Gate Locks for Chain Link Fences

Last Updated on May 29, 2024

Why Chain Link Gates are Hard to Lock | Padlocks, Latches & Chains | MagnaLatch Chain Link Gate Adapter Kit | Keyless Locks for Chain Link Gates

The Issues Locking Chain Link Gates

Chain link fences can be the most difficult to lock.

• A standard welder cannot weld to the galvanized metal used in chain link fences, so using lock boxes, that deadbolts or keyless locks can mount to, are out.
• The gates have wide gaps so finding things that cross that gap to secure the gate to the fixed post is difficult
• Tolerances are sloppy. A chain link fence gate won’t always close the same way each time. So installing a self-latching gate lock is difficult.

Locking Options for Chain Link Fence Gates

Chain and Combination Padlock

This can often be the easiest solution, but there are issues with it.

Primarily, you have to track a key. You could use a combination padlock for the gate, but they have been pretty easy to bypass and best avoided….until now.

We have evaluated and recommend the Abus 190cs/60 combination padlock, available here on Amazon. It’s fixed all the flaws often found in combination padlocks for a very secure solution. Our YouTube video below covers why.

You can also use a padlock that uses the same key as your home or business. You’ll still need a key, but you won’t need an ‘extra’ key on your key ring. Purchase the Abus 83/45-300 on Amazon if your existing key is a Schlage Keyway. Purchase the Abus 83/45-200 on Amazon if your existing key is a Kwikset. Once you have the lock, head into a locksmith shop to have it keyed to your existing key.

And, since you’re upgrading the padlock, get yourself some good Abus chain from Amazon too. It comes in various thicknesses and is one of the best chains we sell.

Lock Using a Gate Latch

A chain link gate latch is a fold-down device that joins the fixed post and the swing post together. It is then locked in place, so it can’t be lifted up to release the gate, using a padlock. There are a wide variety of gate latches available. They do not have to be welded. Instead, they are bolted to the posts of the fence/gate.

We’d recommend the Abus 190cs/60 combination padlock, available here on Amazon, we mentioned above when it can be used. Often, a padlock with a longer shackle is necessary.

Use a MagnaLatch to Lock the Gate

MagnaLatch is a magnetic gate lock that is often found on pool gates. If your chain link gate is less than 5′ tall, this can be a good keyed option.

They’ve just released a very affordable mounting option for chain link gates, see it on Amazon here.

A note on the MagnaLatch, the gate will close and latch automatically, but you do need to use the key to lock it. You pull on the top of the lock to open the gate. Without using the key, you will have just an auto-latching gate.

When you lock the MagnaLatch with the key, the release is locked in place and not able to be pulled up to release the gate.

These locks are great for child safety because of the auto-latching and their unique design that requires you to reach very high and pull a knob to unlock them.

Keyless Gate Locks for Chain Link Gates

One manufacturer, Lockey, came out with what we feel is the best lock for a chain-linked fence. It is a gate box that accepts a code lock and attaches to the pole of the fence without welding. It allows you to use a mechanical keyless code lock to open the gate (find out if a mechanical keyless gate lock is a good solution for your needs).

The gate box is called the GB2900. It secures to the gate with no welding. After installed you can put a variety of the Lockey mechanical keypad locks on it. It can be used with their 2900, 2930, 2945, 2950,2985 series locks.

No welding is required to install this gate box. Considering the very limited options for an easy-to-open keyless chain link gate lock, this is a great solution. I found a good price for it when writing this blog on Amazon.

To get the self-latching feature (automatically lock when the gate is closed) you need to add the Lockey 2985 mechanical keyless lock. It also has a good price on Amazon. The other locks available behave more like a deadbolt, you need to throw them closed to lock the gate.

If you’re in our service area, we have a ton of experience installing these locks. If you’re not in Arizona, just contact your local locksmith if you need assistance.

Can You Use the Keyless Fence Gate Lock on Your Fence?

You can use the Lockey keyless gate lock on your chain link fence gate if: The gap between the rail and the fence post is less than, or can be made less than 1/2″ before installation. This is necessary for the lock’s latch to catch and lock the gate. Additionally, the fence rail must be 1 5/8″ or 1 7/8″ in diameter to secure the gate box to it.

Note: As an Amazon and eBay affiliate I may earn a small commission if the links in this post are used to purchase products.

More of Our Favorite Security Products

See our Amazon Store for Videos and Links to All of Our Favorite Security Products.

Door Armor: Reinforce your doors. This video on YouTube shows the installation of Door Armor, and you can buy this or similar products from Amazon at a great price.

Video Doorbells: This video doorbell offers great images and video and has NO monthly video storage fees. Watch our SkyBell Video Doorbell Review on YouTube and buy it on Amazon.

Smart Locks: Access Your Locks via Smart Phone. You’ll find some of our favorite smart locks that allow you to control home access and monitor entry in our Amazon Smart Lock Shop. Watch our Smart Lock Comparison Video on YouTube for reviews of the most popular Smart Locks.

High-Security Safes: When you want a safe that is designed to protect the valuables you put inside, you want a high-security safe found on ACME Locksmith’s Safes for Sale website.

Sliding Glass Door Lock: The best Arcadia door lock that stops your sliding glass door from being lifted out of its tracks and prevents little ones from opening the door and leaving the home. Check out the video on YouTube and Buy it on our website.