Problem keeping a gate latched

[slackjaw]

I have a gate in front of my house that uses a ring latch:
https://www.natman.com/detail/v1132-small-ring-gate-latches-n197-129

I have a spring on the gate, and it always pulls the gate to the closed position, but the ring often doesn't fall when we have wet weather because the wood gets moist, which causes the latch to stick and not come down.

This isn't a big deal for the family, but my dog loves to take the opportunity to "push-bounce" the gate to get it open and have his way around the neighborhood.

Any ideas on how to fix this or better mechanism that guarantees a latched gate when closed?

 

[Kaizen]

Had the same issue. Can’t find the one I got at hd. Has a thump lever on outside and guillotine like arm on inside. Even with the swelling of the wood it always latches


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[slackjaw]

Guillatine latch? Something like this:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Black-Post-Latch-18109/202042254


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[klassenl]

No dog. No problem.

 

[Kaizen]

Guillatine latch? Something like this:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Black-Post-Latch-18109/202042254


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I have a different one. The handle lifts the straight piece that locks it and the solid piece is on the post. sorry called a thumb latch. because the post does not move much it seems to be less fickle.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Black-Heavy-Duty-Gate-Thumb-Latch-20524/203561809

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[slackjaw]

Thanks for the suggestions. I mucked around with what I have yesterday and figured that by putting in a thicker washer, it clears the wood on the post and doesn't get stuck. I did this when it was raining outside (with the wood being wet). We'll see how it lasts -- if it doesn't, I'll try repacking it with some of the suggested ones.

 

[Slednut]

I always build my own latches out of stuff I have laying around. They don't look great but they sure work good.

 

[Lightning rod]

I also use spring loaded hinges to make sure if i forget, the springs give the door
Enough velocity to really make sure the latch works.

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/everbilt-11-inch-gate-spring-in-black-1pk/1000773459

 

[slackjaw]

I also use spring loaded hinges to make sure if i forget, the springs give the door
Enough velocity to really make sure the latch works.

I have those on my gates already. The problem is that if the hoop doesn't come down, by dog is smart/lucky enough to put his fore legs on top of the gate and pull it open.

 

[slackjaw]

Wow Slednut, that's pretty cool!