Unique Gate Lock and Latch Ideas

15 years ago

Good Afternoon,

I am getting ready to have two saloon type gates or side by side gates installed to the entrance of my backyard. I want the gates to be unique for my neighborhood and have some sort of quirky or unique opening / locking / latching device. I believe I have the gates designed, so now I have to design the latches.

I have seen these sorts of gravity openers, where a weight is attached to a chain, but there must be other sorts of Rube Goldberg types of gate devices that would tickle the fancy of folks entering my future garden. Right now, I just have a "backyard" and want to make a statement about my home and myself. Any idea books or web sites anyone might suggest? Thanks in advance for any ideas or comments.

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Comments (7)

hortster
15 years ago
Tantalizing concept. Could it have anything to do with a closely visable plant "waving" a frond or branch(es) in the midst of a still landscape? A seeming interaction between those punching in a number or button and getting a vegatative response? It seems that the possibilities here could be surprising, yet changing if you or your gardener would be willing to do a little electronic motorization (and perhaps constant alteration) of such a device...
Just a thought. Probably way out there...
colorado_av_guy
Original Author
15 years ago
Horster, I'm looking for a more mechanical device. I like the idea about punching in numbers or some other input device to get things going, but it can't be too complicated for folks to get in and out of the gate. I wish I could remember the web site I found that had all these different gate latches and closing devices. Thanks for writing.
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nandina
15 years ago
I took a minute to read your delightful profile and note that wood carving is your hobby. Question...Is it your intention to carve this latch from wood? If so, I might have a few ideas for you.
colorado_av_guy
Original Author
15 years ago
Nandina, I suppose I could carve whatever you are talking about. Let's hear it!
nandina
15 years ago
Question...should the gate be unique because of its latch only or because you have carved (or afixed) an interesting bas-relief onto the gate itself? Could you perhaps use the old time 'round rail loop ketch' common to cattle/horse fencing as a gate fastener? This method would leave the front of the gates free for a continuous, creative carving that could cross over both gate sections. Or could be panels with copper inset designs, something from nature or modern look. Or just carved panels. Searching bas-relief art may give you some ideas.

As to a regular latch idea which could be different...what figure can you carve that fits the hand well and can be used as a sliding bolt? A cat chasing a rat? Something like that. Whimsey, maybe? Or, recycled metal pieces or old tools, reworked.
Saypoint zone 6 CT
15 years ago
this website has some interesting latches.

Here is a link that might be useful: latches
Saypoint zone 6 CT
15 years ago
This guide has a lot of different sources for hardware.

Here is a link that might be useful: resource guide

Unique Gate Lock and Latch Ideas

Comments (7)

hortster

colorado_av_guy
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nandina

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Unique Gate Lock and Latch Ideas

Comments (7)

hortster

colorado_av_guyOriginal Author

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nandina

colorado_av_guyOriginal Author

nandina

Saypoint zone 6 CT

Saypoint zone 6 CT

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CONNECT WITH US

colorado_av_guy
Original Author

colorado_av_guy
Original Author