360 Yardware: 360 Degrees of Outdoor Decor including gate hardwaer, mailboxes, garage door hardware, doorbell buttons, wooden garden gates, shutter hardware, and house numbers

Phone: (866) 923-9273  or   email your questions      

 

 

Double Gate Latches
(Latches for Double Gates)
and Hardware for Double Gates
 

    When you have or are building a double wooden gate, there are additional considerations to keep in mind with regard to gate hardware. We've written a discussion of each part to help you make the right decision for your project.

    With double gates, there is one side that is "fixed" in place (with a cane bolt or other vertical bolt). The opposite gate is the "active" gate and that's the gate you'd install the latch on.

     We also offer complete packages to hang double in-swinging gates. These packages include a gate latch, six heavy duty ball-bearing hinges, a dummy handle for the fixed gate, and a gate stop.

 

See the 360 Yardware collection of hardware packages for double gates .
Each package includes:

  • gate latches

  • six hinges to hang the gates

  • a dummy handle for the fixed gate

  • a gate stop

 

 

 

 

Latches for Double Gates

     Almost any gate latch can work for a double gate. There's nothing special about a gate latch for a double gate. It just depends on what you want your gate to do. We've compiled a chart of all our gate latches and their specifics (what gate thickness they fit, the material they're made of, spring-loaded vs. gravity latch, etc.).

     The latch is installed on the "active" gate and it will catch on the fixed gate.

      In-Swinging Double Gates can use most gate latches (lever latch, thumb latch, ring latch, bolt latch). Please read our complete discussion on Gate Latch Types to learn more about lever latches, thumb latches, ring latches, and bolt latches.

     Out-Swinging Double Gates, those that swing toward the street rather than toward the backyard, can use almost any latch, except for thumb latches. The only thumb latch that works on an out-swinging double gate is our two-sided double thumb latch (shown below). On any latch installed on an out-swinging double gate, the latch-arm side of the latch will be installed on the street-side of the gate.

     What To Do When You Want a Finished Look? In-swinging gates have the arm portion of the latch installed on the yard-side of the gates. These double gates can achieve a 'finished' look on the street-side of the gates. You need to choose a latch that also offers a "dummy handle" that will be installed on the street-side of the fixed gate. 

  

 

 

LEFT: View of an in-swinging driveway gate from the street. The right gate is the active gate, so the right handle is the operable thumb latch. The left gate is the fixed gate, held in place by a bronze cane bolt. On the left gate is a matching dummy handle to present a finished look from the street.
 

   

 

 

When considering which gate latch to purchase for your double gate, there are several considerations:

Choose a latch that will work in your geographic area (meaning: don't pick cast iron if you live on the coast of Florida; or if you do, know that it'll start rusting within a short time after installation). Coastal areas and oceanfront properties should choose only stainless steel or bronze.

Choose a latch made from a material that'll withstand the type of use you give it. If you're opening and closing a gate constantly, choose a material that is strong and durable. It also is imperative that you install your gate with a gate stop.

Choose your latch to reflect the amount of maintenance you want to do. While all outdoor gate latches require periodic/annual maintenance, some require more than others.

Choose a latch that has a finish and style that complements your home and/or other outdoor hardware.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABOVE: The left-hand gate is fixed by a cane bolt securing it into the driveway. The right-hand gate is the active gate so the homeowner can come and go into the property. This gate swings into the property, away from the street.


RIGHT: Viewing the same gate from the street-side. The thumb-latch handle is visible, as well as a peek at the gate stop and latch-arm through the gap.

 

 

ABOVE: The left-hand gate is the fixed gate and the right-hand is the active gate.
These gates swing into the property away from the street.

Our Collection of Latches - Click on photos to see their full information

8" Handle Size
Dark Bronze Ornate Lever Gate Latch with Octagonal Handle

8" Handle Size
Cast Bronze Contemporary Lever Gate Latch with Square Handle

For gates 1.5" to 2"

For gates 2" to 2.5"

Cast Aluminum Latch

 

For gates 2.5" to 3"

Cast Aluminum Latch


 
Cast Iron Lockable Heart Thumb Latch, Item# 37350

Cast Bronze Lockable Gate Latch

10" Handle Size

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Gate Stops

     The most important aspect of a double gate installation is that you protect the latch's arm by installing a gate stop. The gate stop will provide a solid place for the active gate to stop, and it won't put all the stress of closing (or slamming) onto the latch-arm.

     Gate stops can be metal (coordinating with your other gate hardware) or can be built of wood onto the edge of the fixed gate.

 

 

LEFT: A properly installed gate stop. This one is mortised into the left-hand (fixed) gate and will catch the right-hand (active) gate when it closes. Gate stops can be installed above or below the latch and can be mortised or surface-mounted.

 

 

 

 

Hinges for Double Gates

     The most commonly used hinge to hang double gates is a 4" x 4" heavy duty ball-bearing butt hinge. Three hinges per gate are enough to hang a mid-sized gate. For slightly larger or heavier gates, use 4.5" hinges. Some people choose butt hinges because they're relatively hidden on an installation; all the focus lies on the gate design.

     When you'd like to add architectural flair to the gates' appearance, consider functional strap hinges. Strap hinges are comprised of a pintle (the male portion) and a hinge (the female portion). Strap hinges offer a way to both hang and adorn the gate. Larger gates or small driveway gates should consider using our dark bronze band hinges. One pair supports 150 lbs and three support 250 lbs.

