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

 

 

Gate Latch Categories
 from 360 Yardware

 

    There are three main categories of gate latches that are used in wooden garden gates: gravity gate latches, spring loaded gate latches, and bolt type gate latches. They each work differently, though they all do the job of holding a gate closed.

 

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

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

We frequently update this page. If you have a question, please contact us -- we'll happily add more information here, if needed.

 

  
 
Learn about gate latch categories...

Special Circumstances...

 

 

 

  
 

Gravity Gate Latches

  
     
 

This type of latch operates by gravity. When the gate closes, the force lifts and pushes the latch-arm past the strike plate and the arm falls into the catch. The latch should be self-latching, meaning that if wind blows the gate closed, the latch-arm should fall into place on its own, rather than needing to be put into place by hand.

Gravity gate latches can be either single-sided or double-sided. An example of a one-way latch is your traditional gravity latch with a string thrown over the other side of the gate. Pull the string and it releases the latch.  A two-way gate latch allows the wooden gate to be opened from either side of the gate. If security is a concern, you'll want to look into a lockable gate latch, or add a deadbolt, slidebolt, or cane bolt to secure the gate.

Double sided gate latches are usually used with an in-swinging gate. However, if you reverse the installation and place the latch-arm on the street-side of the gate, you can use a double-sided gate latch for an out-swinging gate.

Gravity gate latches can be either lockable gate latches or not, depending on the design by the gate latch manufacturer. Often, the option of locking is provided by a hole to insert a padlock.

Installation can range from straightforward to complex, depending on the style of latch.

See 360 Yardware's collection of Gravity Gate Latches.

 

 		  
 

Example of a Gravity Latch
The latch-arm rises up and falls into the catch when gate closes

Dark Bronze Ring Latch, 60-100, an Example of a Spring Loaded Latch, at 360 Yardware

Example of a Spring Loaded Latch
A hidden spring at the base of the latch-arm snaps the arm into the catch when the gate closes

 Lockable Gate Latch in Bronze from 360 Yardware

Example of a Bolt Type Latch
This is also a lockable gate latch
with an added padlock

  
     
 

Spring Loaded Gate Latches

  
     
 

Spring gate latches differ from gravity gate latches because they rely on a spring to facilitate the closing of the latch. Spring-loaded gate latches for a wooden gate cost more than your typical gravity latch because of the extra engineering required to produce them. However, many find the extra expense worthwhile because of the smooth action in the gate latch handle when you open and close the gate.

When a gate with a spring loaded gate latch closes, the latch-arm snaps right into place, forced by the pressure of the spring to latch securely.

Spring gate latches are always two-sided gate latches. Two-way gate latches allow the wooden gate to be opened from either side of the gate (the yard-side and the street-side). If security is a concern, you'll want to look into a lockable gate latch.

Double-sided gate latches are usually used with an in-swinging gate. However, if you reverse the installation and place the latch-arm on the street-side of the gate, you can use a double-sided gate latch for an out-swinging gate.

Spring loaded gate latches can be either lockable gate latches or not, depending on the design by the gate latch manufacturer.

Installation can range from straightforward to complex, depending on the style of latch.

See 360 Yardware's collection of Spring Gate Latches. Pictured below is the Moda Contemporary Gate Latch in Stainless Steel. The spring and all mechanisms are housed inside the plate for a seamless look. In this instance, both handles are spring-loaded, as is the arm.

 

 

  
     
 

Bolt Latches

  
     
 

A bolt latch is a sliding bolt that secures a wooden gate closed. It is the least involved in terms of installation because there is only one side to install.

Bolt gate latches are exclusively one-way gate latches. A one-way gate latch means it is operable only on one side of the gate. The one way gate latch allows you to secure the gate from the inside, so there is no handle on the outside. However, if you are outside of the yard and need to get in, you're out of luck (unless you can reach over and unlatch it).

Bolt gate latches can be used on either an out-swinging or in-swinging gate. On an out-swinging gate, the bolt latch would be installed on the street-side of the gate. On an in-swinging gate, the latch would be installed on the yard-side of the gate.

Bolt gate latches can be either lockable gate latches or not, depending on the design by the gate latch manufacturer. When they are lockable, it's usually not with a built-in lock; rather, it's the addition of a padlock that makes a bolt latch lockable.

Installation is generally straightforward. 

See 360 Yardware's collection of Bolt Style Gate Latches.

 

 

  
 

Driveway Gate Latches

     

      For customers with a wooden driveway gate, there are special considerations to your gate latch installation.

