Privacy Fence Gate Latch

Tools:

workbench
hacksaw
clamp
flat-bottom drill bit
regular twist bits
power drill
combination square
locking pliers
pencil
screwdriver
pliers
adjustable wrench
nippers
work gloves
safety glasses
2 eyebolts
2 washers
angle iron
spring
carabiner-style shackle
shackle
small chain

1. First immobilize the handle so it will not push up on the latch. Do this by cutting off an angle iron bracket with a hacksaw. Bend and straighten the bracket, clamp it to the workbench and cut off a section (figure A). Wear work gloves and safety glasses when cutting the bracket.

2. Remove the nut holding the latch mechanism and slide the angle iron piece over the nut. Reinstall and tighten the nut and test the latch to make sure the piece has immobilized the lever (figure B).

3. Drill a hole through the gate, about midway between the latch and the top of the gate, for the eyebolt. Use the flat-bottomed drill bit to carve out a pocket on the outside of the gate for the washer and nut.

4. Insert the eyebolt through the hole and secure with a washer and nut.

6. Attach shackle to spring and feed spring through eyebolt. Hold the spring by the end with the shackle and position it so it can be reached by an adult reaching over the top of the gate (figure D).

7. Cut of chain so there's just enough to reach the end of the spring. Snap off extra chain with nippers and attach chain to spring.

8. Install a second eyebolt at the top of the spring to hold it in place. Test the new latch (figure E).