Fig. 246.—Gate Latch.
Fig. 247.—Spring Gate Catch.
Some cows become so expert, they can lift almost any gate latch. To circumvent this troublesome habit, latches made as shown in [figure 246] will fill this bill exactly. It is a piece of iron bar, drawn down at one end, and cut with a thread to screw into the gate post. A stirrup, or crooked staple, made as shown, is fitted by a screw bolt and nut to the bar. A small bolt must be driven in to keep the stirrup from being thrown over. A projecting slat on the gate, when it is shut, lifts the stirrup and holds the gate. This latch is too much for breechy cows, and they are never able to get “the hang of it.”
A simple catch for a gate may easily be made from a piece of seasoned hickory, or other elastic wood, cut in the shape as shown at a in [figure 247]. This is fastened strongly to the side of the gate, with the pin, c, working through the top loosely, so that it will play easily. The catch, b, is fastened to the wall or post, as the case may be. The operation will be easily understood from the illustration, and it will be found a serviceable, sure, and durable contrivance. The gate cannot be swung to without catching, and it may swing both ways.
Fig. 248.—Latch In Position. Fig. 249. Fig. 250.
A very simple and convenient style of fastening is illustrated in [figures 248] to [251]. It can be made of old buggy springs, or any flat steel, and should be one inch broad by three six-tenth inch thick, and about eighteen inches long, at the distance of four inches from the lower end. The lever is slightly bent, and has two screw or bolt holes for fastening, [figure 249]. Eight inches of the top portion is rounded and bent at right angles. The upper part passes through a narrow mortise in the head-post of the gate [figure 248]. A flat staple, large enough to go over the spring holds it in place. An iron hook, [figure 250], driven into the post, holds the latch. A wooden lever, bolted to the top board of the gate, [figure 251], enables a person on horseback to open or close the gate. This latch can be applied to any kind of a gate, and is especially desirable in yards or gardens, when, by the addition of a chain and weight, one may always feel that the gate is securely closed. The latch does not cost more than fifty cents, and if properly made and put on will last as long as the gate.
Fig. 251.—Latch With Top Lever.