A fork latch has a forked end that drops down into a post-mounted receiver to hold the gate closed. It is the most common and reliable style for chain link swing gates because it is simple to operate and extremely durable.

Hot-dip galvanized latches are highly corrosion-resistant and will outlast electro-galvanized hardware by years in outdoor use. They are not completely rust-proof in salt-air or permanently wet environments, but provide many years of reliable service under typical outdoor conditions.

Malleable iron is heat-treated cast iron that has been made ductile rather than brittle. A malleable iron gate latch can absorb shock from wind-blown gates without cracking, a significant advantage over standard cast iron hardware.

Commercial gate latches are made from heavier gauge material, rated for more cycles, and built to withstand the abuse of high-traffic commercial entrances. Our galvanized fork latch is rated for commercial-duty use.

The padlock hole accommodates standard 1/4 to 5/16 inch shackle diameter padlocks. Check your padlock shackle diameter before ordering if you have a specific padlock in mind.

Lubricate the pivot point and latch bar with a light oil or silicone spray annually. Check and tighten mounting hardware each year. Inspect the latch bar for bending or wear and replace if the bar no longer drops cleanly into the receiver.

No. Chain link gate latches clamp onto round tubular gate frames using U-bolts. For wood fence gates, use a surface-mount gate latch designed for flat wood gate faces.

Commercial-duty fork latches are designed for standard chain link gates up to and including heavy commercial gate frames. For very heavy or large gates, a drop bolt or additional locking mechanism may also be warranted.

The receiver clamps to the fence post using a U-bolt and tightens with standard nuts. Position the receiver so the latch bar drops cleanly into the receiver opening when the gate is fully closed.

Many fork latch designs are reversible, allowing installation on either the left or right side of the gate. Check the product listing for reversibility details specific to this model.