New Gate Latch and Return Spring

Tools:

drill
wrenches
metal rod
marker
flathead screwdriver
Philips-head screwdriver
penetrating oil
new gate latch
gate spring

1. Remove the old gate latch. Use some penetrating oil to loosen the bolts if necessary. Hold the screw head steady on the opposite side with a screwdriver while you loosen the bolts with a wrench (figure A).

2. Position new latch on gate and attach using supplied hardware. For a more secure installation, you may want to substitute more robust hardware when attaching the latch. Harrison brought out his own personal stash of carriage bolts, washers and nuts for this project (figure B).

3. Tighten the bolts while holding the screw steady with a screwdriver.

4. Close the gate to see if the new latch fits into the old latch plate.

5. Position spring and mark points where you'll need to drill holes for the mounting screws. When attaching the spring, make sure you position it so the adjustment screws will be accessible (figure C).

6. Test the gate and adjust tension if necessary.