How to stop D-type gate latch bending?

jonathan_d

I have installed a gate closing spring and posted about my issues with that, however I have also replaced the D type gate latch. It appears to be a direct replacement for the old one. So far I have replaced only the part that kept bending: the piece that mounts on the door and which pushes under the D of the latch. Sorry I don't know what this dogleg of metal is called. Having replaced this piece and having had the door close quite a few times (my kids having using the gate quite a bit), I notice the dogleg piece is already bending, so that the gate is either not latching properly or getting stuck after closing. Is there a way to avoid this or to fix it or to replace with a more suitable piece? Apart from just bending it back of course...

JacobZ

Hi @jonathan_d,

Under normal circumstances, that piece, usually called the striker or latch tongue, should not be bending like that.

Is the gate slamming shut from the spring, or perhaps it is being slammed shut?

Repeated severe impact is the most common reason these start to deform, so I'd be looking at whether it is slamming and if that can be addressed.

If the spring tension is set too high, then reducing the tension could be a good starting point. If it is being slammed, then making a conscious effort to reduce this slamming would also be worthwhile.

There isn't really a "heavy duty D-latch" or something similar that you could replace it with, but you could always look at a different style of latch like this https://www.bunnings.com.au/lokklatch-general-purpose-gate-latch_p0674733 , or even manufacture your own latch tongue using some thicker steel flat bar like this https://www.bunnings.com.au/australian-handyman-supplies-32-x-5mm-x-2m-steel-flat-bar_p0917605 .

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob