
HILLMASTER 0011HILLMASTER Heavy Duty Self-Locking Gate Latch
Steel gravity latch for inward and outward gates with 12 screws and a 1.76 lb body.
- Latch type
- Self-latching gravity
- Material
- Steel
- Padlockable
- Yes
The best gate latch to open from both sides needs three things. It must work on inward and outward swinging gates, close on its own, and resist weather. Gravity latches drop into place without a spring. Material and finish decide how long they last outdoors. Handedness decides whether it fits your hinge side. We put 61 products on one spec sheet so you can compare swing support, steel and coatings, length, weight and padlock use. Some listings skip details, and we say so.
Quick answer
Ranked from 61 gate latches that met our standard, compared on Opens from both sides, self-latching action, weather-resistant material.
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Steel gravity latch for inward and outward gates with 12 screws and a 1.76 lb body.

Listed for a post gap up to 1-9/16 in, at 4 in long.

Listed for baby gates and pool gates, with 8.5 in length and 1.68 lb weight.
| Spec | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Scoreout of 100 | 82 | 82 | 81 | 79 | 78 | 77 | 75 | 77 | 75 | 73 |
| Latch type | Self-latching gravity | Self-latching gravity | Self-latching gravity | — | Gravity self-latching (best in row) | Gravity self-latching (best in row) | — | Other | Gravity self-latching (best in row) | Other |
| Self-latching | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | — |
| Material | Steel | Steel | Steel | Steel | — | Powder-coated steel | Steel | Powder-coated steel | — | Stainless steel (best in row) |
| Finish | Black powder coat, zinc plated | Black powder coat, zinc plated | Black | Black | Black coating, anti-rust | Black powder coat | Black plated steel, WeatherGuard coating | Black powder coat | — | Matte black |
| Padlockable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | — |
| Weightlb | 1.76 lb | — | 1.68 lb | 1.70 lb | — | 2.16 lb (best in row) | 0.35 lb | — | — | 0.22 lb |
| Latch lengthin | 9.0 in | 4.0 in | 8.5 in | — | — | — | 0.6 in | 9.7 in | 4.1 in | 4.0 in |
| Gate swing direction | Inward and outward (best in row) | Inward and outward (best in row) | Inward and outward (best in row) | Inward and outward (best in row) | Inward and outward (best in row) | Inward and outward (best in row) | Outswing only | Inward and outward (best in row) | Inward and outward (best in row) | — |
| Left/right mounting | Yes | Yes | — | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | — |
| Compatible gate types | Wood, vinyl, metal, aluminum gates | Wood, vinyl, metal gates | Wood, vinyl, metal gates | Wood, vinyl fence, gates, doors | Wood, vinyl, metal, iron gates | Wood or metal gates, privacy fences, pool gates | Farm gates, animal pens, outswing gates | Wooden fence, vinyl, pool and garden gates, metal gates | Wood, vinyl, metal gates, pool and baby gates | Wooden fence, barn, gate, French doors |
| Mounting screws included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pieces per packpcs | 1 pcs | 1 pcs | 1 pcs | 1 pcs | — | 1 pcs | 1 pcs | 1 pcs | 1 pcs | 1 pcs |
| Warrantyyr | — | — | — | — | — | — | Lifetime* | — | — | — |
We reviewed 91 gate latches and kept only the 61 that pass every check below. Those are ranked by a Best Score built from spec fit for this job, sales rank.
These reviews are based on specifications and listing information. They compare what each maker publishes about opening a gate from both sides.
Gravity latch that works on inward and outward gates
This HILLMASTER 0011 is a steel gravity latch that closes on its own. The data lists it for inward and outward swinging gates, which is the key spec when you want one latch to work from both sides. The listing describes a fingertip release and says a pull string can also operate it. A string helps when you cannot reach the release.
Outdoor durability comes from the finish. The steel has a black powder coat and zinc plating, and the listing ties both to corrosion resistance. The latch weighs 1.76 lb and measures 9 in long. That is a substantial piece of hardware for a gate that gets slammed or leaned on. A 90 degree bracket is listed to give a positive connection to the gate.
Setup details are covered. The kit includes 12 mounting screws and instructions, and the latch suits left or right hand mounting. It accepts a padlock, though the padlock is not included. Listed gate types are wood, vinyl, metal and aluminum, so it covers common fence materials.
VerdictIt leads our ranking because it pairs two-way swing support with a protective finish and full hardware.
Short 4 in gravity latch with a wide gap allowance
The HILLMASTER 666 uses the same self-latching gravity design as the 0011 but is listed at 4 in long. It is steel with a black powder coat and zinc plating. The listing says it handles a gap up to 1-9/16 in between gate and fence post, so measure your gap before buying.
