D&D Technologies LLMKDBT LokkLatch Magnetic Gate Latch with Dual-Sided Push/Pull Design, Key-Lockable Security Hardware for Square Gate Frame and Post, Metal, Wood, Vinyl Fences, Black

I was skeptical about buying D&D Technologies LLMKDBT LokkLatch Magnetic Dual Sided Push/Pull Handle latch due to some reviews saying poor instructions , doesn't work, some one even said they are a carpenter and they could not get the lock to align/ function. I have never installed a door lock of any kind so judging from some reviews I was immediately disappointed and wanted to find something else. after some research I liked the way this handle looked / operated judging by the demo video. I decided to take the gamble since this requires drilling a level hole through fence post and my posts aren't 100% parallel. I previously had D&D Technologies LLAAB LokkLatch with External Access Kit Gate Latch which is still on until I find something to cover the screw holes or may just leave it on as is and not bother. I always disliked LLAAB LokkLatch because it was so finicky , one day my gate was open and a gust of wind slammed my gate and bent the metal bolt/rod. my options were to buy the same one I had which would have been the easiest thing to do. But since we never liked the whole locking mechanism and the push button side did not work after a few years due to spring sagging we were looking at other options. Based on some good reviews I decided to buy the LLMKDBT LokkLatch from D&D shipped by amazon they only had 1 instock with more coming soon, prime delivery $89.95. I believe this was about $10 more then some other vendors but I did notice some serial/ model numbers were different and I wanted the latest model incase there were some improvements over previous models. also I knew if it didn't function I could easily ship it back for a refund. I watched the demo/install video linked on amazon and read the instructions carefully. fiddled with the lock to get an understanding of how it is supposed to function. the slider plate with the screw was very difficult to slide, after a quick inspection I noticed the plastic slider opposite of screw had a little excess plastic. thankfully I recently ordered MAVAST Silicone Deburring Tool with 21 High-Speed Steel Blades Blue on amazon for a different project and was able to quickly shave off the piece which was preventing the slider to glide. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0875WT5LF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I then used ( 90 Degree Right Angle, Positioning Clamp Woodworking Carpenter Tool Aluminium Alloy Square Ruler Angle Holder for Carpenters Household ) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QCPNSD6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 to help get a precise line for my drill guide, you can use any right angle ruler/ square. once I had the line i then used the plastic tool included with the kit to drill pilot into #1 hole, #2 is for wood post if I remember correctly. my method was starting with smaller drill and working my way up I used maybe 5-6 different size drill bits until I got to 1/2 diameter. not sure if that was the correct way to drill through vinyl post. thankfully I had new Milwaukee drill bits and and was able to get a clean hole this way. I would not recommend using old / dull drill bits especially into vinyl as you can easily rip out a chunk and then will have to replace post. make sure you use the correct drill bits which work with vinyl/plastic. once I had clean level holes. I did a dry fit followed by inserting rod into handle and using the tool included with kit to mark where I need to cut rod for flush finish to the tool. I made sure to cut rod just a tad longer, because you can always cut more if necessary.and I got it on the first try. once you cut to short it will not work, the kit includes 2 rods incase you miscalculate and ruin the first. there is also a plastic tube which they say its not mandatory but can/will help long term for the rod to function but in order to install it you will need to drill a 16mm hole as opposed to 13mm / 1/2" hole. I did not have 16mm drill bit so I decided not to install it. if the rod will not function in the future due to elements, it will be very easy to unscrew lock handles reinstall new rod and screw back. and im sure it will be pretty easy to buy / call d&d and have them ship you a few replacement rods if you will need them. once rod was cut to size the next step was to screw down the lock. just took a screw driver / with the included screws and manually tightened the handles down on both sides. last part is installing the slider plate, there marks on handle part and slider part that help you get everything aligned. once aligned I tested the locking mechanism played with the key on both sides to make sure I could open/ close from either side and then tighten down the screws on the magnetic plate. works like a charm. @ $89.95 mostly plastic I believe this is over priced, I wish there was some way for them to make an adjustable stainless rod or tips that attach to a rod or something so that rod would have no way of sagging or misfunctioning over time. I understand everyone has differnt size posts but it is 2021 there should be no excuses that a lock like this can't be made with heavy duty parts. and for that one reviewer that is a carpenter and can't get it to work, either it was a lemon or they should consider a new career as I had no issues what so ever installing this latch and it took me about 30min -1 hour from start to finish including reading instructions several times. I installed the lock upside down due to how my gate swings, I was trying to find information if you can install it this way but was not able to find anything regarding that. installed upside done it works like a charm incase someone else is wondering the same thing. All in all I am extremely happy with how quick and easy the install went, I really like this magnetic push / pull lock. I am able to unlock / lock from either side. I only wish I was able to keep one side locked and other unlocked or vice versa. its only been a few days and we love it. will keep you updated over the years to see how it holds up.

