If you are like me, you probably never considered that there are some types of gate latches that work on certain gates and some that don't. To me, a gate latch was a gate latch. Different types of latching mechanisms Never thought about it? But there are ring gate latches, bolt gate latches, gravity latches, thumb latches and lever latches - just to name a few!
Another thing to understand when you are looking for your new gate latch is the concept of in swinging gates and out swinging gates. That's because there are some gate latches that can only be installed on in swinging gates or out swinging gates. In other cases, gate latches can be put on to either in swinging gates or out swinging gates. Fun, right?
Another consideration is whether the gate latch you like is lockable or not. If you want that extra security, then make sure that you choose a gate latch that allows locking. You can even create a self-closing gate latch that has a locking mechanism with a deadbolt.
Finally, gate latches - especially on the street facing side of your home - and gate hardware, can really increase your curb appeal without being too expensive or hard to install!
Common Types of Gate Latches
Here are some of the most commonly used types of gate latches. We will go over the basics of how they work and when they are used.
Slide Bolt Latches
Slide bolt latches are secured to one side of a gate and are not a two-way latch. Usually they are installed on the inside of the gate, as opposed to the street side. This allows homeowners to lock the gate from the inside.
To secure the gate, you simply slide the latch arm through the bolt. Some slide bolt latches are lockable and some are not. Either way, once you have slid the bolt into place, the gate cannot be opened from the outside.
Slide bolt latches can have an old fashioned look when they are the more heavy duty styles, with a patina, or weathered, finish on wrought iron latch material especially. Or they can be modern and almost unnoticeable when they are the little silver, stainless steel slide bolts.
Gravity Latches
Gravity latches refer to a category of gate latches and cover a number of different types of gate latches that all operate by using gravity assisted latches. The standard gravity gate latch has a self-latching mechanism so it closes on its own.
These can be less expensive than spring loaded gate latches and just as effective! Their operation is much simpler as well, so if you need to make repairs it may be easier than a spring loaded gate latch as well.
Ring Latches
This type of gate latch is a two sided gate latch which you can open from either side of the gate. There will typically be a backplate with a ring on it on both sides of the gate, but the latch arm will only be installed on the yard side of the gate. On that side you will have a strike plate which catches the latching mechanism and secures it in place.
The rings in ring latches can be moved in different ways: up and down in gravity-assisted systems or turning for spring loaded rings. Either way, moving the ring lifts the latch arm out to open the gate door.
Ring latches can be installed on in swinging gates and out swinging gates. Not all ring latches are lockable, though, so keep that in mind. These are often used in barns with livestock or on garden gates.
Thumb Latches
Thumb latches for gate door hardware are a classic choice. They are similar to indoor doors or front doors where you grab the door latch and push down the thumb depressor to release the latch. The way the thumb latch works makes them a gravity assisted type of gate latch.
This type of gate latch is perfect for when you are looking for an inexpensive gate latch for an in swinging gate. The traditional look goes great with more historic looking homes. And since most of the hardware will typically be on the street facing side of the house, try to match the gate hardware to your home's other decor!
Spring-Loaded Latches
Spring loaded gate latches refer to a class of gate latches similar to gravity assisted gate latches. To open a spring-loaded gate latch, you must apply pressure to the spring which then lifts the latch arm to allow the gate to open! When it closes, the plunger snaps back into place and latches securely. It will not open if it is simply wobbling like a gravity assisted latch might.
These provide additional security compared to gravity assisted gate latches, but will usually be more expensive to buy. These are seen often on wooden gate fences, say to backyards. They can be installed on either side of the gate.
Magnetic Latches
Magnetic latches for gates use the power of magnets to secure the bolt to the latch arm. You will see these a lot on kitchen cupboards and garden gates. These are not typically a heavy duty type of gate latch, although you can find lockable versions that utilize a padlock.
This type of gate latch refers to a class of gate latches, so you can find them in different shapes and styles. They can be installed on either side of the gate. Magnetic latches eliminate the need for complicated mechanisms that other gate latches and gate locks use.
Lever Latches
Lever latches have a lever handle on both sides of the gate door. This type of gate latch can be installed on both in swinging gates and out swinging gates. Remember during installation that the latch arm side will be installed on the side of the gate frame that swings open.
Lever latches can be gravity assisted or spring loaded. Some level latches are lockable but others may not be. As you may have gathered, these come in all shapes and sizes and are flexible for many types of uses!
Specialty Gate Latches
Childproof Latches
You can find childproof latches in a number of styles and designs, including magnetic latches, gravity latches, and spring-loaded latches. The key to making a latch child proof is that it is lockable, or has some kind of mechanism to it that requires knowing the steps. For example, to get into a medicine bottle you need to push down and turn it in the correct direction. The same logic applies to childproof gate latches.
Childproof latches are especially important in scenarios where children could get out near busy roads, or get into an area with water. If you have a pool gate, you will definitely want to get a childproof pool latch with a gate lock for that.
Self-Locking Latches
Self locking gate latches are perfect for your backyard gate! It is classified under the gravity assisted type of gate latch and therefore uses gravity to always lock itself when closed. The self locking latch works for both swinging and sliding gates. These can be made into heavy duty gate latches made of corrosion resistant steel.
Decorative Latches
On the other end of the spectrum, you may just be thinking about updating the style of your gate hardware. Choosing the right door hardware for your new gate that compliments the style of your home or other decor in your yards is an easy way to increase your curb appeal.
For example, if you have a ring latch on the gate to your backyard, you may choose to have a big, heavy duty decorative ring hanging on the side facing the front yard. This would be an eye catching addition to your front yard.
