Lost key :(

[ahhhhhHHHHHHHhhh]

Ive (DP) lost the back gate key to the garden (it leads to an alleyway I use frequently) and I have no spare and it's currently locked.

Any idea how to get it open? Get it changed/get a new key without it costing a fortune. Really do not want to have to call a locksmith as I can tell my wallet will take a beating. But what are my options?

Thank you!!

Can you post a picture of the lock?

Not sure how you can get it open without seeing it, but if you manage can you just get a cheap padlock for now without needing a locksmith?

There's no names or anything and the drop lock thingy is separate and not attached to the lock

Not sure how I would padlock it, I'm honestly terrible at this stuff

I'd start by unscrewing the two little screws and removing the plate. You might be able to turn the mechanism manually.
There may be screws the other side too.

If you replace with a bolt lock you can add a padlock.

It looks like a very bog standard lock. Have any of your neighbours got a similar back gate? Their keys might well fit.

Okay.
Long shot, but pic of the gates hinges?

I tried unscrewing the 2 little screws and they seem to just be turning and not actually coming out? Safety feature? Or am I just incompetent?

Asking next door might be an idea but I'm worried they might be a little wondering if I might be plotting something, or perhaps I'm overthinking that how would you react to being asked? Would you think it reasonable?

And picture of hinges ^ it's a weird gate

If I could just get it open I think a padlock would work fine. But I need to get it open first

I think asking neighbours to try their keys would be fine.
You could reassure them that, should their key open the lock, you'll get the lock changed.

Okay, you can open the gate by removing the hinges, and then the gate will slide off the tongue of the lock.

I would then unscrew the lock( the bit that's embedded in the frame, above the latch) , and take it to a good builders merchant- proper one, probably not b&q etc, and buy a replacement lock, of the same dimensions. Insert it- should have some instructions with it- job done.

Sorry, not the part that's embedded in the frame, the part that's embedded in the gate.

your photo just shows the keyhole escutcheon. The lock is probably on the other side. On a budget gate it is probably a pressed-steel rimlock something like this

www.screwfix.com/p/smith-locke-traditional-rim-deadlock-black-105-x-80mm/7041g

or

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GARAGE-SHED-SURFACE-MOUNTED-REVERSIBLE-GREY-DOOR-RIM-LOCK/222142534613?hash=item33b8ba13d5:g:3V8AAMXQySpRTMaG

which can be removed by taking out the screws round the edges of the case. It might also have a couple of screws on the foreend, but they will twist off if you undo the case edge screws. The staple (keep) of the lock may be screwed to the gatepost and can also be unscrewed, provided you are on the side of the gate that swings towards you to open.

If it is the type I show, and you can buy another of the same make, they are terribly insecure and there is a way of filing down one key to fit any similar lock.

btw your gate is fitted upside down.

Is it actually upside down!!!!!!! we didn't fit it but might need to get that checked, how can you tell??

And next door is out, so asking them might need to wait until later but my next plan is to take the door off.

Can I then get the lock into an 'open' position? So that when I put the door back on it will be openable, so I can then put a bolt on to it?

I'm sorry for my terrible explanations btw

Can you actually see the lock from the back or is it just a key hole on both sides? If not Once you get the gate off you should be able to unscrew the lock mechanism from the edge of the gate and remove completely (and replace)

you can't unlock the lock without (some sort of) key.

But if you just take the staple (keep) off, you can probably open the gate, without taking it off its hinges.

I'd put a galvanised Brenton bolt on (or two, one near the bottom to resist kicking, one at shoulder height to resist kicking) until you get round to fitting a new lock. You can fit padlocks to them, but they are only accessible from one side. So a lock is handy.

I can tell your gate is upside down because the brace (diagonal timber) goes the wrong way. It should be high on the lock side and low on the hinge side.

Also, the ledge (horizontal piece) at the top is spaced down from the top of the door. It's the one at the bottom has has to be spaced up, to reduce the amount of damp and rain splash that will make it rot.

So what's in the picture is mirrored on the other side. There's a key hole and that big bar thing that lifts when the other side is lifted. And you can lock it from both sides.

Does this complicate taking the door off? Or should I still be able to remove the whole lock (and catch on frame) once doors been removed?

show us a photo of the inside please.

How thick is the gate?

Also, the only exposed screws around the lock do not seem to unscrew (only turn in place)

Is the (lost) key brass, and about four inches long? Or rusty steel and about six inches long?

If it is a mortice lock you will have to take the hinges off.

If you mean the screws on the keyhole escutcheon, there is no point taking them out. It's just an ornament.

They are turning because they are loose in the wood, or it is soft, wet or rotten.

btw the "bar" is part of a Suffolk Latch

There is also a Norfolk Latch, but I have never seen one.

The original key looked silver and rusty and was about 6 inches long. Do I have to remove the bar aswell as the lock? I rather like the way the bar looks

picture of the inside?