Works great. Just have to make sure you cut the rod and then smooth it out.

Update 6/20/17: This product has been on my fence gate for 4 weeks. It's truly a piece of garbage. Plastic, cheap, unreliable. You can't just pull on the handle to open it on either side. You have to brace with one hand to hold plastic in place and open with the other. You could literally tear this right off the fence if you just pulled on the handle. Cheaply made plastic, overpriced piece of garbage. I bought two for my two gates. Only installed 1... going to get something else made with metal for the second gate. ************* Cheaply made plastic with substandard screws to fasten to gate. Given the look and the fact that it's a "top of the line" gate latch and lock, I would have expected more of this device to be metal. It's really cheap and fragile plastic and the fasteners don't seem adequate to hold it on a heavy wooden gate over time (I'm expecting it to pull out if it gets closed to hard or yanked on hard). The locking mechanism sticks and is quite difficult to unlock. For $80, I'm grossly disapointed. Please make this out of some sort of metal, then you'd have a fairly priced and well designed product. As it is, it's flimsy for the price.

So I finally got around to installing this latch today on my new gates that I built. I have no idea how durable this product is yet, and I wouldn't exactly call it easy to install unless you have some minor skill and pay close attention to detail. But here's the deal: if you pay close attention to the instructions and make double sure of your dimensions this is a fantastic gate latch. You have to have a minimum clearance of 3/8" between the gates or gate and stationary post, up to 1 1/4". You have to pay extra attention to the location of the hole for the lock shaft push rod. The included guide works if you are careful. Of absolute crucial importance is the length of the lock shaft "bar" or push rod. The included guide gives you the correct length to cut it to, but if it is just a hair too long like mine was after I cut it, then the lock cylinders have too much force on them when all the mounting screws are tightened down, putting too much pressure on that push rod. I initially cut mine about 1/16" too long, and had to take it all apart and file it down to the correct length. Also remember that wood (or vinyl or even aluminum and steel) will slightly compress and change this dimension, making the push rod too long after the screws are tightened. After everything is mounted correctly and the bar is just the right length the latch operates perfectly. I've operated mine a couple dozen times so far today and it's perfect, and the locks work perfectly too. The lock cylinders need a bit of work to get them to operate smoothly...there was a touch of roughness on the FRM plastic the cylinder spins and slides on. After working the key a dozen times it smoothed out. The included screws are garbage for use in wood. They're self tapping sheet metal screws. I went and got some longer heavy duty #10 wood screws. The only location where I resorted to using the included screws was on the inside of the stationary catch "keeper", because the adjustment plate has to slide over the top of the keeper mounting plate screw heads. A #10 pan head wood screw with a thin head should work here though too. The wood screws I was using have hex heads and set a little too proud here. The included screws probably would work fine in aluminium, maybe steel too, but I'm generally not a fan of self tapping sheet metal screws. Make sure to center punch and pilot drill the mounting screw locations. Again, careful attention to detail. If you are a tad off or not square then the screw will pull the latch body slightly out of position as it's tightened down. I suspect it was these aspects of the installation that lead to other poor reviews of this latch....not paying careful attention to the length of the push rod, not understanding the material mounting it too will slightly compress and affect this length, and not being careful with the mounting screw location and squareness. If anyone is wondering, my gates are heavy. They are both are made from 2x6 frames with half lapped joints (glued and through bolted with carriage bolts), over which is tongue and groove cedar planks and trimmed with steel angle irons for rigidity. The stationary gate (cane bolt in concrete) spans 8 feet both 6 foot tall, and the access gate spans 4 feet. The 8 foot gate frame is three 8 ft 2x6 boards across, and three 6ft 2x6 boards vertically, equally spaced for a total of 9 half lapped joints. The 4 foot gate only has two 6 ft 2x6 vertically, and three 4 ft 2x6 horizontally, with 6 half lapped joints. With the tongue and groove cedar, they are solid and offer great privacy for my RV pad on the side yard. I'm going to stain them this weekend.

