Gate Latches that Works!

Pull the string to operate the latch which is conveniently located on the other side of the gate I happen to be standing. Tug.. nothing. Yank! Dang… the string broke! Ok, now if I stand on my toes and bend my arm up and over the gate I may be tall enough to reach that lever that I can’t quite see. Just a little further… suck my gut in… and got it! Have you found yourself in this situation? Okay, maybe not the part about sucking your gut in but if you’ve ever had to open a gate at some point in your life, chances are you were faced with a similar scenario; a latch that sucks. What on earth were these latch design engineers thinking? Isn’t there a better way? Well sit tight my curious reader. I’m here to tell you that finally, after millions of years, YOU are about to witness the state of the art gate latch of 2020!

Double sided access latches!

Why? Why is this even an option? Shouldn’t it be illegal to create such a poorly functioning single sided gate latch? Nope. Almost every gate I replace, I remove the old heinous excuse for a latch and replace it with one that makes sense. One that operates smoothly from either side of the gate and treats you fairly no mater which side of the fence you find yourself standing. So what am I using these days? Pretty much two standard options but the choices are vast. My go to latches are the following:

Self Locking Stainless Steel Latch

It’s powder coated black for better looks. You can buy yours on Amazon here: Order On Amazon

Reasons I prefer this latch?

• You can operate this latch from either side of the fence.

• Stainless steel means it will NEVER rust.

• Lockable: you supply the lock but you can put it on either side of the gate.

• Beefy! You just cant hurt it! For simplicity and functionality, this is a great latch for your wood gate.

Keystone Lockable Latch

You can order your new latch on Amazon here: Order On Amazon

Reasons I prefer this latch?

• You can operate this latch from either side of the fence.

• It’s not bulky like the other latch listed above.

• Lockable: the latch comes with it’s own set of keys and the tumbler can be replaced to match your house key if you prefer that option.

• Dense polymer shell means no rust… ever! Perfect for the Pacific Northwest application.

• Button and lift tab: Better operation and ergonomic to the user. Simple and reliable.

A quick google search will show you hundreds of options on the market for your new latch. A few things to keep in mind when selecting your new latch are:

1. Functionality- does it operate from either side?

2. Security- Is the latch lockable?

3. Reliability- Will it perform when I need it to?

4. Adjustability- Is it easily adjustable when my gate shifts or sags?

5. Looks- Is it bulky? Does it stick out to far? Do I want my latch that noticeable?

6. Price- This part is up to you. Everyone has their ideal price in mind for what they will pay. Just be sure your selection does all of the above you want it to and see if you can find a price you are comfortable with.