Lockboxes

Lockboxes in this category are purpose-designed metal housings that allow you to install mortice locks, deadbolts and cylinders neatly into steel doors, gates and hollow metal frames. Instead of trying to cut complex lock preparations into metalwork on site, you can use a compatible lock box to position and protect the lock body while maintaining strength, alignment and a professional finish. At John Barnes Group, you can buy lockboxes online for a wide range of residential, commercial and industrial applications, with delivery available across Brisbane, Queensland, New South Wales and Australia-wide.

What Are Door Hardware Lockboxes?

Unlike key safes or real estate lockboxes, these lock boxes are fabricated steel or metal enclosures that house the lock mechanism itself. They’re engineered with pre-punched or machined holes for cylinders, spindles and fixings, designed to suit specific lock types such as mortice locks, deadbolts or key-in-knob (KNK) locks.

Our range includes quality ADI, BDS and Carbine lockboxes, giving fabricators and locksmiths reliable options for common lock formats. Pair them with leading lock and hardware brands like Lockwood, Dormakaba, Barben and Zanda to create a complete, robust door or gate solution that aligns with modern architectural door hardware standards across Australia.

Why Use Lockboxes on Metal Doors and Gates?

Steel doors, chainwire gates, tubular frames and security enclosures can be difficult to prep accurately for conventional locks. Lockboxes solve this by providing a strong, pre-configured chamber that positions the lock at the right backset and height, while protecting it from damage and tampering.

By using the right lockbox, you can:

• Speed up fabrication and installation with standardised prep
• Improve lock alignment for smoother operation
• Increase security around the lock case in vulnerable areas
• Achieve a cleaner, more professional finish on exposed hardware
• Make future servicing and lock replacement easier

Whether you’re working on a one-off residential side gate in Brisbane or a large commercial perimeter in regional Queensland or New South Wales, lockboxes help you deliver consistent, repeatable results.

Lockboxes for Mortice Locks, Deadbolts and Cylindrical Locks

Mortice Lockboxes

Mortice lockboxes are purpose-built to house common commercial mortice locks and latches. Many BDS and ADI lockboxes in this range are designed to suit popular mortice cases and backsets, making them ideal for security doors, plant room doors and heavy-duty gates. They provide the necessary body depth and fixing points while reinforcing the area around the lock.

These are often used alongside premium mortice locks and matching furniture from brands such as Lockwood and Dormakaba, ensuring that the mechanical performance of the lock is supported by a solid, well-designed steel enclosure.

Deadbolt and KNK Lockboxes

Deadbolt and KNK (key-in-knob) lockboxes are configured with circular holes to suit common 54mm preparations and standard backsets. They are a practical choice where you want a cylindrical lock or deadbolt on a tubular steel gate, RHS frame or metal door and need a secure way to mount it.

By choosing a compatible lockbox, you can integrate popular cylindrical hardware – including contemporary designs from Barben, Zanda and other architectural door hardware ranges – into metalwork without compromising strength or aesthetics.

Residential, Commercial and Industrial Applications

Perimeter and Security Gates

For residential and commercial perimeter gates, lockboxes allow you to install quality locks at the ideal height and backset on round or square tube frames. This is critical for front entry gates, side access gates, pool gates (where compliant hardware is used) and service gates around homes, strata complexes and commercial sites across Australia.

Lockboxes can be welded or fixed to the gate frame, then fitted with locks, cylinders and furniture matched to the rest of your door hardware package from brands such as Lockwood, Dormakaba, Barben or Zanda for a cohesive look.

Plant Rooms, Enclosures and Service Doors

In commercial and industrial settings, lockboxes are widely used on plant room doors, secure cages, meter enclosures and restricted areas. Using ADI, BDS or Carbine lockboxes helps standardise the hardware across multiple locations, simplifying maintenance and keying. This is especially valuable for facilities and asset managers overseeing portfolios across Brisbane, Queensland and New South Wales.

When paired with heavy-duty mortice locks and commercial-grade cylinders, lockboxes support higher security outcomes, especially where the door or gate construction alone would not easily accommodate conventional lock prep.

Retrofitting and Hardware Upgrades

Lockboxes are also useful when retrofitting new hardware to existing gates or steelwork. Instead of rebuilding the frame, you can weld or bolt on a suitable lock box, then fit the lockset of your choice. This is a cost-effective way to upgrade older sites to more modern, contemporary or premium architectural door hardware while maintaining structural integrity.

Choosing the Right Lockbox

Lock Compatibility and Backset

When selecting lockboxes, the most important factor is compatibility with the lock you intend to use. Many models are designed specifically to suit well-known mortice locks, cylinders or deadbolts, often with stated backsets and prep configurations. Always match the lockbox to your chosen lock and cylinder format, particularly when working with premium brands like Lockwood and Dormakaba.