Ordered and received wrong item. I ultimately purchased from another merchant outside of Amazon. I was worried after reading the reviews, but it appeared that problems were caused by installers. I found the installation to be straightforward and pretty quick. I’ll try to give a few tips if anyone cares. This was installed on a double driveway gate. Note, one reviewer said the latch was broken when the wind blew both gates open. A drop rod on one gate panel would alleviate that problem. That is bound to happen with any latch on a double driveway gate without a drop rod securing it to the ground or cement. The alignment tool made the install easy. It requires a 1/2” drilled hole. Here are some tips you have never drilled into metal: use a punch and hammer to strike a centered divot into the metal. Start with a very small bit (1/16” or 5/64”) and gradually build up to the 1/2” bit. If you start with a large(r) bit, you will slide off center and the hole will take a long time to cut into the metal. Again, increase size gradually. Also, be sure to use titanium or cobalt bits (if you have them). If you’re going into aluminum, titanium will be fine. The other aspect to this install is that you must use the jig and cut the push bar to the proper length. In addition, it must be filed or lightly sanded flat if needed (that’s per the instructions). Note: my latch came with two uncut push bars from the manufacturer. This in theory will give you four attempts on a smaller post metal gate and two attempts on a vinyl or wood gate. You must cut it flush with the jig! It’s really not difficult. If you want to rekey the yourself: I purchased a Kiwkset pin kit from Home Depot for about $13. I was able to rekey both locks to my house key in about 30 minutes. Just be sure to be mindful of the way the push tabs lock on the smaller latch handle. On the larger latch handle, you must (1) remove 4 screws, (2) twist the female end for the push rod so that it disengages from the plastic cover, and (3) then use a smaller screw driver to push in the two push tabs. It’s a larger piece but will come off easily provided you don’t forget about step 2. Once the cover is off, take a photo of the set up. You will have to remove two more screws on a metal retaining bar and then you can pull the lock cylinder out. It is a six pin lock, but I converted mine down to 5 pins (eliminated the last pin and spring). If you have never re-keyed a lock cylinder, there are some great YouTube videos out there. It’s something that is very doable. I hope some of this helps for the install. I really like this latch, but only time will tell how the polymers hold up to the weather. Update 12/18: A alignment adjustment was needed with the season change into winter. However, this is an easy task with an adjustment screw with a Phillips head on the side of the latch.

id a few choice words. The template is a plus eliminating any need for measurements. As a carpenter I know your tape measure is not the same as mine. Drilling the hole through vinyl is the only challenge, take your time, this is the one step you need to get right. I used a step bit. Don't try and drill from one side to the other, mark and drill from both sides. If you only have regular drill bits start small and increase to 1/2 inch they can dig into the vinyl to fast. Installation and alignment are easy after that. The vertical and horizontal alignment notches are an excellent addition you can't miss if you did everything else right. Like everyone else I read the good and bad reviews and figure it is somewhere in the middle.

Excellent and works great. The best gate latch ever

I bought this lock to replace a DelGard (defunct company). The DelGard latch was made with just a few pieces and mostly plastic. A simple steel cylinder held out by a magnet and a lever to pull it back was all. I guess years of slamming broke the plastic. The D&D is much more complex. The achilles heel of this latch is that the fence post and gate post must be in perfect alignment to work. My fence post was twisted maybe 5 degrees off of the gate. The mating of the two latch parts is with a steel cylinder that is vertical instead of horizonal, as in the DelGard. Much lower tolerance for mis-alignment. If there is no alignment you cannot close the latch. If you force it closed you cannot open it. To remove it you have to unscrew two of the screws (you cant reach the other two) and then pry with a large object to break it open. Then you remove the other screws and throw it away. Also, the install instructions are complex (for me). The online video is a must to view. This lock should be removable with a screwdriver. The point of the lock is to prevent kids from getting in a pool after all - not to prevent thievery. It is installed in an aluminum post! A thief would bring a crowbar and be in faster than the owner with the key. EDIT - my analysis of the problem is wrong. When it first latched I could not get the handles to push in to open it. I thought it was due to misalignment. I called D&D and they told me that this was a common problem because they manufacture a small tab inside the lock to hold it together during shipping. If I force the key it should break that tab off and then function properly. I have forced the key back and forth and have not yet been able to make it work. I am going to use pliers on it next, but my hopes are not up. If I succeed I will update.

Very pleased with this product . Well made and eat to install . We have used on outside gate . Only disappointment is that you only get two keys and have to buy the blanks to have cut .

Handle works great in my new wood gate very well made and easy to install. I would recommend this handle

Easy install. Looks and works great!

lock is very tricky, even locked it can be opened, and it sticks in the open position if pushed too hard. not worth the price . not even close

It’s a great product. We found it pretty easy to install. We found our gate slowly shifted and it was easy to adjust the latch to make it work without re-installing it. I took off a star because everything is made of plastic and I really worry it’ll break easily. So we’re being extra gentle with it. The lock mechanism seems like it will break soon so I haven’t locked it in the regular yet but when we do, I fear it’ll be problematic. For $140, I wouldn’t mind if most of the pieces were metal and not plastic. We also only received one plastic rod that connects the two locks, and not two as specified in the packaging. It would have been nice to have a second in case the first one broke. Attempts to contact the company have gone unanswered which doesn’t bode well for customer service, either. But overall, we love that we can lock from either side. That was the main reason for this purchase. It also looks really nice, and different to what you’d usually see on a wooden gate.