Traditional Gate Latch
A simple steel gate latch inspired by one I came across while visiting the Lake District — recreated in the workshop using mild steel, round bar and a little fabrication.
I came across this style of gate latch while in the Lakes and liked how simple and practical the mechanism was. Rather than buying one, I decided to work out the dimensions and make my own.
The design uses a fixed hook, a pivoting latch plate and a long lifting bar which allows the gate to be opened from the opposite side. Below are my drawings and the measurements I used to fabricate it.
Inspiration
Where the idea started
The original
This is the latch that first caught my eye while visiting the Lake District. I liked the simplicity of the mechanism, especially the long lifting bar which allows the latch to be operated from the other side of the gate.
My version
Using the original as inspiration, I worked out the dimensions and fabricated my own version from mild steel. I’ll add a photograph of the finished latch here once it is fitted to the gate.
Components
Cut · shape · drill · weld
The Hook
The hook is built from three pieces of mild steel, labelled A, B and C.
- A: 4mm mild steel plate, 30mm × 100mm.
- Drill centred 6mm fixing holes at the top and bottom, approximately 15mm in from the ends as shown.
- B: 4mm mild steel strip, 20mm × 200mm.
- Heat and fold B back on itself to form a U-shaped hook, leaving approximately a 5mm internal gap.
- C: 12mm × 15mm mild steel, approximately 70mm long, tapered back to approximately 55mm to form the latch stop.
Weld B securely to plate A. Add C centrally below it, leaving approximately 22mm between the two for the latch plate to move freely.
The Latch
Cut the latch from 4mm mild steel plate, starting with a piece approximately 70mm × 70mm.
Cut and shape it to the profile shown in the drawing, including the angled lower section.
- Material thickness: 4mm
- Overall starting size: 70mm × 70mm
- Drill two 6mm holes
- One pivot hole at the projecting point
- One lifting-bar hole towards the upper-left
The Lift
The lifting rod allows the latch to be operated from the opposite side of the gate.
- 12mm round mild steel bar
- Approximately 545mm overall length as drawn
- 6mm hole through the lower end
- Weld a steel ring or formed round handle to the top for lifting
The drawing shows the top ring at approximately 44mm outside diameter and 30mm inside diameter.
Lift-Bar Holder
The holder keeps the long lifting rod close to the gate post while still allowing it to slide freely.
- 4mm mild steel back plate
- Approximately 40mm × 60mm back plate
- Two 6mm fixing holes
- Form the projecting guide around the lifting bar, leaving enough clearance for free movement
What I Used
For the mounting plates, latch and formed hook.
For the long lifting mechanism.
For forming the hand/lift guide where required.
Used for the pivot points between the hook, latch and lift.
Final Assembly
How it goes together
Putting it together
Fix the hook assembly firmly to the gate or post using the two mounting holes.
Attach the latch plate to the hook using a 6mm bolt and lock nut. The nut should be secure but not so tight that it prevents the latch from pivoting freely.
The lifting rod is then connected to the latch with another 6mm bolt and lock nut and supported by the guide further up the gate post.
Before final tightening, check that the latch drops naturally into the hook and can be lifted without binding.
A note on the dimensions: these are the measurements I used for my own latch and can easily be adjusted to suit the thickness and construction of your own gate. The important part is keeping enough clearance between the hook, latch and lifting mechanism for everything to move freely.