Backset, door or gate thickness, and required handle or lever position all influence the right choice. If you are unsure, our team can assist with pairing the correct lockbox to your lock, cylinders and furniture.

Mounting Style: Weld-On vs Screw-Fixed

Some lockboxes are designed primarily as weld-on solutions for steel gate frames, while others can be screw-fixed or bolted to metalwork. Weld-on lock boxes are popular for new fabrications and heavy-duty applications, while screw-fixed options may suit lighter gates or retrofit work where hot works are not ideal.

Consider how the gate or door will be constructed, finished and installed, and select a lockbox that fits your fabrication method and on-site conditions.

Finishes and Corrosion Resistance

Because many lockboxes are used externally, material and finish matter. Products in this category are typically supplied in steel suitable for priming and painting or with protective coatings appropriate for site conditions. For coastal or exposed environments, be sure to pair lockboxes with suitable finishes and compatible stainless steel or durable external hardware like stainless, matte black or powder-coated fittings from brands such as Barben, Zanda, Lockwood and Dormakaba.

Integration with Architectural Door Hardware

Lockboxes are a behind-the-scenes piece of hardware, but they play a crucial role in aligning the function of your locks with the visual standard of your project. By starting with a well-designed lock box, you can confidently specify modern and contemporary hardware sets that look at home on metal gates and steel doors.

Match your lockbox-based gate or enclosure hardware to the main building’s front door and internal hardware using complementary handles, levers, cylinders and accessories. This creates a consistent, premium architectural door hardware package from street entry to plant room across residential and commercial projects throughout Australia.

Lockbox FAQs

How is this type of lockbox different from a key safe?

These lockboxes are metal housings for installing locks into gates and steel doors, not storage boxes for loose keys. They form part of the door or gate structure and are designed to hold mortice locks, deadbolts or cylindrical locks securely, providing the correct preparation and reinforcement around the lock body.

Which lock brands are compatible with your lockboxes?

Many ADI, BDS and Carbine lockboxes are designed to suit widely used locks and cylinders from brands like Lockwood and Dormakaba, along with other common commercial lock formats. In most cases you’ll select a lockbox that specifically references the lock series, backset or cylinder preparation required. If you’re also using Barben or Zanda door furniture, we can help you coordinate everything into a cohesive solution.

Can these lockboxes be used on both residential and commercial gates?

Yes, the same core lockbox designs are frequently used on residential side gates, townhouse entries, strata complexes, commercial perimeters and industrial enclosures. The difference is usually in the lock and cylinder you choose to fit, as well as the level of security needed. For higher-risk sites, select heavy-duty commercial locks and cylinders to suit your lockbox.

Are lockboxes suitable for outdoor use?

Most lockboxes in this category are intended for use on steel doors and gates, including outdoor applications. They are typically fabricated from steel and are designed to be primed and painted or otherwise protected along with the surrounding frame. For harsh or coastal environments in Queensland or New South Wales, combine appropriate coatings with high-quality, corrosion-resistant external hardware.

Do I weld lockboxes to the gate frame, or can they be screwed on?

Many fabricators weld lockboxes directly to tubular gate frames or steel doors for maximum strength and durability. However, some designs can also be screw- or bolt-fixed depending on the frame construction and site conditions. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance and project specifications, and consult your fabricator or locksmith for the best method on your particular job.

How do I choose the correct backset and configuration?

Start with the lock you plan to use – for example, a specific mortice lock, deadbolt or KNK lock – and then select the lockbox that lists compatibility with that lock and backset. Backset, door thickness and handle position should all align with your architectural door hardware schedule to keep the project consistent from gate to door.

Can I paint or powder-coat lockboxes?

Yes, lockboxes are typically finished as part of the gate or door assembly, either painted or powder-coated to match. Prepare and coat them according to normal metalwork finishing practices, taking care to protect lock preps and threaded holes during coating. Once finished, you can fit your chosen lock, cylinder and hardware from brands like Barben, Zanda, Lockwood or Dormakaba.

Can I buy lockboxes online for delivery across Australia?

Yes. You can buy lockboxes online from John Barnes Group and have them delivered to Brisbane, wider Queensland, New South Wales and Australia-wide. Ordering online helps you standardise hardware across multiple projects and sites, ensuring you use the same ADI, BDS or Carbine lockboxes wherever they’re required.

Why Choose John Barnes Group?

John Barnes Group is a trusted supplier of architectural door hardware and security products to projects across Brisbane, Queensland, New South Wales and Australia-wide. Our lockbox range is carefully selected to work seamlessly with leading lock and hardware brands such as ADI, BDS, Carbine, Lockwood, Dormakaba, Barben and Zanda. When you buy lockboxes online from us, you’re supported by a knowledgeable team that understands fabrication, security and hardware scheduling, helping you get the right components for reliable, long-term performance on every project.