Need a good quality lock for chain on parent's front gate

[jezbeliverson]

Hey,

This is Jezbel, happy holidays. I am a teacher, and new to this site, so sorry for any silly questions

I want to buy a nice lock for my parents front door, they live in a semi rural area in Texas. Right now they do not have an electric gate, just a small gate with chain (see pictures).

I bought them two locks at a big box store for about $10, but those either stopped working right out of the box, or the coto rmbination dial stops working. Basically, they seem to be of poor quality.

Those are not the locks pictured here.

I want to get a good combination padlock to replace these, one that will last under normal conditions. The weather does not freeze much where they live but it does rain, and get hot as well.

Basically, they wrap the chain around itself and then slide the lock through the links.





Can y'all recommend a good lock that I can gift them please? I do not mind spending up to $100 but I presume I do not need to spend so much.t

I have read through the site and understand that a lock is only part of the setup. At this point, we just need a lock that will work well, e.g. not stop working and require them to saw it off, and provide a reasonable level of security.

They are in the process of setting up their home and will upgrade all the locks and doors with my help soon

Thanks,
XX

Jezbel

[ltdbjd]

You mentioned a lock for the front door. Are you looking for a door lock and a padlock, or just a padlock?

How set are you on a combination padlock? There are a lot more options for keyed padlocks.

[jezbeliverson]

Hey ltdbjd

Cool avatar

They need a combination lock so they can give the code to propane refill company that comes to service and refill every few months. They do not call ahead so they need to give a code to the company.

unless there is some way they can use a keyed padlock and figure out some way to give access to the propane company

there is no electricity at the front door, but they are working on it, and will have an electric gate in the next 3-6 months, hopefully

thanks

xx
Jez

[Squelchtone]

Buy an Abloy PL330 from Abloy USA in Texas or from an online seller such as SecuritySnobs.com and then lock the key in a metal Supra lockbox with push button combination and mount that box with key inside to the fence post with 3 inch screws. Give them code to unlock lock box and the key to padlock can be chained to the lock box cover. The Abloy padlocks are Key Retaining so you cant forgot the lock in the unlocked position. They are made for harsh weather.

Lockbox, rubber weather proof cover available for $5 extra as well
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000GTQU22/

The high security Protec2 version of the padlock costs $100, seems prices went up since last year
, theres a company called Zoro that sells overstock stuff and they have the Sentry version of the Abloy PL330 which for your parents gate will be more than plenty and its $48
http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayIS ... 2722326162

Hope this helps,
Squelchtone

[ltdbjd]

The lock box is a great way to go; that allows you to use a keyed padlock.

You can't go wrong with Abloy. I also like ABUS. They aren't considered high security like the Abloy, but they make a good product. The 83WP is great for outdoor use, and they are also key retaining (or not if you don't want that feature). https://www.abus.com/us/Commercial-Security/Padlocks/Marine-Outdoor/83WP

Their Mariner is also weatherized and corrosion resistant. https://www.abus.com/us/Commercial-Security/Padlocks/Marine-Outdoor/83-Mariner-Submariner

You can get both in a variety of keyways (e.g. Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, etc.), and they can be pinned to match other locks. Since you will be giving outside contractors access to the key, I wouldn't key it to the same key as the house, but you can key it to match other padlocks.
.
The general rule is that if you can buy it in a big box store, it's not a very good lock. A hard and fast rule is stay away from Master locks.

Don't forget to get a decent chain suitable for outdoor use. Nickel plated chain holds up well.

Again, you can't go wrong with Abloy or ABUS. A lot of people on this site are fond of Abloy due to their serious pick resistance. One downside to be aware of with Abloy is that you can't just walk into your local hardware and get a duplicate. Typically not an issue, but since outside contractors will have access to the key, it's a pain if they accidentally walk away with it.

[jezbeliverson]

Hey,

Thanks for the info. The information about the keyways is very helpful, but I will need to read up on it. Its new to me and I am not that smart like all of you

Do you know where I can get the ABUS locks from? Online or in store.

Squelchtone, thank you for your advice So, how would I chain the key to the lockbox?

Below is an image of the inside of the lockbox you suggested....

Would I put the key on a chain, and then put the key and chain inside the lockbox?

If so, I presume I should get the bigger lockbox right?

