Which Latches to Use for Home Security?

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Which Latches to Use for Home Security?

Variations of Gate Latches

The many sorts of gate latches are followed by a condensed explanation of the various materials that may be used to construct gate latches.

Gravity Gate latches

The term "gravity latch" does not refer to a specific latch but rather to a mechanism that may be found in many types of gate latches. This sort of latch relies on gravity to both shut the catch and keep the latch arm in its proper position. 

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Hence, the name of this type of latch. When you close the gate, its operation depends on the swing's force. The force of the latch arm striking the strike plate causes the latch arm to raise, immediately dropping back down into the catch. 


It is necessary to install this sort of latch on both sides of the gate, and in specific configurations, you will be able to lock and unlock the gate from either side of the structure. It is not the most secure design, but it is easy to install since it can be controlled from either side of the gate. This may make it less safe than other designs.

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Although particular gravity latches may be locked, in most instances, you will need an additional padlock to keep it securely fastened into place. The gravity operation approach will be followed by many of the varieties of gate latches that will be explained later.

 

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Spring loaded Gate latches 

If the closing action of a gravity latch is dependent on gravity, then the closing movement of a spring-loaded latch is made possible by the presence of a spring that permits the action to be accomplished. In comparison to gravity latches, these latches have a more streamlined operation and provide a higher level of protection; nonetheless, they are more costly. 

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The latch arm slides into the catch when pressure is applied to the spring, which causes the arm to fall into position. Most of the time, spring-loaded latches may be actuated from either side and have a double-sided design. There are lockable solutions available. However, lockability is not a feature shared by all spring-loaded locks. 


This is not a single form of latch like the gravity latches; instead, it is a mechanism that may be used for many different types of gate latches, several of which will be detailed in the following paragraphs. These gate latches are often performed on in-swinging gates; however, the installation may also be completed in the other direction, on out-swinging gates. 


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Thumb Gate Latches

A thumb latch may be either a one-way or a two-way latch. A plate will be located outside, closer to the street on the side of the gate opposite the opening) (which usually has some decoration or design. 


This plate will arrive welded or with a thumb depressor holding it in place. When this thumb depressor is pressed, a latch located on the other end of the gate and on the side of the plate that corresponds to it will lift, allowing the gate to be opened. 

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When you have passed through the gate and are now on the other side, you should be able to shut it behind you without the latch arm falling. After then, it drops down and lands on the catch-all by itself. 


Because the arm of the latch follows a mechanism that causes it to fall into position on its own, we shall refer to this kind of latch as a gravity latch. While not all varieties of thumb gate latches are lockable, all are double-sided. But perhaps most critically, they are only suitable for use on gates that swing inward.

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Bolt Gate Latches

When most people hear the word "latch," the picture of a bolt latch is the one that immediately pops into their heads in the first place. These are among the most typical latches, and you'll probably find them installed in the older gate and building structures. The bolt latches on your door are not double-sided. 

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Therefore you may only place them on the inside of your door. Since of this, the latches are simpler to install because you only have to deal with one side of the door. To fasten the latch into place, the only thing that must be done is slot it into the corresponding socket. This design is somewhat dated. 


Be aware that after you have bolted the latch, you won't be able to open it from the other side unless you can reach the lock from the other side. Once you have done this, the latch will be secured. 


There is no guarantee that the bolt latch can be locked. In most cases, you will need an additional padlock to secure it into position and ensure that it remains in that location. You need to consider the several keys that may be used with your padlock.

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Ring Gate Latches

Ring latches are another excellent choice that may be used on both sides of the door. On each side of the gate is a backplate that is attached. Each of the backplates will be equipped with a ring that may be used to assist in manipulating the latch.


On the other hand, the call found inside will be fastened to a latch arm. When the ring is spun on either side of the gate, it will unlock the gate by lifting the arm out of the socket and allowing passage through.


This particular kind of latch may be used on gates that swing inwards as well as those that swing outwards. However, one thing that needs to be verified is that the arm of the latch is connected to the side of the gate that swings open. This is one of the things that has to be checked.

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Lever Gate Latches

The operation of a lever latch is equivalent to that of a ring latch. On the other hand, the most notable difference is that the ring latch has been replaced with a lever handle that may be twisted. You've undoubtedly seen lever gate latch types around your house or business buildings without ever realizing what they were named. 


These latches are incredibly popular and come in a variety of configurations. There is a possibility that they may be locked, although this is not always the case. They function similarly to ring latches in that they may be mounted on both in-swinging and out-swinging gates.

However, installing the latch arm on the side of the gate that swings open is essential and cannot be overlooked.

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Fingertip Release Gate Latches

Even though they are not the most reliable in terms of safety, fingertip-release latches are among the most user-friendly and straightforward latches to set up. In the best-case scenario, they may be effective for preventing animals from entering your garden or yard, but they would not provide any genuine security. 


They feature a mechanism that allows them to lock themselves automatically and may be installed on gates that swing in or out. It employs a spring-loaded system, which enables the latch arm to drop into position on its own.

Materials for safety gate latches

Latches made of Iron Gate

Cast and wrought iron are two types of iron that are often used to make gate locks because of their durability and versatility. Iron is a hardy substance; applying a powder coating over it can protect the material from becoming wet. 


No matter how many layers of protective coating you put on iron, using it may not be the most excellent idea if you live near the seaside or in a region where the humidity is consistently high.

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Brass Gate Latches

Brass gate locks are an excellent choice to make if you are searching for something that is both magnificent and trendy. Because they are so substantial, you won't have to worry about the latch being blown open by the wind.


If you are going for a colonial or vintage aesthetic, these structures and styles go exceptionally well together and help you quickly create that look. However, as time passes, they lose their luster and get tarnished instead of maintaining it. 


Be sure to utilize the appropriate kinds of screws, ideally brass, so that you do not damage the genuine gate latch by using a metal that is far tougher than it is.

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Stainless Steel Gate Latches

Stainless steel is an excellent material to consider for the sort of gate latch you want to use if you want a more contemporary and streamlined appearance. 


Unless you reside in a location with a lot of salt in the air, stainless steel will always have a shine and has clean cuts. The sheen will be dull if you live in one of these areas. However, it is not compatible with all architectural types of homes.

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Bronze Gate Latches

Bronze is a terrific material to consider if you are ready to spend more money than you had initially planned. Because it will not rust, this is particularly helpful if you reside in an area close to the shore.


Due to the lack of a coating, there is no concern that bronze locks may get chipped in the future. They are the most elegant and long-lasting of the available alternatives while being the most pricey.

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