How Do You 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. 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. 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. Line up the 1-by-1 pieces on the gate in the preferred locations for the la