Gate Latch Scale

      Additional considerations with gate latches for non-automated driveway gates is the scale of the latch. Driveway gates spanning an opening of 10' or more look best with a gate latch of a grander scale. If the driveway gate is installed with more than an inch of space between the two gates, you'll need to confirm that the latch-arm on your choice of latch will span the gap.


Protecting the Latch-Arm

      Heavy driveway gates can pose a threat to a standard gate latch. When one gate closes against the other, the latch-arm takes the force of the closing. Over time, the arm can bend or break.

      To remedy this, it's essential to install a gate stop on your double driveway gate. There are two straightforward options. First is to have your gate builder install an "astragal," which is a t-shaped length of wood attached to the edge of one of the gates. The astragal stops the gate from "over-closing" and putting undue stress on the arm of the gate latch. A side benefit of an astragal is that it covers the gap between the two gates.

      A second option is a metal gate stop, also attached to one of your gates. It acts in the same way as an astragal, but can be installed after the fact.

     Finally, use a cane bolt to secure the fixed gate of your driveway gate. It will help add stability to further protect the latch-arm.

Double Gate Packages

      To complete the look of your driveway gate, choose a gate latch that also offers a complementary dummy handle for the fixed gate.

     We have a collection of double gate packages that can be used on driveway gates. For very large gates that demand a very large latch, please contact us for a quote on a custom gate latch. Custom gate latches can cost from ~$500 up, depending on size, complexity and material.

     For out-swinging double gates, rather than choosing a double gate package, which will include an item you don't need, put together your own collection. You'll need:

  • Gate Latch
  • Six Hinges
  • Gate Stop

Out-swinging gates have the gate latch on the street-side of the gate. An extra dummy handle, which usually completes the approach, isn't necessary.

      See our gate latch chart for a full listing of our lever and thumb latches.

      We carry a nice collection of heavy duty hinges that are appropriate for driveway gates and heavy garden and entry gates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gate Latches for Double Gates

      Choosing a gate latch for a double wooden gate is similar to choosing a gate latch for a driveway gate (see comments above).

       Double gates require a gate stop of some type to protect the latch-arm.  When one gate closes against the other, the latch-arm takes the force of the closing. Over time, the arm can bend or break.

       To remedy this, it's essential to install a gate stop on your double gate. There are two straightforward options. First is to have your gate builder install an "astragal," which is a t-shaped length of wood attached to the edge of one of the gates. The astragal stops the gate from "over-closing" and putting undue stress on the arm of the gate latch. Another benefit of an astragal is that it covers the gap between the two gates.

       A second option is a standard metal gate stop, also attached to one of your gates. It performs in the same way as an astragal.

      To complete the look of your double gate, choose a gate latch that also offers a complementary dummy handle for the fixed gate. A cane bolt will be helpful for keeping the fixed gate fixed in place.

      Visit our section of Gate Hardware Packages for Double Wooden Gates to find a full set of hardware for your installation.

Double gate hardware packages include:

  • a functional gate latch
  • a dummy handle for the fixed gate
  • a set of six hinges to hang the gates
  • a gate stop

You can also add a cane bolt to your package to fix the gate to the ground.

 

 

     

 

Gate Latches for Sliding and Rolling Gates

     Sliding gates or rolling gates pose an interesting gate latch installation situation. The majority of gate latches are designed for a swinging gate, so how to latch a gate that slides into place?

     A horizontally-oriented sliding bolt that is able to be padlocked is probably your best choice. If someone tries to pull the gate open, the padlock will prevent it from moving.

     Dark Bronze Barrel Bolt, Item# 80-200 at 360 Yardware

 

 

 

 

Gate Latches for Metal Gates

      Many of our gate latches can be installed on metal gates with the only difference being the screws. If you have a metal gate and wonder whether a certain latch can be installed easily, please contact us. We'll figure it out for you before you order.

       If you have a metal gate that needs a gate latch, check to see if your gate has a metal box where the latch would be. If so, you can choose any door hardware that would normally be installed on a front door or interior door. Bronze or stainless steel would be the best long-lasting finishes to be exposed to the elements outside.

       We carry a full selection of beautiful Emtek door hardware that can be installed on standard-thickness metal gates. Many are available as a passage set (non-locking) or a privacy set (lockable on one side). We also carry a variety of deadbolts for even more security.

      To see our full collection of Emtek Door Hardware, please view the Emtek Catalog page.

 

                         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
 

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 chose 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.

We've created a section of information about Double Gate Hardware and Gate Latches for Double Gates with everything you'll need to understand the factors that go into a quality double gate installation.

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: