How to Build a Gate Latch
A gate latch is an easy do-it-yourself project that homeowners of almost any skill level can undertake. This simple design works with two pieces of 1-by-1-inch lumber on either side of the gate. They are connected by a bolt that runs through both pieces and the gate. The latch is then operated by rotating the 1-by-1 pieces up or down to latch or unlatch the gate. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 1-by-1-inch lumber
- 5/16-inch bolt, with matching nut and four washers
- Electric drill
- Galvanized wood screws
- 3/8-inch drill bit
- 3/8-inch dowel rod
- Wood glue
- Sand paper
Instructions
-
-
1
Cut two pieces of 1-by-1 lumber to a length of 6 inches. Mark a spot on both pieces, 1 inch from one of the ends. Drill a 3/8-inch hole through the boards in this spot.
-
2
Drill another 3/8-inch hole in each 1-by-1, but only halfway into the wood and not all the way through. You will be inserting dowel rods into these holes. The holes should be located 3 inches from the end opposite of the holes you drilled in step 1. Cut two pieces of the 3/8-inch dowel rod to a length of 2 inches. Apply wood glue in the holes. Insert each of the dowel rod pieces firmly.
-
-
3
Line up the 1-by-1 pieces on the gate in the preferred locations for the latch. Using the holes in the 1-by-1 as a guide, mark the spots on the gate for matching holes that the 5/16-inch bolt will be inserted through.
-
4
Set the 1-by-1s aside. Drill a 3/8-inch hole through the gate in the spot you have just marked.
-
5
Assemble the latch by placing the 1-by-1s in position on either side of the gate, inserting two washers on each side of both 1-by-1s and sliding the 5/16-inch bolt through the holes. Fasten the nut to the bolt.
-
6
Cut two pieces of 1-by-1 lumber to a length of 2 inches. These pieces will serve as latch stops. Drill pilot holes in the pieces. Attach these to either side of the gate post with wood screws, aligned horizontally with your preferred down position of the latch.
-
7
Sand rough edges. Stain or paint the latch to match the gate and you are finished.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Experiment with the proper tightness of the nut to the bolt so that it is secure, but allows free movement of the latch up and down.
