So you installed a new fence gate and need a latch, or maybe you’re bored with the current gate latch but are confused by the many options out there. It’s alright. Browse with us different types of gate latches to find the right one for your fence.
Gate Latch Types by Functionality
Gate latches are essentially locking mechanisms that employ levers and metal bars to open and close a gate. They secure fence gates and come in two major categories: One-sided gate latches for single gates and two-way gate latches for double gates. Let’s take a look:
Gravity Latches
This type of gate latch is installed on the inner side of the gate but will also work when installed on the outside. You can open the lock from either side. It’s super simple to use because all you need to do is give it a little push and the wind will blow it shut and the latch locks by itself.
How They Work: As the name implies, these latches use gravity for their operation. When you push the door to close, gravity drops the latch into the barricading strike plate by the force of the swing. The gate closes and locks simultaneously when the latch hits the strike plate. The latch has to fall into the strike plate for this mechanism to work, so gravity latches cannot be installed on single gates.
Some designs offer locking options too. These models feature a hole where you can insert a padlock and use a key or a combination to operate it.
Suitable Gate Type: Double, in-swinging gates.
Suitable Fence Type: Looks and works fine for all types of fences.
Security Level: Low, because there is no key or pin needed to unlock the gate, and you can open the latch from both sides.
Best For: Keeping children and pets inside a fenced area.
Pros:
- Self-latching mechanism
- Easy to install yourself
- Easy to operate; children can open the gate
- Can be converted into a lockable design by adding a deadbolt
Cons:
- Not too secure, won’t prevent intruders from coming in
Slide Bolt Latches
Bolt gate latches are one of the most common gate locks. It features a standard deadbolt function that is easy to operate and works well for most fenced spaces. It is a one-sided latch which means you cannot install it on double fence gates.
How They Work: Side bolt latches use very simple functioning mechanisms. A rod slides into a locking bolt attached to the post to secure the gate in place. It can only be installed on the inside of your fence.
It’s comparatively more versatile than its other counterparts and is also highly secure as the only way to unlatch this mechanism is to lift and slide the rod out of the latch. You can also add a padlock to enhance the security of your fence.
Suitable Gate Type: Single gates
Suitable Fence Type: Good for all fence types
Security Level: High
Best For: Security fences
Pros:
- Very easy to install
- Cost-effective and secure
- Available in a variety of sizes and materials
Cons:
- Lock only from one side of the fence
- May be difficult to open
Spring-Loaded Latches
This gate latch is pricier than the gravity ones but offers a smoother motion, making it popular with homeowners. The installation is generally straightforward but can be a bit tricky depending on the brand.
How They Work: Spring-loaded gate latches are not self-locking. This means you will have to apply pressure to the spring to snap the latch arm into place and lock the door. The latch uses a spring to facilitate the closing of the gate. When the arm of the latch snaps into the catch because of the pressure you exert on the spring, the gate closes and secures.
Suitable Gate Type: Two-way, in-swinging gates but can also work for out-swinging gates if you switch the installation.
Suitable Fence Type: Residential chain link fences, but works fine for most other fence types too.
Security Level: Medium – smart intruders can figure out a way to pull the spring from the other side of certain fence types.
Best For: Residential and hobby farm fences.
Pros:
- Very secure as it latches by spring compression that cannot be released by vibrations
- Rust-proof
- Highly durable design
Cons:
- Not safe for children as the coiled spring can pinch little fingers
- Not self-latching
Gate Latch Types by Style
Everybody has their aesthetic preferences. So we broke down gate latches by different styles they come in.
Ring Latches
This latch design allows you to operate it from either side of the fence. It’s a versatile latch option for home and farm owners as it fits on both out-swinging and in-swinging gates.
How They Work: There are backplates with rings on both the outside and inside of the gate. The ring on the backplate on the yard side is coupled to a latch arm. The gate will open when you spin the ring on either side of the gate to raise the latch arm. The arm lifts out of the catch and allows the gate to open. Depending on the manufacturer, the latch can be gravity-assisted or spring-loaded.
Suitable Gate Type: Double-sided gates
Suitable Fence Type: All non-security fence types
Security Level: Low: It can be operated from either side of the fence, but some ring gate latches are lockable too. It won’t stop intruders.
