Why Should I Have A Lock On My Gate..

That is a good question, For security or ???

Whether you have a single swing gate or a double swing gate, it is always good to have a lock installed, and it is not for the reasons you think. Sliding gates don't need a lock because they are always connected to a geared motor which makes them very hard to push when the mower is off. A swing gate is different.

There are three reasons to have a lock.

The first is security

,It stops people breaking in. Even if the gates are closed, there is always a bit of movement in swing gates because of the nature of the swing motors. Motors are quite strong, so if someone forces the gates apart when closed , just enough to get through maybe, this puts a lot of pressure on the motor and the brackets holding the motor. I have seen many gates that have been forced and what usually happens is that the brackets take most of the force and pull screws out of the brickwork or the wooden post. I have even seen brackets bent out of shape . So if there was a lock this would not happen.

The second reason is wind. 

Just imagine an extreme weather situation.  I have seen a set of double gates that were quite filled in so acting like a sail on a boat. The wind was so strong it was pushing and pulling the gates as the wind changed direction and it was down a long drive way so that made a long tunnel as well.  The motors will try and hold the gates shut but don't under estimate the power of the wind ..This is where most of the damage is done. Push pull, push pull. just imagine the force on some small screws holding the motor brackets on. 

The third is temptation.

Imagine if you have a flash looking house with a set of stunning swing gates at the edge of the road. Some people think you have expensive things there around the house. So the best thing to do is install a lock that they cannot get through. Remember that if the gates move a little with a push then they can just push harder and push their way in. If the gates are locked together, then not possible. If it is a single gate and it is locked to the gate post, impossible to get any movement at all. If you have any questions about installing a good lock on your gates please contact me with a picture of your gates...Cheers Graeme

Now there are two types of locks, Electric & Magnetic. .

Rule no 1, You cannot use a magnetic lock on a solar system because they require power all the time to stay on so that would be too hard on your batteries, so electric only.

An electric powered system can use a magnetic or electric lock, They are different but do the same job. I like magnetic if it suits your gates.