Gate Latches: An Essential Guide for Fencing Professionals

From making a back yard or pool area secure, to safeguarding livestock or valuable equipment, gates play a vital role in fencing applications – and for every type of gate, there are a variety of latch options that make opening, closing and locking the gate simple, strong and secure.

Gate latches can be broadly divided into four main categories – bolt, lever, ring and thumb latches – although there are some specialist options for industrial/commercial and agricultural gates too. In this blog, we’re going to look at all the main types of gate latch in detail, exploring key features and applications so you can make an informed choice for your next gate project.

What is the function of a gate latch?

The principal function of any gate latch is to ensure the gate can be secured in its closed position, without being pushed or blown open. When closed, the latch also helps to stabilise the gate, reducing the load on the hinges. When combined with a padlock or keypad, gate latches fulfil the important function of ensuring the gate is secured against unwanted access.

Finally, gate latches also have a decorative or aesthetic function – they can convey a particular architectural or design style, and simply help to make the gate look ‘complete’.

What type of gate latch is right for my project?

There are a number of factors to consider when selecting the right gate latch for any particular project. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• How heavy is the gate itself going to be?
• What level of security is required?
• Do I need to operate the latch from both sides?
• Will the gate need to be latched one-handed, or hands-free?
• What kind of aesthetics are you trying to achieve?
• Will the gate or latch be exposed to extreme weather or other conditions?

What are the different types of gate latches?

At Abbey hardware, we offer a wide variety of gate latch options suitable for a wide range of applications, from domestic use through to agricultural and commercial gates that demand heavy-duty performance and advanced security. Let’s take a look at the commonly-used types:

Bolts

Also called padbolts, slide bolts or barrel bolts, most gate bolts operate on the same basic premise – they have a backplate that attaches to the gate, with a sliding metal bar that is extended or retracted in order to latch the gate, either directly into a corresponding hole in the fence post, or into a metal catch plate or keeper.

Bolts are available in a variety of styles, from small, light-duty options to large, heavy-duty designs for securing heavy gates. The sliding portion of the bolt often has a hooked handle and integrated catch to prevent it from being driven backwards in the channel once closed – useful in windy conditions where vibrations could cause the bolt to open. Bolts often come with an integrated or separate loop that can be padlocked to prevent the gate from being opened.

Levers

A gate lever is another common and simple mechanism featuring a backplate with a metal bar that lifts up and down with a lever, and a strike plate that secures the lever onto the fence post when it’s lowered. Gate levers are often decorative in nature and are typically reserved for garden gates where a high level of security is not required. They can only be operated from one side of the gate, but are not usually lockable.

Ring Latches

A ring latch is a variation on a simple lever, with the added benefit of being operable from both sides of the gate. The lever handle is replaced by twin metal ring, connected by a spindle bar that passes through the gate. When the ring on either side is turned manually, the lever bar lifts up, allowing the gate to be opened. Ring latches can be supplied with padlock eyes, enabling this type of latch to be securely locked.

Thumb latches

A thumb latch (also sometimes called a Suffolk latch) is another form of lever-based latch. They have a handle that attaches to the outside of the gate, equipped with a thumb-shaped trigger that opens a lever mounted on the inside of the gate, by means of a spindle that passes through the gate. The lever on the back of the gate can also be operated manually, enabling the gate to be opened from both sides. Thumb latches are usually decorative in nature – antique styles are very common. They are not usually lockable.

Self-closing latches

A self-closing latch, sometimes also referred to as an auto latch is a type of latch mechanism designed to automatically secure a gate shut after it swings closed, providing a hands-free latch solution for outdoor gates. This feature is especially useful for gates around pools, yards, or secure areas where keeping the gate closed is important for safety or security.

Self-closing latches have a latch body with a latch pin or arm that protrudes from the edge of the gate. When the gate swings shut, the latch arm enters a catch plate that swings shut, preventing the gate from being opened unless a lever on the catch plate is pressed. When paired with a spring-loaded hinge, the gate will automatically return to its closed position.

Spring-loaded latches

A spring-loaded latch is a bolt that has a spring attached, returning it to the closed position as soon as it is released. They are simple to use and have the benefit of making sure that gates don’t accidentally get left unlatched. They can be combined with spring-loaded hinges to create a self-closing gate.

Hasp & Staple latches

A hasp and staple latch is a classic, simple locking mechanism commonly used on gates, doors, and storage containers for added security.
The hasp is a flat metal plate with a hinged arm that swings open and closed. The arm typically has a hole at one end, designed to fit over the staple. The staple is a U-shaped metal loop or ring affixed to the gate post, wall, or surface opposite the hasp.

When the hasp is closed, the arm fits over the staple, aligning the hole in the hasp with the staple’s loop. When the hasp is closed over the staple, a padlock can be passed through the staple’s loop, securing the latch and preventing it from being lifted or opened. Hasp and staple latches are used primarily when a gate will be locked all the time – generally this mechanism won’t keep the gate closed without a padlock. Our Swivel Head Hasp and Staple is an exception to this.

Throwover latches

A throwover latch is a simple gate latch that allows a gate to be locked to a fence post or another gate without the need for additional hardware like padlocks or bolts. It’s especially common on double swing gates, like those often seen on driveways, farm entrances, or garden fences.
The throwover latch consists of a sturdy loop or U-shaped arm, typically made of metal. The arm is attached to one gate, allowing it to swing over the top of the fence post or other gate when closed. Throwover latches have the benefit of being easy to operate from both sides of the gate, with one hand, and even from horseback.

Foot bolts

Foot bolts are essentially the same as regular bolts except that they are designed to be fitted vertically at the bottom of a gate or door, and fasten into a hole in the ground to keep the gate securely in place – they are most commonly used for double gates where one needs to stay in place while the other is opened.

Cane bolts

Cane bolts perform the same function as foot bolts but they are designed to be operated by hand. They are long bolts with a handle on top, designed to be lifted up out of the ground with minimal bending. Cane bolts add an extra layer of security and are especially useful for preventing double gate arrangements from moving or blowing open during stormy weather.

Gate locks

Lockable gate latches usually require a separate padlock to make them secure – but for complete convenience and safety, especially on residential and commercial gates, an integrated gate lock can often be a simpler option. The most common type of gate lock includes a mortice block that can be locked with a key, or operated with a keypad, but there are various other types available for specific applications – stay tuned for a separate blog on this topic, coming soon!

Gate latches at a glance

Need help selecting the right gate latch?

The right gate latch – or combination of latches – can add safety, functionality and security to your fencing projects. For help to determine the right products for your project, simply get in touch with our expert team – or speak to your nearest Abbey Hardware dealer.