Lokk Latch Pro Self Locking

Question ::

I have 2 Lokk Latch Pro locks but no key. Does your but key fit all or do I need to buy new lock cylinders?

Answer ::

Latches from D&D Technologies come in 2 different cylinders.  The Magna Latch Top Pull, Vertical Pull and the Residential Lokk-Latch all use the same stamped key and have so for years now.  This key has “D&D” stamped on one side and the number 62462 on the other.  The latches that have 6 pin keyways include the Lokk Latch Deluxe, Lokk Latch Pro, Lokk Latch Self Locking, Z-Lokk and Lokk-Bolt ( drop rod ).

The latches with 6 pin keyways are available from the manufacturer in 2 different ways, all keyed differently and all keyed the same (this is what we currently stock).  It is hard to determine which category your latch falls into just by looking at the latch.  To add another wrinkle these latches are often re-keyed by a locksmith to match your house door or another lock.

Cut key for Lokk Latch Deluxe and Pro

So what’s the answer?  Try your house key first.  If that does not work you could take a shot in the dark and purchase the cut key we have.  Another option is to take the latches off the fence and take them to a locksmith or have them make a house call.

On July 27, 2009 The Today Show’s Natalie Morales featured a segment on child safety by Genevieve Thiers from SitterCity.com . This segment included an appearance by a Magna Latch Top Pull from FenceMax.com. For more information on pool safety and how to purchase the Magna Latch ( and the Tru Close Hinges on the gate) please follow these links:

Pool Gate Safety Video

Blueprint for Pool Gate Safety

MagnaLatch Magnetic Pool Safety Gate Latch

Tru Close Self-Closing Hinge

The Magna Latch and Tru Close hinges are manufactured by D&D Technologies .

This article illustrates one reason I am proud to be a stocking D&D Technologies dealer.  Back in 2007 the Lokk Latch Deluxe was unveiled as a replacement to the Lokk Latch Pro ( you can still purchase the Pro but it is a self-locking model ). The Deluxe matches the Pro feature for feature and has these added benefits:

• Vertical and Horizontal adjustment ( even after the latch is installed )
• A polymer push rod for easier fitting ( the polymer cuts easier than the old metal rod )
• Now fits up to a 6″ thick post
• Fitting jig ensures proper alignment of the hole for the push rod
• One model works with ornamental ( square metal ), vinyl and wooden gates

With all of these added benefits and lower price we jumped on the bandwagon immediately.  Now D&D has improved upon an already great product by reducing the installation time in half by adding the following features & improvements:

1. 2 different sized push rods included.  Each scored with the sizes in 1/2 inch increments.
2. Easy to follow graphic instructions
3. The push rod now inserts 3/8″ into the latch body instead of the old 3/16″
4. The new alignment guides ensure the latch body and the external access kit are centered in the pushrod hole.
5. The fitting jig now helps keep you from cutting the push rod too short.

With these improvements the Lokk Latch Deluxe is cemented firmly on our top sellers list, and for good reason

All of us, to a certain degree, have the home improvement gene.  Every Spring we grab our tool belts, load them up with screws, glues, and tools and proceed on our handyman march. Our spouses cringe and hide their wallets as we head out the door for a “couple of things” at the local hardware store. No squeaky hinge or blown light bulb has a chance. I know my 9 year old son has this gene because he has taken the screw driver and over-tightened every electrical socket and light switch in the house.  I can tell they are over-tightened because they all have that tell tale crack down the middle.

When you get to the outside of your house and come to the gate on your fence, you may be compelled to lubricate your Magna Latch and Tru Close Hinges to ensure the effortless opening and closing of your gate.  But wait just one moment, did you realize that your favorite lubricant may be doing more harm than good?  The problem is that petroleum based lubricants, like WD40 and others, will react with the polymers in the Magna Latch and Tru Close Hinges.  This is why if you use a petroleum based lubricant on a product made by D&D Technologies (Magna Latch, Lokk Latch, Tru Close, Z-Lokk, etc.) it voids the warranty.

So what do we use? There is a product called Lock Saver that is not petroleum based, dries quickly, does not freeze and is recommended by D&D for use on all of their products.  It is environmentally safe and is also designed to be used on your household door knobs.

This is a picture I came across of my son Nate hauling some D&D hardware around on his John Deere tricycle.

Transcript:

Frolicking in the family swimming pool can provide hours of fun, entertainment and exercise, but safety experts warn that pools can be hazardous, as well as enjoyable. Statistics tell us that drowning is the number two cause of accidental death nationwide, in children under the age of five.

“Studies in Australia, as well as the United States, have shown that 50% to 90% of all child drownings can be prevented by an effective fence with a working gate that self closes and self latches every time. So it is really important that a gate is working, that it is self closing, self latching, opens away from the pool and that the latch is at the required height.”

Fitting all of these requirements, the award winning Magna Latch by D & D Technologies, the world leader in pool safety gate hardware. Magnetically triggered and key lockable, the revolutionary Magna Latch is the world’s number one child safety gate latch.

“The product is easy to install because of self aligning legs and dove-tail tracking and it installs to any pool gate in minutes. It also includes vertical and horizontal adjustability which can be made during the installation or after the installation which is particularly important. The product is warranted for life. It will never chip, crack, peel or corrode, which is particularly important in pool environments. Over a million units of Magna Latch have been sold worldwide, which makes us a very popular product for both child and pool safety”.

With layers of protection achieved through products like safety gate hardware from D & D Technologies, your family can look forward to safely enjoying your swimming pool for years to come.

The following information is from a brochure from D&D Technologies called “A Blueprint for Pool Gate Safety”.

A swimming pool can be a beautiful oasis in your backyard, affording many hours of family fun, serving as a great, low-impact exercise center, and adding value to your home. Protect your investment and ensure you’ll always enjoy your pool by taking steps to make it a safe environment.

Supervision of children around water is essential, but most parents and caregivers will admit that constant, uninterrupted supervision of children is an unrealistic expectation. Toddlers’ curiosity and lack of fear can test even the best caregiver’s ability to keep up. This brochure will give you helpful safety suggestions.

In the time it takes to answer your door or phone, a child can wander to your backyard and fall into your pool. Layers of protection between your home and the water can give you those critical few seconds needed to re-establish contact when a momentary lapse in supervision occurs.

Isolation fencing, which completely separates the pool from the home, has been proven in numerous studies to be the most effective barrier to keep children away from a pool or other danger.

The Latch

The latch should offer extensive vertical and horizontal adjustment so it can be adjusted after installation if needed, due to ground shifting or children swinging on the gate.

The latch bolt should not be able to be opened using implements such as popsicle sticks, pencils, screwdrivers, etc.

The latch should not be able to be disengaged by pulling, shaking or twisting the gate.

The release knob should work independently of the latch bolt, so that if the release mechanism fails, the latch will still trigger shut.

The latch should be key lockable for added security, and should not be able to be locked in the ‘open’ position, as this could prevent safe latching.

The Fence and Gate

• Should be minimum of 48″ tall – five feet is even better! (Check with your local building department for requirements in your area)

• The latch and the hinges should be rust-free, as rust impedes closure. (Non-corrosive materials such as high-tech polymers used in D & D Technologies’ products ensure they’ll be rust-free for life)

• Must be non-climbable, with no footholds or handholds

• The gate must open away from the pool, and must be self-closing and self-latching

• Vertical bars should not permit the passage of a 4″ sphere

• Fence clearance should be no more than 4″ from the ground for a solid surface, 2″ above a non-solid surface such as gravel or grass

D & D Technologies’ Magna Latch, the World’s #1 child safety gate latch

This magnetic, self-latching gate latch and Tru-Close self-closing hinges meet or exceed all the requirements listed in this brochure. The Magna Latch comes in a longer Top Pull model to bring the latch release to the required height on a shorter fence; the Vertical Pull model is ideal for gates at least five feet tall.

The Hinges

• All hinges should be self-closing (spring loaded). Ensure both hinges carry a spring. (D & D Tru-Close hinges enclose stainless steel springs.)

• Hinges should be tension adjustable so the gate doesn’t close too slowly or too quickly. Both hinges must be adjusted to the same tension.

Safety Checklist:

• Gate opens away from the pool or other danger
• Latch release is at least 54″ above ground level (or to local requirements)
• Latch and hinges are rust-free
• Gate is self-latching
• Hinges are self-closing and easily tension-adjustable
• Both hinges carry a closing spring
• Latch cannot be locked in the ‘open’ position
• Latch cannot be opened using implements (popsicle stick, etc.)
• Gate latch cannot be shaken, jolted or bounced open
• Gate will latch from any position, including resting on the latching mechanism
• Gate complies with all local, state and federal codes and regulations

NOTE: The information provided in this brochure is supplied an expressed by D & D Technologies (USA) Inc. in the interest of public safety. Fences, gates and latches cannot substitute for adult supervision.

For more detailed recommendations, see the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website at www.cpsc.gov or call the CPSC @ 800.638.2772

Latches and Hinges are Critical to Safety Gates

Generally, latches mounted with the release mechanism at least 54″ above the ground level offer child-resistance for children under five years. Check with your building department for local requirements.

Isolation fencing around pools is vital. Gates with faulty or inadequate latches and hinges, or gates that have been propped open by adults or older children, present a danger to young children which can lead to accidental drowning.

Most codes require latches to be key-lockable which provides added peace of mind. Gates must open away from the hazard (pool, traffic, etc.), so any attempt by a child to use chairs or other equipment to access the latches will be foiled.

The most reliable hinges and latches will never rust or bind.