Gates are designed to provide security and in most cases they are expected to be aesthetically pleasing too. Depending on whether you are looking for residential gate locks or commercial gate locks, the variety you will have to choose from will be different.

First consideration is the material of the gate as well as the material of the gate lock. Wooden gates generally will have metal gate locks and gate hardware that is opened and closed manually. But that is not always the case, many homes today have automatic gate openers for their drive way gate. They offer the convenience of entering and exiting the home without having to get out of the vehicle to open and close the gates. That may not seem important but if you live in a cold climate or have to leave the house in the rain, you will quickly see how convenient automatic gate openers can be.

Gate locks are generally black in color but if you buy an aluminium gate lock you can find them in a brushed aluminum color too. If you opt for a plain iron gate lock then you will end up with some rust stains over time. Even painting them is not a permanent solution. On the other hand if you buy a stainless steel gate locks or aluminum gate locks that will not be a problem.

The technology available in gate locks has recently made dramatic changes too. You can buy keypad gate locks, remote controlled gate locks and even fingerprint gate locks too. Some gate latches require the addition of a separate gate lock and others will have the locking mechanism built in to the latch assembly itself.

For commercial applications you can purchase gate lock assemblies that require separate access codes and even record the code used as well as the time of day the gate was opened and closed. Most of this type uses radio frequencies to transmit the data so the installation cost is not that high since no wires are required for the data collection. The level of security you need will also come into play too. For protecting valuable equipment you will generally purchase a gate lock that matches the type of perimeter security you use. A 10' chain link fence topped with razor wire will use a different type of lock than a backyard wooden gate.

Take your time to investigate the options available to you and then you will be prepared to buy the perfect gate locks to fit your exact application.