Best For: Garden gates or main entrance fence gates that need to be accessed regularly
Pros:
- Opens from both sides of the fence easily
- Easy to use
- Aesthetically pleasing design
Cons:
- Not too secure
- They cannot be padlocked or bolted
Thumb Latches
Thumb latches look pretty because they feature an ornamental plate with a thumb depressor. This thumb depressor is mounted on the street side of your fence gate and only opens the gate inward. You can add a lock to this system to enhance security too.
How They Work: The thumb depressor is attached to a latching mechanism. When you push the thumb depressor from outside the gate, the latch lifts and allows you to open the gate. When you’re not pressing the thumb depressor, the latch falls into the catch and secures the gate. Most thumb latches are gravity latches and fall into the plate by the force of nature.
Suitable Gate Type: In-swinging fence gates, works well as both one-sided and two-way latch mechanisms
Suitable Fence Type: Non-security, residential
Security Level: Medium to low
Best For: Main entrance fences
Pros:
- Easy to operate
- Stylish design boosts curb appeal
Cons:
- May be difficult to install
- Not all models are lockable
Lever Latches
Lever latches work almost on the same mechanism as ring latches but do not have a ring. They feature a lever handle on both sides of the gate.
How They Work: Just like ring latches, lever latches come with a latch that you mount on the outside of the gate. The latch should always be placed on the side of the gate that opens. You turn the lever handle clockwise to release the arm from the catch. The release then lets you open the gate.
Lever latches can be spring-loaded or gravity-based, with gravity variants being more common than the other.
Suitable Gate Type: Both in-swinging and out-swinging gate variants
Suitable Fence Type: All fence types
Security Level: Low as lever can be accessed from both sides
Best For: Keeping children, pets, and animals enclosed
Pros:
- Easy to open for adults and hard for children
- Works on both swing-in and swing-out gates
- You can access the lever from both sides of the fence
- Available in lockable models too
Cons:
- Not too secure
Side-Pull Latches
This type of latch works great with any kind of gate latch material. They typically have a locking pin made from stainless steel and are manufactured from durable plastics themselves.
How They Work: The operation of a side-pull latch is based on a spring-loaded knob. There is a locking pin that goes into the catch to lock the gate. You open the gate by pulling the locking pin out of the catch. Some varieties also come with locks and keys.
Suitable Gate Type: Single gates
Suitable Fence Type: All fence types
Security Level: Medium
Best For: Internal gates or safety doors, homes with kids or pets
Pros:
- Can be mounted both horizontally and vertically
- Convenient to use
- Closes automatically
Cons:
- Can only be installed on the inner side of the gate
T-Latches
The toggle-style or T-latch style is a simple design that employs a self-closing mechanism. You can secure it with a key or a padlock too. It’s an advanced version of a gravity latch that also prevents ground motion or gate sagging in the long run.
How They Work: The Toggle latch closes when you tension the lever downwards, pushing and hooking the toggle latch into the heavy-duty polymer hook. Adjustable toggle latches feature a threaded rod that links to the hook or the “claw” to fasten to the catch plate.
The latch bolt also features adjustable brackets that you can adjust horizontally or vertically to avoid sticking or binding.
Suitable Gate Type: In-swinging gates
Suitable Fence Type: Chain link or other wire woven fences, wooden gates and fences
Security Level: Medium to High
Best For: Containing livestock, pets, and children in a fenced space
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Hard to operate for children
- Sturdy and secure lock – offers good protection even without a lock
Cons:
- Susceptible to rust
Magnetic Latches
For those looking for a high-tech solution to lock their fenced spaces, this is your pick!
Magnetic latches are great for outdoor use because they won’t corrode or wear out from water damage. They’re constructed of moisture-resistant materials and last a long time. The majority of magnetic models also have a locking system, so they’re a pretty secure option.
How They Work: There are no visible fasteners or levers on magnetic door latches. It can lock from both sides of your gate. An armature plate is installed on the side and the magnet is attached to the gate. When you push the door, the magnetic force pulls and holds the gate to the side securely. Open the gate by simply pulling them apart to break the magnetic force.
