The standard chain link gate latch is a fork-style latch, a metal rod with a forked end that drops into a receiver attached to the fence post. It is simple, reliable, and fits virtually all residential and commercial chain link swing gates.

Most chain link gate latches include a padlock hole in the latch body or receiver. Insert a padlock through the hole when the gate is closed to prevent the latch from being lifted.

Rolling or sliding gates require an offset latch, not a fork latch. An offset latch is designed to engage from the side as the gate moves horizontally into the closed position.

A fork latch secures the gate in the closed position by dropping into a receiver on the post. A cane bolt (drop rod) slides vertically into a hole in the ground to anchor one gate leaf of a double gate to the ground.

Clamp the latch body to the gate frame using the included U-bolt and tighten. Clamp the receiver to the fence post at the correct height so the latch bar drops cleanly into the receiver when the gate closes.

Standard fork latches fit 1-3/8 inch and 1-5/8 inch chain link gate frame outside diameters, which are the two most common residential and light commercial gate frame sizes.

If your current latch has a padlock hole, yes. If not, you can add a gate hasp to the gate frame and post for a separate padlock, or replace the latch with a model that includes a padlock hole.

For double gates, use a drop rod (cane bolt) to anchor the first-closing gate leaf to the ground, then use a standard fork latch on the second leaf to latch against the first.

A spring-loaded gate latch uses internal spring tension to automatically return the latch bar to the closed position after the gate is opened. This style engages automatically when the gate closes, functioning as a self-latching latch.

If the latch is not catching, the receiver height is likely off. Loosen the receiver clamp, adjust it up or down until the latch bar drops cleanly into the receiver, and retighten. Bent latch bars can also prevent proper engagement and should be replaced.