Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Panel Gates and Latches
Most manufacturers offer more than one style of gate that will work with their panels. Most
gate styles are available in 2-foot increments. Gates can be a separate 4-foot or wider bow
(arch) gate; a bow gate incorporated in a 10-, 12-, or 16-foot combination panel; or a 4-foot
or wider corral or panel gate.
If you are incorporating a pen or run off a building that has posts or off solid fence posts,
consider using corral gates (much less expensive than bow gates) that hang on the post
from hinge pins. Corral gates are usually available in 2-foot increments from 4 feet to 16
feet.
Latches should be horse-proof, safe when open or closed, and easy to use one-handed
while leading a horse. When the gate is open, the latch should not have a portion (such as
a protruding pin) that could snag a horse blanket or coat. Latches that have a secondary
keeper or a feature (such as a hole for a snap or padlock) that allows you to secure the latch
are useful for mouthy horses. When in doubt, secure gate latches with a short piece of chain
and a double-ended snap or another means appropriate for the specific latch.
When cold, wet weather hits, many panel gate latches freeze. To prevent this, prior to
winter weather, oil all latches with WD-40 or light machine oil. If a latch does freeze, use
a small propane torch to thaw it out.
