How to fix a digital entry lock to Colorbond gate?

[Domkhedun]

Hello, complete newbie to DIY here!

We have recently installed a colorbond fence and am looking to install a digital entry lock to the fence. 

I'd like to know which product would fit well (I have seen this one https://www.bunnings.com.au/ikonic-satin-chrome-digital-entry-lock_p0755180?srsltid=AfmBOorFkbe6_8w5...)

And also, what tools do I need to do this?

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Domkhedun. It's marvellous to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about installing a lock on a gate.

The ability to install a digital lock on a Colorbond gate depends entirely on the framing that sits behind the sheeting where you want the lock to go. Colorbond panels themselves are too thin to support a lock, so the lock needs to be fixed to a structural rail or stile in the gate frame. Because every installer uses slightly different gate frames, there is no universal setup, which means the lock you linked may work, but we need to confirm what framing is available in your gate and whether its thickness falls within the lock’s required range.

If you can share a couple of photos of the gate showing the area where you plan to install the lock, both from the outside and inside, as well as the thickness of the stile or rail you want to mount to, we will be able to guide you much more accurately. Once we can see how the gate has been constructed, we can confirm whether that Ikonic digital lock will suit or whether another model would be a better fit, and we can also advise on the tools you will need for the installation. Let me know if you need a hand uploading images.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Domkhedun]

Hi Mitchell, 

thanks for responding!

I have attached some pics for you. The stile/rail thickness is 50mm. 

The people installing the gate say that the iconic lock fits but they’re charging $200 to install so hoping I can do this myself if possible

 

 

[EricL]

Hello @Domkhedun 

This does appear to be a bit of a challenge as the keypad has to be at a certain distance from the end of the rail. I suggest having a quick look at your installation sheet, here is a handy link - Ikonic digital Lock. The lock can be installed on a door with a thickness of 35mm up to 65mm. It might be possible to pad the Colorbond sheet with 70mm x 45mm, this is on the condition that everything lines up properly and that the latch will install properly in place. 

In this particular instance, I suggest doing some preliminary measurements and position the lock where you would like it to go.  

Let me call on our experienced members @Nailbag, @Dave-1 and @Noyade for their recommendations. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @Domkhedun 

This will be quite a challenging project even for an experienced DIY'r. That lock essentially is intended to be installed as if the door/gate was a standard 35mm  thick timber door. Though it can be adapted to fit to you aluminium frame, the challenges will be:

1. Drilling the holes to secure the main body.

2. Cutting the opening and installing the latch

3. Cutting the openings neatly for the striker plate

To be upfront, this is a project I am struggling to explain whats required because of the complexity of planning, making out and the tools required. I'm leaving to advise you have this installed by a locksmith or decent handyman sorry.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @Domkhedun 

As I have stepped through how I would approach installing a digital lock I have run into the same issues that @Nailbag and @EricL have described. Because of the make up of the colourbond gate itself its going to be problematic to fit a normal house styled latch (included in that list is the digital lock)

50mm square tube minus say 1.5mm each side of the tube for the wall of the tube leaves you with 47mm at best space to play with. Any large hole in this tube as in the hole for the keypad and the hole for the latch Keypad hole is ??, latch hole will prob be 20mm is going to weaken the 50mm tube a fair bit. 

Maybe something like this can be used instead? Yardlock Keyless Woodgate Lock Kit 

Dave

[Nailbag]

Thats a great suggestion @Dave-1 I've not seen one of those.

Nailbag

[Domkhedun]

Thanks @EricL @Nailbag @Dave-1 for your advice here. It looks like I have bitten off more than I can chew and might pay a professional to do the job as I don't think I have the skills!

Really appreciate your input everyone!

[Noyade]

G'day @Domkhedun 

"We have recently installed a colorbond fence"

This/my suggestion is brutal - destroying some of the paintwork.

Welding a steel 'box' in place once the corresponding sheet metal is removed.

This would provide at least the steel canvas for the lock.

But this can't be the $200 solution?

Any chance you can appeal to the fencers as a 'concerned' new fence owner asking how they intend to do it (because you're worried about any damage) and report back to us?

Or - we could pass the hat round and raise $200 - then you photograph the result.

Either way, the 'Brains-trust' title will be stripped.

😁

Incidentally if this is a security measure - won't the dedicated thief simply jump over the adjacent fence and and pop back over on the other side?

Keep us informed.

Cheers.

[Noyade]

G'day @Dave-1 

Yardlock Keyless Woodgate Lock Kit 

Pretty sure @EricL responded in a thread about that lock a few weeks ago. I thought it looked great for a gate I have - then I read the fine print.

I think the warranty is null and void if you pass the cable through steel.

I could be wrong.

I often am.

Cheers.