Larger properties around King City and Kleinburg often have more than a front door: a gate at the road, a side gate, a garage, a barn or workshop, a pool house. Keeping them all secure and convenient is a lock problem with a few choices.
Start with a list
Write down every lock on the property and who needs access. A typical list includes the house doors, the gate, the garage, the workshop, and any outbuilding used by staff or contractors.
Keys: simple and reliable
Keyed locks need no batteries and work in cold weather. They suit outbuildings that are opened rarely. The drawback is copies. If a contractor keeps a key, the only remedy is to rekey. Keyed-alike padlocks reduce the key ring: one key opens several locks.
Keypads: flexible for many users
A keypad lets you give each person a code and remove it later. This suits gates, side doors and workshops used by different people. Choose a weather-rated model, keep spare batteries and know where the mechanical override is. See keypad lock installation and keyless entry locks.
Gate hardware matters
A gate lock is only as good as the latch, hinge and post. A sagging gate will not latch, whatever lock is fitted. A pool or animal gate needs a self-latching mechanism. See gate locks and hardware.
Plan for guests and staff
Cleaners, tradespeople and guests all need access at times. A lockbox or key safe gives you a controlled way to share a key without handing out copies.
Consider the whole house
On the main house, consider a high-security lock or multipoint system for double doors, and reinforce the frame. See door reinforcement.
Keep records
Keep a list of codes and key holders and update it when people change. Change codes after contractors finish.
Get advice
Apna Locksmith, Unit 12, 8550 Torbram Rd, Brampton, open 7 AM to 11 PM, travels north to King and Kleinburg. Call (289) 406-1500. See locksmith service in King.