

@@sammygirlie345 no it isn’t. The bracing arrow points to the hinge side.

[@rossanodenuzzo6949]

Thumb lock seems a bit pointless somebody can hop over the gate steal what they want and let themselves out

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Hi, a keyed side version is available, too. This is a high-use gate during the day, especially as I work from home and from my workshop everyday. The thumb-turn and the ability to open the gate with the key from the outside are both features that work well for my situation, especially when my assistant arrives. Not shown in the video (for obvious reasons) are the other security measures in place such as alarm contacts and cameras. At 8.15 in the video, the gate is shown padlocked from the inside which is how the gate is secured at night and when away from home. But I've actually modded the Gatemate to allow the padlock (long shackle version) to secure the bolt. Thanks for the comment tho.

[@Johnson_2022]

The video is well made however this seems like an overpriced option for what your getting to me. For less than half the price of the gate master alone you can get a lever rim latch with deadbolt. Something that's encredably durable and resistant to corrosion. If you want even more security, while still costing less then the gate master, you can add the classic Yale rim lock as well. I also wouldn't recommend thumb turns on a gate as if a burglar scales the fence it allows them to nulify the lock. Letting in their less athletic buddies and/or allowing more bulky items to be taken.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Hi thanks for the feedback on the video. I agree with your comparison with other options in terms of cost. It is an expensive option but don’t think a rim lock and deadbolt would suit the gate as it stands. The current gate is garbage compared to its replacement with too much seasonal movement and more conventional door furniture is likely to be the option chosen when I come to install the new gate. As said in the video this was an opportunity to try the system. In terms of security yes, from the inside it is simple to let yourself out. That was intentional as the gate is in constant use from the house (access to bins, cars and parcel box) and it’s where work deliveries come through. The gate is padlocked to secure it at other times however and was shown in the video. This is a reasonable balance based on our needs plus other security arrangements not show (for obvious reasons) give additional comfort.

[@railgap]

If someone can climb over your fence or gate, you don't need a high security gate lock, sport. Just because YOU can't climb it doesn't mean some hungry young punk can't.

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

@@railgap as explained, it ticks a lot of boxes for my use case. Not claiming it’s a more secure lock as it isn’t.

[@robertbutler8004]

And why would you not just wait for the new gate and then do the video?

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Explained 00:22 - 00:29 in the video.

[@darrenelliott1916]

Great to see you back of the channel

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Thanks and I’m really blown away with the response to the video. It’s like I’m back showing off in front of friends again!