05/13/2025
How to Close a Gate with a Chain Latch
The way you close a gate with a chain latch is important.
#1 - One Way
The chain goes around the fence post, then gets placed into the slot in the gate.
The problem: If the gate is pushed or bumped, the chain can come out of the notch, letting the gate swing open.
#2 – A Better Way
The chain goes around the fence post (just like the first example), but then passes under the bar of the gate before being placed into the notch.
Why it’s better: Stress on the gate will pull the chain deeper into the notch, making it less likely to come out.
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Note About the Hole in the Gate
As you probably noticed, the gate in the photos has a round hole by the notch the chain goes into. Using this hole provides at least a couple of other good ways to close the gate. For example, you can take the chain around the fence post, through the hole, then place the chain into the notch.
We didn’t use the hole in our demo because some gates don’t have holes. Not using the built-in hole makes for a more universal demonstration.