For two-way use, the data lists inward and outward swing and left or right hand application. Self-latching means it catches on its own when the gate swings shut. A fingertip release is listed, and the listing says a wire can operate it too. A wire gives a way to work it from the far side. It is padlockable, which helps when a large dog keeps banging on the gate.
The maker does not publish a weight for this model. Mounting screws and instructions are included. Listed gates are wood, vinyl and metal, plus wooden fences. Metal gates need replacement hard screws, says the listing. Its 4 in length keeps the hardware small on the gate.
VerdictA compact two-way gravity latch that ranks second behind its longer sibling.
Steel gravity latch with an 8.5 in length
SANKINS lists this latch as self-latching and gravity operated, so it catches when the gate closes. The steel body is finished in black. At 1.68 lb and 8.5 in, it sits close to the HILLMASTER 0011 in size and weight. It is listed for inward and outward swinging wood, vinyl and metal gates. Weight and length are both published, which makes planning easier.
The listing calls out safety for dogs, pets and babies, and names baby gates and pool gates among its uses. The release is a fingertip design. Padlock use is listed with a regular padlock, which is not included. The maker says it has produced self-locking gate latches for more than 30 years.
Some details are missing. The data does not list left or right mounting or any pull string or wire for far-side opening. Check how you will reach it from the far side before ordering. Plan your fit around the 8.5 in length. Mounting screws are included.
VerdictA solid gravity latch that ranks third, but it lists less for two-way access.
Post-mount latch with left or right placement
The JIAHOO post-mount latch is steel with a black finish, and the listing calls it anti-rust. It is self-latching, with a fingertip release, and is listed for inward and outward swinging gates. Self-latching means the gate catches itself when it shuts. The data does not name the latch type, so it is unclear whether gravity or a spring drives it.
Weight is listed at 1.7 lb. Length is not published, so you cannot compare its reach with the other latches here. The listing says it mounts on the left or right side of the gate and that screws and instructions are included. Padlock use is listed, though the padlock is not included.
Listed uses are yard gates, garden doors, shed doors, and wood and vinyl fences. That is a narrower gate list than the top two, which add metal gates. Pick it if your gate is wood or vinyl and you can confirm the fit yourself.
VerdictA fair two-way option at fourth place, held back by missing length and latch type details.
Gravity lever latch for most gate materials
The HTHOOOOOME N-Gate Latch-1 is listed as a gravity self-latching design with a lever mechanism. A gravity lever drops into place by its own weight. The gate closes and the latch catches without your help. It is listed for inward and outward swinging gates, so it suits either swing direction. The listing says it helps reduce accidental gate openings.
Its gate list covers wood, vinyl, metal and iron gates. The finish is a black coating, listed as anti-rust, and the listing describes solid steel. The listing says it can be installed on left-hand or right-hand gates. That reversible layout helps if your hinge side is not standard. It is padlockable.
The sheet is thin on numbers. The maker does not publish weight or length, and the data does not state whether screws are included. Without a length, you cannot judge how it fits your post gap. Ask the seller before you order. Treat it as a fit-check purchase.
VerdictA plausible two-way gravity latch, but its thin spec sheet puts it fifth.
Best among the reviewed tools
Look for a latch listed for both swing directions. A latch for outswing gates only will not work if your gate opens toward you. Among the ranked models here, National Hardware's N184-861 is listed as outswing only, while the top five list inward and outward.
A gravity latch is easy to open from the latch side with a fingertip release. Opening from the other side needs a pull string or wire, or reaching over. HILLMASTER lists a pull string on the 0011 and a wire on the 666. Check this before buying.
Steel with a powder coat or zinc plating is the common build here. Stainless steel appears on the Alise MS9500-B. The listing for the HILLMASTER models names zinc plated corrosion resistance. Where finish details are missing, treat durability as unconfirmed and check your climate before you buy.
Measure the gap between gate and post. The HILLMASTER 666 lists a gap up to 1-9/16 in. Confirm left or right mounting, since not every listing states it, and check that the included screws suit your gate material.
Not by itself. A gravity latch has a fingertip release, so you need access to it. HILLMASTER lists a pull string for the 0011 and a wire for the 666, which help you open it from the other side of the gate.
Many do. The top five ranked models list inward and outward swing support. The National Hardware N184-861 is listed as outswing only, so check the swing type on any latch before you buy.
Padlock use is listed for all five models reviewed here. HILLMASTER states the padlock is not included with its latches. A padlock adds security when a large dog keeps banging on the gate.
Steel with a protective finish is the most common choice in this lineup. HILLMASTER lists black powder coat with zinc plating. The Alise MS9500-B is stainless steel. Check that the maker publishes the material and finish, since some listings leave one out.
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