On a side note, since ltdbjd said not to buy Master locks, do you know which brand is good for travel, i.e. TSA locks for travel



thanks
XX

Jez

[billdeserthills]

Hey ltdbjd

Cool avatar

They need a combination lock so they can give the code to propane refill company that comes to service and refill every few months. They do not call ahead so they need to give a code to the company.

unless there is some way they can use a keyed padlock and figure out some way to give access to the propane company

there is no electricity at the front door, but they are working on it, and will have an electric gate in the next 3-6 months, hopefully

thanks

xx
Jez

I like the Sesamee padlocks, they make a brass body 4-wheel combination padlock that won't corrode in the outdoor areas about $20-25
I like to use the size of the chain as a measure for the padlock shackle size, no point in making the padlock any much
stronger than the chain is.

[Squelchtone]

thanks
XX

Jez

nice job finding that pic, I was trying to find something like that. The key just clips onto the clip on the inside of the door, the entire door lifts out, and when done with the padlock you just put it back and the door snaps shut and the code resets. So you dont really need a foot long chain or anything that would reach from the box to the padlock.

bill does have a good idea with a Sesamee combination padlock.

Squelchtone

[jezbeliverson]

squelchtone...but then what if the contractor genuinely forgets to return the key?

thus I liked the idea of securing the key to the lockbox in some way

If I wanted the sesamee padlock, would I get it on Amazon? Security snobs?

thanks
xx

Jez

[Squelchtone]

squelchtone...but then what if the contractor genuinely forgets to return the key?

thus I liked the idea of securing the key to the lockbox in some way

If I wanted the sesamee padlock, would I get it on Amazon? Security snobs?

thanks
xx

Jez

typical use case: so the contractor drives up, punches in the code, presses the open button, the front cover comes off, the key is attached inside, they bring the keypad cover and key to the padlock, turn the key, unlock padlock, do their thing, then come back, close chain/gate and shut padlock, remove key from padlock, and put key and key box door/keypad back into the mounted key box frame on the fence post and click it shut. Humans are dumb, so there's always a chance someone would forget to lock up, but with a big square metal thing hanging on the key, I doubt it.

You can get a Sesamee 4 number padlock anywhere.. ebay, amazon, local locksmith shop, local ace hardware store, tractor supply co, mr.lock.com, security snobs only sells "high security" locks, if you make the code something easy like 1-2-3-4 or 2-0-1-6 on the Sesamee anyone can guess it quickly, so it depends on how remote this fence is and if there's any teenagers or bad guys near by winning to sit there and try out combinations.

$16.38
https://www.amazon.com/Sesamee-K436-Res ... 001C4TEKU/

you could always put sticker on the padlock saying, call my cell phone for the current combination, and change it every month so a utility company employee cant come and go as they please. then when they arrive, you can give them the combo over the phone, AND you know they're on property at the same time.

Squelchtone

[cledry]

Abus Diskus with one of their lever key, dimple key or disc detainer key options. About $30 - $40. Use with an Abus hardened chain.

[jezbeliverson]

Thank you everyone

Are any of these sesamee padlocks weather proof or will any do, such as the link posted by squelchtone?

Is this a good brand for travel locks as well?

Where can I buy the Abus locks? - ebay, amazon, local locksmith shop, local ace hardware store, tractor supply co, mr.lock.com or is it more widely retailed at Big Box stores etc.

XX
Jez

[Squelchtone]

Thank you everyone

Are any of these sesamee padlocks weather proof or will any do, such as the link posted by squelchtone?

Is this a good brand for travel locks as well?

Where can I buy the Abus locks? - ebay, amazon, local locksmith shop, local ace hardware store, tractor supply co, mr.lock.com or is it more widely retailed at Big Box stores etc.

XX
Jez

You wont find Abus at home depot or Walmart. Look online, Amazon, ebay, etc

I would also start a new thread for luggage locks, most luggage does not have big enough zipper eyelets to fit regular padlocks and the TSA goons wont be happy if you dont use a padlock that they can open with their set of master keys.

Pretty much use any TSA approved padlock for your luggage. You can get then from the department store or amazon, etc.

[jezbeliverson]

Hello squelchtone,

Thank you. I want a good quality travel lock, as the ones I have got from the big box stores, e.g. Master, have often had their combination stuck or the U shaped part of the lock stuck.

I will start a new thread about it!

Thanks
XX

Jez

[djhobbes]

I like the idea of keyboxes as well.

If you are concerned with key return to the box, you could use a product such as this:



http://www.selectlocks.com/KeySafe-Pro-KR

It is basically a larger key box with a KeyBak installed within. The KeyBak is a spring-loaded retractable device that ensures the key is returned. The door is attached to the box, so the only thing needed is to shut the door when done.

I have used these before in commercial applications when we had a need to keep a key in the field and after trying different key boxes and still losing keys and doors, the only thing that worked was this.