Specifying Locks, Latches and Hardware for Gates

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The right gate lock hardware depends on how the gate is used, how often it opens, and who needs access. Decide on the lock type, latch position and access method before measuring, so the gate frame and hardware are built to suit each other from the start.

Start with how the gate is really used

Before choosing any lock or latch, think about the daily routine. Who opens the gate, how often, and do they arrive on foot, by car, or both? A gate used by the whole family many times a day needs different hardware than a side gate opened once a week for the garden.

Also consider whether the gate needs to lock from the outside, from the inside, or both. Note whether children, delivery staff or visitors need independent access, since this decides whether you need a keyed cylinder, a code pad, an intercom connection or a simple gravity latch.

Measuring for the lock and latch position

Hardware placement is set during measurement, not after installation. We check the gate height, leaf width, post position and the clearance between the gate and the fence or wall, so the latch lines up with the strike plate or keeper on the post.

Mark the intended latch height and handle side
Check that the gate swings freely without catching the lock box
Confirm the post can take the strike and any electric lock wiring

Exact load and clearance values are checked with the engineer on site, especially where the railing or fence must meet the Israeli standard SI 1142.

Choosing between lock types

Common options include a mortise or surface lock with a key cylinder, a gravity latch for light use, a drop bolt for a second leaf, and an electric strike for remote opening. Each has trade-offs in security, weather exposure and maintenance.

Mechanical locks are simple and dependable but need the key on hand. Electric locks suit busy entrances and pair well with intercoms or access controllers, though they need a power supply and a neat cable route through the post.

Planning the drawing and specification

After measuring, we prepare a drawing and a written specification that name each piece of hardware: lock body, cylinder, latch, handle, hinges, strike and any electric components. The drawing shows where the hardware sits on the gate and where the cables run.

You review and approve this document before production starts. Any change you request at this stage costs far less time than a change after the gate is built.

Production and finishing in our factory

Once approved, the gate is manufactured to measure in our factory on Rival Street in Tel Aviv. Lock boxes, latch brackets and strike plates are welded or fixed into the frame at the planned positions, so the hardware is solid and aligned.

Finishing follows production. Hot-dip galvanizing and powder coating protect the steel from weather, and the hardware areas are masked so the finish does not block moving parts or the keyhole.

Installation and a practical check

On installation day, the gate is hung and the latch is tested against the post. We check the swing, the latch engagement, the key action and, where fitted, the electric strike, before leaving the site.

Test the lock with the gate open and closed
Confirm the keys work smoothly
Check that cables are protected and secured

Ask for a short walkthrough of the operation so everyone in the household knows how to open and lock the gate.

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose a keyed lock or an electric lock for my gate?

A keyed lock is simple and reliable for a gate used mostly by household members. An electric lock suits frequent use or remote access, but it needs a power supply and proper cable routing.

When should the lock position be decided?

The lock and latch positions should be decided during on-site measurement, before the drawing is made. This ensures the hardware lines up with the post and the swing clears the surroundings.

Can hardware be added to an existing gate?

In many cases yes, but the post and frame must be checked first to confirm they can take the strike, bracket and any wiring. We assess this during a site visit.

Do you check the railing standard for gates with fences?

Where a gate sits within a railing or fence, we consider the Israeli standard SI 1142 in general terms. Exact values are checked with the engineer for each project.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is choosing hardware after the gate is built, which often leads to misaligned latches and awkward cable routing. Another is ignoring how the gate will be used day to day.

Our recommendation

Decide on the access method first, then the lock type, and only then the latch position. Share your photos and a description of daily use at the inquiry stage so the hardware is planned correctly from the beginning.

Summary

Good gate hardware starts with understanding how the gate is used, measuring carefully and approving a clear specification before production. Planning these details early avoids most problems at installation.

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