Lock Boxes: Everything to Know for Secure Gates

Lock boxes are essential for reinforcing steel gates and protecting internal locking mechanisms. By housing cylinder, Elzett, or Lince locks, they provide added strength, weather resistance, and tamper protection. This blog explains what lock boxes are, how they work, and why they are vital for reliable gate security.

What Is a Lock Box?

A lock box is a welded steel enclosure that houses and protects the locking mechanism of a gate. Instead of leaving a lock exposed on the gate’s surface, the lock box integrates it within a reinforced structure for maximum strength and reliability.

Key characteristics include:

1. Security Reinforcement
   • Adds an extra steel layer around the lock, reducing the risk of tampering, crowbar attacks, or cutting attempts. 
2. Compatibility
   • Designed to fit specific lock types such as cylinder, Elzett, or Lince locks, ensuring a secure and precise installation. 
3. Durability
   • Manufactured from robust mild steel that withstands heavy use and external impacts. 
4. Weather Protection
   • Shields the lock body from rain, dust, and corrosion, extending its lifespan. 
5. Professional Finish
   • Creates a neat, standardised cavity for the lock, improving alignment and smooth operation.

In short, lock boxes are essential for anyone seeking stronger, longer-lasting gate security.

Also read: Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Door Lock

How Do Lock Boxes Work?

A lock box works by acting as a protective housing that is welded into a gate frame. It not only holds the lock securely in place but also shields it from tampering and harsh conditions. The process is simple yet highly effective:

1. Welding into the Frame

   • The lock box is fixed into the gate’s steel frame, becoming part of the overall structure.
   • This ensures stability and prevents easy removal. 

2. Housing the Lock Mechanism

   • Depending on the design, the box accommodates cylinder, Elzett, or Lince locks.
   • The lock sits inside the box, with only the keyhole or handle exposed. 

3. Protection from Forced Entry

   • The steel casing prevents intruders from easily cutting, prying, or hammering the lock.
   • Closed lock boxes offer even greater protection by covering more of the mechanism. 

4. Weather Resistance

   • The box shields the lock from rain, dust, and debris, which helps prevent rust and ensures smooth operation.

By combining strength, alignment, and weather protection, lock boxes significantly extend the life and performance of gate locks.

Also read: 5 Security Features Your Lock Should Have in 2025

Types of Lock Boxes

Lock boxes come in different shapes and designs to suit various lock mechanisms and security requirements. Choosing the right type ensures a secure fit and long-lasting protection for your gate. Ultralock offers a full range of high-quality lock boxes built from durable mild steel, available in both open and closed variants.

1. Cylinder Lock Boxes

   • Designed to house standard cylinder locks, these boxes provide a precise cavity that ensures the lock aligns perfectly with the gate frame.
   • Available in open and closed designs, giving installers flexibility based on the security level required. 

2. Elzett Lock Boxes

   • Popular in South African gates, Elzett lock boxes are tailored to fit Elzett locks.
   • Ultralock’s Elzett lock boxes are built for strength and easy welding, offering a reliable solution for fabricators and installers. 

3. Lince Lock Boxes

   • Specifically created for Lince locks, these boxes ensure proper housing and protection.
   • As with other Ultralock options, both open and closed versions are available. 

Open vs Closed Designs:

• Open Lock Boxes provide easier access to the lock mechanism during installation and servicing. 
• Closed Lock Boxes enclose the lock more fully, giving maximum resistance against tampering and forced entry.

With Ultralock’s wide selection, fabricators, installers, and property owners can choose the perfect lock box to match their preferred lock type, ensuring strength, consistency, and superior gate security.

Similar read: Top 5 Best Types of Front Door Locks

Benefits of Using Lock Boxes

Installing a lock box provides far more than just a neat housing for a lock—it significantly enhances the overall strength and performance of a gate. The key benefits include:

1. Enhanced Security

   • By encasing the lock in a steel housing, lock boxes reduce exposure to tampering methods such as crowbars, cutting, or hammering.
   • Closed designs in particular provide maximum resistance against forced entry. 

2. Durability & Protection

   • A lock box shields the lock body from weather elements like rain, dust, and rust.
   • This not only extends the lock’s lifespan but also ensures smoother operation over time. 

3. Standardised Installation

   • Lock boxes create a consistent cavity for locks, allowing fabricators and installers to work more efficiently with reliable alignment. 

4. Versatility

   • With options for cylinder, Elzett, and Lince locks, lock boxes can be matched to a wide range of gate security requirements.

Ultimately, lock boxes offer a long-term security upgrade, protecting both the lock and the gate, and ensuring property owners enjoy dependable, lasting protection.

Also learn: 5 Steps to Improve Your Home’s Security

Choosing the Right Lock Box for Your Gate

Selecting the correct lock box is essential to ensure both security and smooth operation of your gate. The right choice depends on factors such as the type of lock, gate design, and the level of protection required.

1. Match the Lock Type

   • Identify whether you need a cylinder, Elzett, or Lince lock box. Each is designed to fit its specific mechanism securely. 

2. Consider Open vs Closed Designs

   • Open Lock Boxes make installation and servicing easier, but provide less coverage.
   • Closed Lock Boxes enclose the lock more fully, delivering maximum tamper resistance. 

3. Check Gate Profile & Steel Thickness

   • Ensure the lock box is compatible with the dimensions of the gate frame and steel thickness for proper alignment. 

4. Security Requirements

   • For high-security environments such as commercial or industrial gates, closed lock boxes are often recommended.
   • For lighter-duty gates, an open design may be sufficient.

With Ultralock’s comprehensive range of lock boxes, fabricators, installers, and property owners can choose a solution tailored to their specific needs—ensuring durability, consistency, and trusted gate security.

Similar read: Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Choosing Security Gates

Conclusion

A lock box is more than a housing—it’s an essential layer of protection that strengthens gates, shields locks, and improves long-term security. With options tailored to different lock types and designs, Ultralock’s lock boxes provide the durability, reliability, and peace of mind property owners and installers can trust.

Upgrade your gate security with Ultralock’s durable lock boxes, designed for strength, precision, and long-term protection. Whether for cylinder, Elzett, or Lince locks, our solutions ensure reliability you can trust. Take the next step today—contact us to find the perfect lock box for your needs.