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Lost key :(

36 replies

ahhhhhHHHHHHHhhh · 07/04/2018 09:52

Ive (DP) lost the back gate key to the garden Sad (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!!

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ahhhhhHHHHHHHhhh · 07/04/2018 11:43

I'm kinda short so excuse the terrible picture

Lost key :(
OP posts:
ahhhhhHHHHHHHhhh · 07/04/2018 11:43

That's looking out to the alleyway

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PigletJohn · 07/04/2018 11:45

can't see the lock.

Can't you get into that yard or garden from the house?

ahhhhhHHHHHHHhhh · 07/04/2018 11:51

I can get to the other side but it's kind of a long walk, the gate leads to a shortcut ally and I gotta walk around to see it, but it does look the exact same on other side

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PigletJohn · 07/04/2018 11:58

OK

I'm willing to believe that there is a mortice lock (unusual)

You will have to take the hinges off

Wedge some timbers or bricks or something under the gate first so it does not fall on you.

It will not be too heavy for a man to lift, but I don't know how strong you are.

When you have removed the gate, lie it down on its hinge side (lock edge facing up) and photograph the lock. There will probably be two screws. If you undo them you can pull on the bolt of the lock and it will pull out of the door. If you then photograph the lock from all sides, with a ruler in the pic, we can suggest a lock that might fit.

You can put one or two bolts on until you get a new lock (or the old key turns up). Ne'erdowells often kick a gate by a road to see if it comes open, so shed bolts, not bathroom bolts.

Is there a DIY shed, hardware store, Wickes, Screwfix or Wilkinsons near you? Have you got some screws and a drill?

You will need a set of screwdrivers in good condition, not worn out, as the screws may be rusty and need a good fit.

If you take the gate off today, have you got someone to help you lift it up and refit it?

DonaldWeasley · 07/04/2018 12:34

My cousin just fitted this lock on her gate, I plan to do the same Concise Home 50mm Double Long Throw Gate Lock 5 Keys Garden Locking Both Sides www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01M05YWFV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MSkYAbYSEW45K?tag=mumsnetforum-21 - she said it was very easy if you have a drill and buy the drill bit recommended.

ahhhhhHHHHHHHhhh · 07/04/2018 12:52

I'm waiting for DP to come back so he can help me get it off as I tried to do myself and found it a little heavy Blush but thank you for all the advice and I will update once I have it off. Thank you !!!

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ahhhhhHHHHHHHhhh · 07/04/2018 13:25

Success!

Lost key :(
Lost key :(
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PigletJohn · 07/04/2018 14:12

is there a brand-name on the fore-end of that lock?

Please measure it accurately.

The case might be 67mm wide. How tall is it? Was it a tight fit into the mortice in the gate, or an easy roomy fit?

What is the distance from the centre of the keyhole to the outside face of the fore-end?

PigletJohn · 07/04/2018 14:24

for example, here is a dimensioned drawing of a very common lock

I can see yours is not the same, but we can probably match yours.

Observe particularly that the bolt in the drawing projects 20mm from the face, when locked. 20mm is the latest British Standard, if yours is the same it is fairly modern so should be fairly easy to match. Older ones of a similar model have a throw of 14mm

Without being impertinent, a new one might cost in the region of £20 or more (the one in my drawing retails at £46) but we might find you a used one in the region of a tenner. Would a new one be a problem?

PigletJohn · 07/04/2018 14:26

try again

here is a dimensioned drawing of a very common lock

picture included

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