Gate Lock Advice Needed

Seeking Advice
1

Looking for the best way to lock this gate after I walk into my backyard. The way my fence contractor built the gate makes it a bit difficult since my mounting footprint is less than 2” and and there is a gap in between the opening compromising security. Thanks in advance!a

Gate Lock
Gate Lock4284×5712 2.66 MB

Gate Lock2
Gate Lock24284×5712 3.12 MB

Gate Lock3
Gate Lock33024×4032 592 KB

2

You are gonna have bigger problems like not being able to open that gate soon. It needs a diagonal brace you are so little relying on screws to hold all the wood in place currently it’s going to sag towards the house. And you can swap that latch though for one like this that way when you enter the yard you slide the gold lever back and it’s locked. (Operable only from one side)

Bigger problem
Bigger problem640×1063 39 KB

3

@Dany
I tried these, but the notch sticks out too far, and the gate hits it when closing.

4

Kelvin said:
@Dany
I tried these, but the notch sticks out too far, and the gate hits it when closing.

That’s because your gate is 4 inches thick, and the latch side wasn’t angled properly. If I were working with that gate, I’d start by adjusting the bracing. The diagonal brace should go from the bottom hinge-side corner up to just under the mid-brace near the latch. Even better, you could notch out the mid-brace and extend the diagonal all the way from the bottom hinge-side to the top latch-side corner.

Next, use a chisel or rasp to shave off a bit of material from the 2x4 on the latch side, angling it so that the outer edge stays full while the inside edge is reduced. That should help clear the latch when the gate swings open.

5

@Jameson
Thanks! Planning to work on this Saturday.

6

Here’s a step-by-step approach:

  1. Remove the gate from the hinges.
  2. Carefully unscrew the vertical 2x4 on the right side.
  3. Cut the middle horizontal 2x4 back about 1.75 inches.
  4. Reattach the vertical 2x4 flush with the end of the middle 2x4, securing it to both the top and bottom.
  5. Add a new 2x4 to the house side.
  6. Adjust the latch positioning as needed.
  7. Install a diagonal brace (or two) for extra support.
  8. Rehang the gate.

That should help everything align properly.

7

@Darryl
Appreciate the help! Just found out I have a 5-year warranty, so I’ll check with them first before making any modifications.