LOCKEY GCTB175 Steel Hydraulic Garden Gate Closer with Controllable Closing Speed and Black Coat Finish

Used on standard garden gate to close and ensure dog can’t get out. Initial adjustment was tricky setting speeds for closure and latching and at one point it stopped before latching. Re Insertion of locking pin reset the unit and allowed me to get the speeds right, so don’t despair if you don’t get it right first time. Basic installation on the gate itself was easy and so far after 4 weeks use it has performed perfectly.

A solid bit of kit that is easily fitted. Used on a 1.8*0.7M heavy-duty close-boarded gate. If you push the gate wide open is stays open which is handy. The soft close works in a smooth and controlled manner. If you blast through the gate in hurry it doesn't overshoot and slam against the wall as the damper soaks up the extra energy. It is compact and unobtrusive. Cant say if the weather resistance is adequate. There is a gas-strut inside - Let's hope the piston shaft is stainless steel....A good purchase. ****FOLLOW UP ****: Fitted in July 2019 and now it is March 2020. The gas piston spring has lost all pressure and the closer no longer has any closing force at all. The gate is small and, on average, it is opened about 5 to 10 times per day. Very disappointing - it was working so well.

Exactly what I've been looking for. I had tried several springs etc which were not powerful enough to close the gate. This closes the gate smoothly and has a soft closure but enough strength to engage the latch. Easy to install and adjust. It also dampens closure so that the wind can no longer slam the gate. The only thing I don't know is how it will last outdoors in the weather and whether it will rust but it seems good quality.

Overall I am happy with the closer. Alignment of the hinge of the closer relative to the gate hinge is very important in getting the closer to work effectively. Once this is understood and is reflected in the installation then it works well (it does for me), controlling a heavy gate (but still within the weight limit quoted). Long term performance I can’t comment on yet and I do wonder how well the damper will work after a few hundred cycles - we shall see.

Beware - my specimen lasted a mere 4 years. I installed it in April 2020, but after three and a half years it had lost most of its strength and now after four years it's useless (May 2024). It just won't close the gate anymore. While it worked I thought this was a five star product that justified its quite high price (£60). Maybe I should have read more of the amazon reviews - I've now done so and it seems many others have had the same poor results. Very disappointing.

My last one (same device, different supplier) lasted four and a half years before the piston gave out. Not bad considering the gate is used around 5 to 10 times a day. Replacement for me was easy as it was a straight swap out, but it isn’t difficult to do. Mine is bolted to a box steel post, but wood screws are supplied. You can adjust the speed in which the gate opens and closes, but mine was fine as it was. My gate is a heavy affair (hence box steel posts), without the piston a slight breeze can catch the gate and slam it so hard there is a risk of it causing damage. The piston dampens the last part of the closure. If a heavy wind catches it, it swings shut fast, but slows rapidly at the point of contact. The only slight drawback is that the gate doesn’t open as fully as it can. This is due to the hinge side being near the garage wall and the bulk of the piston reduces the opening. Had the garage not been there it wouldn’t be an issue. You can have the gate stay open by adjusting a bolt on the hinge plate, but I leave mine in so the gate always shuts behind me. There isn't quite enough pressure to cause the gate latch to reengage, but it is enough to keep the dogs safe should I forget to check and the piston prevents the gate being blown open too.

Worked great at first but after 6 months it broke and will not open or close as it should. What's most disappointing is despite messaging the company I was ignored. So my advise is spend a little more for a better quality item with better customer service.

This is a well made piece of kit. Very sturdy and quiet big. Measure carefully and follow the installation instructions. Easy to fit and adjust following the manufactures instructions. Does exactly what it is designed to do. I also greased the latch to ease lifting the lock bar. I also adjusted the contact hieght slightly to ensure the final closing speed was sufficient to lift the latch and let it close as I have a pretty large latch. I also like you can have the gate stay open and small movement will activate the closing action. I have a pretty big wooden garden gate which was prone to heavy slamming shut. This solved my problem. Worth the money. The company who installed my fencing were impressed and will recommend to future clients.