Hardware Essentials 853341 Self Adjustable Gate Latch Stainless Steel

After a fairly comprehensive search found no other manufacturer producing a similar product. Definitely does the job it sets out to do. As a UK customer ordering just before xmas, the delivery here was a severe test of patience - clearly not attributable to the US supplier. Worth waiting for however.

seems like top quality to me

Just buy the cheap one. It is good, but not worth it.

This latch is solid in all respects. It's clearly stainless steel, which is what I need with salty breezes on Cape Cod. Installed easily. Directions were clear as to pilot holes (3/32"). All screws were supplied with the latch. Directions did not mention why there are two types of screws. You might see it as obvious but just in case: 4 round-head screws for the back plate of the latch itself. 2 round-head screws for the outer side of the plate that holds the latch arm. 2 flat-head screws for the inner side of the plate that holds the latch arm. These sit flush with the plate so the latch arm can be adjusted up or down. My latch had one extra screw, just in case of droppage. You know, gravity happens. I used an impact driver on the screws. Worked great. If using a screw driver you might want to lubricate the screws with a bit of wax or soap so they screw in more easily. So far I am very pleased with the solid quality of this latch. If there is rust in the future it will start with the screws. If that happens I will update this review. For now it is a solid five stars.

This latch replaced a steel latch on a heavy gate which, for safety reasons, closes itself in a very slammy way. So the old latch had warped on account of being whacked so hard. I replaced it with this one which is a slightly different design and needed some new holes in the steel post to install. One of the advantages of this design is that the horizontal post is screwed at one end. If you want it to stay in a particular orientation you can screw it a little tighter. If you want it to float, loosen it up a bit. The steel seems a lot stronger than the old painted latch, and frankly I think it is tougher and more tarnish resistant. So far I am very happy with it. I think it will stand up to plenty of slamming.

Solid stainless. I live near the ocean air and many products listed as "stainless" rust in the salt air anyway. This product has been flawless. After about a year, it has no rust. I used to have to oil our front gate endlessly, but never since I bought this. Simple, easy to install in minutes and works like a charm. Excellent online product info, fast service.

Need SS on the coast. These work great.