Easy use gate latch for Gramps

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and yes, Gramps is a term of endearment. any way, my wife's grandfather recently had a stroke and so the gate latch they were using, just wont cut it anymore as he's got limited use of his (what used to be) good arm. So my in laws enlisted me to build an easy to use gate latch. I built it from scrap laying around the shop. some 1/2" rod, a 1" x 3/16" flat stock section, a cut off from some 1" x 2" x 1/8" rec tubing and a bracket from an engine stand that has long since be re-purposed. I cut the Engine Block bolt tube off the bracket, and cut the other end off to create a U. welded both to the 3/16" flat stock. then added the cut off to the end to act as a stop. Cut the 1/2" rod to length and ground 1 section to a taper. ground a cope into the other section to turn it into the handle.When the latch is open the handle stays vertical. When it's closed it can fall to either side. It will be mounted on the top of the 4' tall gate. The only thing I think I'd change is to add a ball to the top of the handle. But I don't have any large ball bearings round to weld on the end of it. Attached ImagesThere are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:Nice little rewarding project. I may steal your design for my gate at home. As I need a way to keep my rv gate closed. The Dogs have just about broken the latch that's there. And I don't wanna mess with a cheap latch. This is a much more solid design. I like it.Now I planned on making a ball joke, but you said ball bearing not just ball, so I'll leave the "you don't have any balls" comments to myself.......Offering CNC Plasma cutting and welding projects.Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/nobigdeal.fabSupport those that support WW.
Reply:Simple, effective, strong. Well done.Not sure how you are going to get a screw in the center hole under the slide.Last edited by GWD; 10-09-2012 at 10:30 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by GWDSimple, effective, strong. Well done.Not sure how you are going to get a screw in the center hole under the slide.
Reply:very simple design...thanks.
Reply:Looks like a barrel bolt on steroids!  BIG handle!  Nice!- MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.