In the world of automatic gate openers, a common new feature you’ll see is as a gate closes it slows down for the last few feet instead of banging shut. This reduces the banging noise as well as takes stress off the physical components of the gate and gate opener.

One problem with this feature is the lack of momentum as the gate closes reduces the amount of weight hitting the lock to below the weight needed for the gate to fully close and lock. Instead, the gate latches rest on top of each other without fully locking, leaving your gate unprotected against forced entry and wind.

What separates the Estate Swing lock from the rest of the competition is that it requires less than 1 pound of weight for the gate to lock. Other locks require approximately 5 pounds of weight, which is no longer generated from the momentum of the gate because of the slow down feature.

Another benefit of the Estate Swing lock is the unique pivot design reduces power consumption. The older model locks require 3 amps to pull the latch open because they pull back on a direct linear path. The Estate Swing lock requires less than 1 amp because it works on a swivel, making the pulling action much easier.

The reduction in power required for the lock means less strain is put on the system as a whole as power is distributed through the motor and control board. Since less power is then required from the system, you can reliably active and run the motor, power accessories, get a longer life span from battery systems, and will not stress the circuitry of the control board of the gate opener.

The best features of the new Estate Swing Lock, however, are that it is compatible with all of our gate opener models here at GateCrafters.com and it comes with a 2yr warranty!

	GateCrafters.com has the resources you need. How do you use your gate opener system once you get it? GateCrafters.com is the only retailer to give a real answer to this question. We have develop videos for installing many of our gate openers and products and write DIY focused manuals for most gate openers and have individual instructions for each accessory to be installed with each gate opener.

“The are multiple type of driveway gate locks available on the market today. The main two types of gate locks are solenoid locks and electromagnetic locks. Each type of gate lock has it advantages and disadvantages.

Before we discuss gate locks, I’d like to go over pin locks. These locks are made to lock your gate opener to the post or to your gate so that it helps prevent theft of your gate opener. These are simple devices that fit into the mounting locations on your gate opener, in place of the bolts that are provided in your gate opener kit.

Now let us talk about gate locking devices. The most popular type of gate locking device is the solenoid gate lock. All of these locks come with a control board and adequate an amount of wire needed to connect the gate lock to either the control board or to the master control board of your gate opener. These locks do not come with mounting hardware as each application will be unique to your gate.

We carry 3 brands of solenoid gate locks. The Estate Swing gate lock and Gate Crafters gate lock are essentially the same unit.

The GTO/PRO lock features a different type of locking tab when compared to the Estate Swing and Gate Crafters locks. The GTO/PRO locking tab has to slide back inside the unit, and this requires about 5 pounds of force to accomplish. One downside of this gate lock is that in heavy wind conditions the pin may become trapped behind the tab. Also if your gate opener has a soft stop feature, it needs to be disabled as there will not be enough force to latch the gate.

The Estate Swing and Gate Crafters lock feature a rolling type latch that takes minimal force to operate. The locking tab folds back into the unit and allow for easy locking and unlocking. In high wind conditions this lock will function the way it was intended, as the locking tab has a smooth back.

GTO/PRO also has a push to open/ open position gate lock. This is the exact same lock as the regular GTO/PRO gate lock, but it is made to either lock your gate in the open position or to be used as a push to open gate lock. To use this lock as a push to open gate lock, you will need to plan ahead with the installation however.

Gate Crafters also sells an electromagnetic gate lock. This gate lock is not compatible with solar gate opener because it is constantly drawing power. Also it the gate lock’s wire is cut, it will essentially turn this gate lock into a brick. This is due to the fact that this lock needs a constant source of electricity to function. This gate lock is ideal for high wind areas where you do not want to worry about your gate hanging up on your lock.

Please visit our FAQ page on our website for any additional questions regarding gate locks. If you do not see your question on our FAQ page please email me and I will quickly answer your question.

GateCrafters.com is your one stop shop for gates, gate openers, and gate accessories. We have technical support 7 days a week from 9 am to 9 pm, eastern time. Please give us a call, send us a email, or use the live chat on our website, so our experts can help you find the right accessories for your gate and gate opener.”

	GateCrafters.com has actual experience. We have a testing area, we have factory and internal training courses, we build gates and have our own gates that are automated, we attended all industry trade shows in multiple countries and are a member of the AFA, and we pay visits to our chosen manufacturers' factories. All these factors are what have lead to us having so many exclusive additions. When you see and actually use as many products as we have you tend to have many ideas for minor changes that have major impacts. We acted on these ideas and have utilized them to help thousands of customers automate their gates.

GateCrafters.com brings a special product to gate opener accessories – a Universal Digital Gate Timer. With this compact timer unit, home and business owners will be able to control when their gate opens and closes. With several exciting features and functionalities you’ll finally be able to get the ultimate in accessibility and security that you seek out of your driveway gate. This timer has universal application due to its 12 or 24 volt operation it can function with almost every gate opener on the market. Mount inside home/business, in a gate opener control box or outdoor rated electrical box.

Controlled Open/Close
You can open and close your gate at a particular time with the gate timer via a programming sequence which allows you to open at a preset time and close at a preset time. The timer allows for this to be either: weekday only, 7-days a week, single day or a combination of the three.

Inactive Accessories Function
You can make accessories like automatic entry or exit through loop or auto-sensor inactive during “off” hours. For example during evening hours some users wish to have automatic access off to create a more secure environment. With the Universal Digital Gate Timer you can achieve this secure "off" hours setting.

Manager Opening / Auto-Reclose
This setting allows a manager to open the gate at a particular time with the gate remaining open until a preset auto-close time. Have the gate open only after an authorized individual has activated the gate but subsequently after close at a particular time. This function works great for commercial establishments like lumber yards or car lot.

Complete Gate Lockout Times
Use this function of the timer to make the gate opener access completely disabled during off hours without shutting down the system and possibly losing programming. During evening hours some users wish to have all access off limits through a particular gate, such as an auxiliary gate. It has built-in security because it programs the gate to not reopen at a certain period of time but still close if already opened.

	GateCrafters.com has actual experience. We have a testing area, we have factory and internal training courses, we build gates and have our own gates that are automated, we attended all industry trade shows in multiple countries and are a member of the AFA, and we pay visits to our chosen manufacturers' factories. All these factors are what have lead to us having so many exclusive additions. When you see and actually use as many products as we have you tend to have many ideas for minor changes that have major impacts. We acted on these ideas and have utilized them to help thousands of customers automate their gates.

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