Are you in the process of installing a back gate? Then it is imperative that you focus on security. Whether you are installing this back gate for yourself or for a client, you need a quality back gate lock. Look, you are far from alone in not considering the importance of locks for garden gates. After all, this is why so many break-ins in the UK start by entry via the back gate!

If you are unsure where to start, then read on. We have spoken with ironmongery experts at Locks & Hardware, who provide UK trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts with high-quality garden outdoor lock systems. From high-quality hinges to durable garden door lock types, they cover everything needed to make your garden feel safer once again. The right lock should be your #1 priority, whether it is for your own home or for a client who has hired you to install gates that lock.

So, where do you start? Let’s take a look at how to find the ideal back gate lock!

Why Are Back Garden Gates A Security Risk?

When we invest in home security, we often think about our external doors, i.e. our front and back doors. It is sadly common for homeowners and lock installers to forget about the front and back gate locks, though. Why, though, are back garden gates in particular such a risk factor?

The reasons are two-fold. For one, back garden gates are often less visible. They might be obscured from the view of your neighbours and/or passers-by. They also tend to be in areas that are more dimly lit. As such, criminals can't tinker with your back gate lock without being quite so visible.

There is also the fact that back gate locks can go without a due upgrade. How often do you see a rusty gate lock? In our experience, all the time. As such, they can be less secure, less robust and easier to manipulate. That, allied to their relative lack of visibility, makes a back garden gate a target.

What Types Of Back Gate Locks Are There?

Whether you self-install your back gate lock or you get a locksmith to do so, getting stumped by the sheer volume of options on the market is quite easy. Generally, your main options include:

  • Bolt back gate locks. These, as the name implies, are simply closed over and locked using a bolt that fits into a latch. These can be easily unlocked if someone is tall/agile enough.
  • Keyed locks. Having a key for your lock ensures that, like your front doors, the doors only open when the key is entered. However, keys can be cloned and/or locks can be picked.
  • Combination locks. Much like a safe, these require you to put in a specific key combination to get the gate open. Rarer, more expensive, but generally harder to manipulate or break into.
  • Digital locks. Though still a novelty in the UK, back gate locks that use digital mechanisms are highly secure. Criminals need sophisticated tools, experience and patience to break in.

Locksmiths need to understand what kind of lock(s) would be most suitable for each back gate they work on. Homeowners should research the lock type that is compatible with their gate type and also what fits within their budget. Together, both parties should be able to find the ideal lock on a gate.

Key Considerations For Back Gate Lock Selection

There are so many factors that come into this topic that it can become a headache to even think about, right?

For the most part, though, lock installers should consider key factors in the installation process, like:

  • How much cover does the gate have? Are the back door gates likely to suffer from heavy weather? If so, weather-resistant and rustproof locks become essential.
  • What about durability? Will the back gate be used often? Does it need only to open slightly ajar or fully wide? Do the locks need extra-durable hinges or extra-long bolts?
  • If using a lock to open/close the gate, will the gate use a unique key, or will it be part of a keyed-alike setup?
  • How likely is the gate to be targeted? Gates that are well-hidden might need less security, while gates that are in easy-to-access but low-visibility areas might need extra features.
  • What is the gate itself made from? Wooden gates benefit from metal locks, but metal gates should not have wooden locks installed. 
  • How easy is the installation process? Will installation be straightforward, or will the gate need to be adjusted/prepared beforehand?

Secure Your Back Garden The Smart Way

Given how many burglaries start in the garden, ignoring your gate locks is an unwise decision. The best back gate locks are a combination of easily usable, highly functional, and durable – all without compromising security. Locksmiths should only offer trade-standard gate locks, while homeowners should not settle for second best or ‘make do’ installations on their back gates.