Suitable Gate Type: In-swinging and out-swinging gates
Suitable Fence Type: All fence types
Security Level: High
Best For: Security fences
Pros:
- High-level security
- Supports and works better in coordination with additional lighting and door hardware
- Self-locking mechanism
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- Low-quality or cheaper models may break apart with constant use
Butterfly Latches
This latch style is best suited for chain link fences and works like gravity gate latches. The latch allows the gate to open inward and outward. They are directly attached to the framework of the fence and gate and are typically made from galvanized steel.
How They Work: Butterfly latches have two pressed steel levers that mimic the wings of a butterfly. When you press the gate to close it, the curved ends on the levers lift the “wings” up against the latch post. This allows it to latch on its own when the spring is loaded.
Suitable Gate Type: Both in-swinging and out-swinging gates
Suitable Fence Type: Chain link fences
Security Level: Low as it is not lockable
Best For: Fences that enclose animals
Pros:
- Easy, self-closing
- Quick installation
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons:
- Not safe for small children as their fingers can get trapped in moving parts
- Not too secure
- Limited application
Gate Latch Types by Materials
When browsing gate latches for your fence, it’s important to consider the material that will suit you best. Before aesthetics, your major considerations should be the durability and longevity of the latch. Let’s take a look at the material options you have:
Iron Gate Latches
A common material for gate locks, iron is found in a variety of forms such as antique, conventional, old-world, etc.
Mostly, iron latches come in a black powder coating that protects the material. However, even in its coated form, iron is not a great choice for areas with high salt or moisture as iron rusts. You can find cast-iron and wrought-iron gate latches abundantly in the market due to the demand for their high-end appearance.
Maintenance Needs: To prevent rusting, iron needs regular maintenance. Clean it every month with steel wool to clear away any rust spots, then spray with a high-quality protectant. You can also coat it with spray paint.
Cost: Ranges from $20 to $100 depending on the size, design, and complexity of the latch type
Pros:
- Excellent value for money in dry regions
- Long-lasting and strong
- Look quite attractive on any kind of fencing
Cons:
- Will rust and corrode in wet and humid conditions
Stainless Steel Gate Latches
Stainless steel is a durable, heavy, and strong option. It’s highly resistant to denting, warping, or bending under pressure or temperature shifts.
Stainless steel latches can also be powder coated where the coating adds an extra layer of protection and strength, making the latch more suitable for use in more corrosive environments such as near a saltwater body.
Maintenance Needs: You will have to apply regular touch-ups to the steel surface to maintain its sheen. Lubricating oil can also enhance the longevity of the latch and prevent annoying squeaks when operating. You can also wash it with warm water mixed with a mild dish liquid and then wipe it dry.
Cost: On average, expect to spend $30 to $75.
Pros:
- Modern appearance and long-wearing
- High corrosion-resistance
- Available in different colors
Cons:
- Costlier than other options
- Style-specific appearance only works with contemporary fences
Brass Gate Latches
This material is the least common material for gate latches. However, brass should be your top pick if you’re going for a colonial or traditional look. Brass is dense to the touch and adds a beautiful design element to your gate.
Maintenance Needs: To preserve the longevity of your brass latch, you will have to clean it regularly with specialized brass cleaners and by applying UV-resistant clear coatings. This will keep the brass surface shiny and pretty.
Cost: Between $20 and $50, on average.
Pros:
- Heavy and durable
- Beautiful classic looks
Cons:
- Tarnishes over time
- Requires extra maintenance to work properly
Bronze Gate Latches
This material comes with a heftier price tag but it ages quite beautifully, making your investment worthwhile. They’re pretty ornate if you compare them with other latch types. Typically, bronze latches won’t need any protective powder coating to maintain their appearance as they naturally age fine.
Bronze gets darker with time and eventually develops a nice dark green or dark copper color.
Maintenance Needs: If you don’t want your bronze latch to have its classic dark green patina over time, apply a wax coating annually.
Cost: May cost between $$75 and $500, depending on the design and additional gate hardware.
Pros:
- Highly durable
- Can be crafted intricately for high-end homes
- Long-lasting and ages well
Cons:
- Very expensive
Still Confused?
If you’re not sure what suits your fence and needs, call in a pro to help you. Our local fence experts will sit with you, listen to what you’re visualizing, and suggest the best gate latch type according to your usage and safety requirements.
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