     Butt hinges come in many materials: steel, brass, stainless steel, and bronze. Strap hinges are available in stainless steel, steel, and bronze. Choose a material that works best with your environment. Coastal areas or oceanfront homes require either bronze, brass or stainless steel to avoid rust.

     Adjustable spring hinges are often used to automatically close the gate. These self-closing hinges offer a mild closing action when you use one spring hinge in place of the center butt hinge.

     Is this double gate surrounding a pool? Pool gates must conform with municipal codes, which often include: requiring the gate to swing out away from the pool; mandating a certain height to install the latch; requiring the gate(s) to swing shut automatically; requiring the gate latch to self-latch. If it's allowed, we recommend using one spring hinge as the center hinge of three to hang a gate. The two hinges above and below would be heavy duty ball-bearing hinges. This offers enough swing power to close an average sized gate. For heavier gates or for pool gates required to use all spring hinges, consider using three spring hinges.

         To see our entire collection of hinges, click here.

 

Cane Bolts for Double Gates

     Cane bolts make having a double gate so much easier. They are the mechanism that allows the "fixed" gate to be "fixed". The bolt sits either in a keeper/strike for finished/paved installations or directly in the ground for yard/gravel installations. Sinking a piece of PVC pipe or metal pipe into the ground creates a keeper for the cane that doesn't allow it to slip around.

    When you need to open the fixed gate, simply lift the handle of the cane bolt and the gate can be swung open. A second piece of pipe set in the ground where the gate is opened can hold the gate open as well as closed.

    We carry cane bolts in stainless steel and bronze to maximize rust resistance. BELOW (from left to right): Dark Bronze 20" Cane Bolt, Stainless Steel 20" Cane Bolt with Black Powdercoat, Dark Bronze Surface Bolt (installed vertically).

 

 

See our collection of cane bolts here.

 

Security & Locks for Double Gates

     The ease of locking a double gate can range from easy to fairly complicated. Simple solutions include single-sided locks like a slide bolt that would slide from one gate to the other. Slide bolts and surface bolts are available in many sizes and materials, so you can find what you like.

    

     

 

 

 

     Deadbolts are the more involved choice. Because the deadbolt is installed on the active gate and its bolt throws into the fixed gate, you need to be sure that the fixed gate is constructed in a way to accept a deadbolt. Most deadbolts (even those with extension kits) won't fit a gate thicker than 3". A qualified installer (or we) can help you make the right choice.

    We recently engineered an extension to the brushed stainless deadbolt pictured below, for gates between 3" and 5-1/2" thick. Click here to view it.

          

 

 

     Other topics to check out in our Gate Latch Information series....

Categories of Gate Latches  | Securing Your Gate | Gate Latch Material |
Types of Gate Latches | Chart of Gate Latch Options | The Do's and Don'ts of Gate Latches

  
     
     
     
 

Download our new Architectural Gate Hardware catalog, which includes
all of our gate latches (modern, contemporary, rustic, traditional and antique)
plus outdoor gate hinges, gate stops, cane bolts, and gate locks.
The catalog includes gate latches for double gates and single gate hardware packages
where we take the thought out of putting together a hardware ensemble.

At 360 Yardware, we offer "360 Degrees of Outdoor Decor." We wanted to describe more than
just "Outdoor Decor." We use the term yardware to describe anything a person would need to enhance
the outside of their home. From the front curb to the front walkway; the entryway to the side yard;
and ultimately to the backyard and back patio, we offer items both small and large to change the
look of your home.

We invite you to browse through our store and find something that speaks to you, that will spice
up your home and make you excited to get outdoors!

360 Yardware is an authorized distributor of Emtek door hardware, including modern door hardware, contemporary door hardware, door accessories, deadbolts. To see our complete offerings,
see our Emtek Catalog page.

Gate Hardware ~ Mailboxes ~ Garage Door & Carriage House Door Hardware
Doorbell Buttons ~ Shutter Hardware ~ House Numbers

 

Gate Hardware
We have everything you need to replace your old Fence and Gate Hardware.
If you have a Wooden Gate or need a Replacement Latch, we offer Gate Latches, Deadbolt Latches, Gate Hinges, Hinge Fronts, and other Decorative Gate Hardware. We've also combined many of our products into gate hardware sets and value packages.

Gate Latches
Our Wooden Gate Latches selection offers something for everyone. If Antique Gate Closures are your style, we carry Cast Iron Hardware and Iron Gate Latches that look like historic and more traditional gate latches. Even better, there are now Aluminum Gate Latches--in the same styles as the antique gate latches--which are rust-resistant and perfect for coastal areas. We also offer a line of cast Bronze Gate Latches: durable, substantial, and that will age gracefully with no rusting over time. A few of the latches we offer are versatile in their styling, so they can be used at homes with traditional, antique, contemporary, or Spanish aesthetics.

We are thrilled to introduce the Moda Contemporary Gate Latch in 316 Stainless Steel. The Moda Latch is a modern lever latch in brushed stainless steel with FSC-certified sustainable tigerwood handle. The 316 Stainless Steel offers the utmost in corrosion protection. We offer a single gate package and a double gate package. For larger photographs, please check our information page: Moda.

Our goal is to help you fill your decorative gate hardware needs. To this end, we've put together gate latch sets for double wooden gates, plus single gate hardware sets including hinges, latches, and optional accessories.

We have created a Gate Latch Information Series to help you understand all there is to know about wooden gate latches and to help you choose the right product for your situation. Topics include: