Gate Latches · 61 compared side by side

Best Gate Latches That Open from Both Sides in 2027

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

  • Best overall: HILLMASTER 0011 (#1, Best Score 82; latch type Self-latching gravity, material Steel)
  • Compact two-way gravity latch: HILLMASTER 666 (#2, Best Score 82; latch type Self-latching gravity, material Steel)
  • Pool and baby gate use: SANKINS 782902358389 (#3, Best Score 81; latch type Self-latching gravity, material Steel)

Ranked from 61 gate latches that met our standard, compared on Opens from both sides, self-latching action, weather-resistant material.

Updated November 202691 reviewed · 61 met our standard13 specs comparedBy Comparabo editors

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Top picks

Best overall
#1
HILLMASTER 0011

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
Check price on Amazon
Compact two-way gravity latch
#2
HILLMASTER 666

HILLMASTER 666HILLMASTER Gravity Self-Locking Gate Latch

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

Latch type
Self-latching gravity
Material
Steel
Padlockable
Yes
Check price on Amazon
Pool and baby gate use
#3
SANKINS 782902358389

SANKINS 782902358389SANKINS Self-Locking Gate Latch Heavy-Duty

Listed for baby gates and pool gates, with 8.5 in length and 1.68 lb weight.

Latch type
Self-latching gravity
Material
Steel
Padlockable
Yes
Check price on Amazon

Comparison table

Swipe or scroll sideways to see every model.
Top 10 gate latches
Spec
#1
HILLMASTER 0011
Best overallCheck price on Amazon
#2
HILLMASTER 666
Compact two-way gravity latchCheck price on Amazon
#3
SANKINS 782902358389
Pool and baby gate useCheck price on Amazon
#4
JIAHOO
Left or right post mountCheck price on Amazon
#5
HTHOOOOOME N-Gate Latch-1
Covers iron gates tooCheck price on Amazon
#6
SANKINS
Heaviest latch listedCheck price on Amazon
#7
National Hardware N184-861
Outswing farm gates onlyCheck price on Amazon
#8
JZVXX JL2204
Wood fence latch, 9.65 inCheck price on Amazon
#9
SANKINS xy301
Small 4.125 in gravity latchCheck price on Amazon
#10
Alise MS9500-B
Stainless, lightest listedCheck price on Amazon
Best Scoreout of 10082828179787775777573
Latch typeSelf-latching gravitySelf-latching gravitySelf-latching gravity—Gravity self-latching (best in row)Gravity self-latching (best in row)—OtherGravity self-latching (best in row)Other
Self-latchingYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes—
MaterialSteelSteelSteelSteel—Powder-coated steelSteelPowder-coated steel—Stainless steel (best in row)
FinishBlack powder coat, zinc platedBlack powder coat, zinc platedBlackBlackBlack coating, anti-rustBlack powder coatBlack plated steel, WeatherGuard coatingBlack powder coat—Matte black
PadlockableYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes—
Weightlb1.76 lb—1.68 lb1.70 lb—2.16 lb (best in row)0.35 lb——0.22 lb
Latch lengthin9.0 in4.0 in8.5 in———0.6 in9.7 in4.1 in4.0 in
Gate swing directionInward 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 onlyInward and outward (best in row)Inward and outward (best in row)—
Left/right mountingYesYes—YesYesYesYesYes——
Compatible gate typesWood, vinyl, metal, aluminum gatesWood, vinyl, metal gatesWood, vinyl, metal gatesWood, vinyl fence, gates, doorsWood, vinyl, metal, iron gatesWood or metal gates, privacy fences, pool gatesFarm gates, animal pens, outswing gatesWooden fence, vinyl, pool and garden gates, metal gatesWood, vinyl, metal gates, pool and baby gatesWooden fence, barn, gate, French doors
Mounting screws includedYesYesYesYes—YesYesYesYesYes
Pieces per packpcs1 pcs1 pcs1 pcs1 pcs—1 pcs1 pcs1 pcs1 pcs1 pcs
Warrantyyr——————Lifetime*———
Best in row— not published by the maker yet

How we chose

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.

Read the full method

In-depth reviews

These reviews are based on specifications and listing information. They compare what each maker publishes about opening a gate from both sides.

Best overall

HILLMASTER 0011HILLMASTER Heavy Duty Self-Locking Gate Latch

Gravity latch that works on inward and outward gates

Latch type
Self-latching gravity
Material
Steel
Padlockable
Yes (best of the reviewed tools)
Weight
1.76 lb (best of the reviewed tools)

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.

Pros

  • Inward and outward swing support
  • Zinc plated black powder coat
  • Padlockable, 12 screws included

Cons

  • Padlock not included
  • Metal gates need hard screws
Buy it if
you want a heavy steel latch for either swing.
Skip it if
your gate is tiny and needs a short latch.

VerdictIt leads our ranking because it pairs two-way swing support with a protective finish and full hardware.

Compact two-way gravity latch

HILLMASTER 666HILLMASTER Gravity Self-Locking Gate Latch

Short 4 in gravity latch with a wide gap allowance

Latch type
Self-latching gravity
Material
Steel
Padlockable
Yes (best of the reviewed tools)
Weight
—

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.

Pros

  • Inward and outward swing support
  • Wide post gap allowance
  • Padlockable steel latch

Cons

  • Weight not published
  • Only 4 in long
Buy it if
your post gap is up to 1-9/16 in.
Skip it if
you need a published weight spec.

VerdictA compact two-way gravity latch that ranks second behind its longer sibling.

Pool and baby gate use

SANKINS 782902358389SANKINS Self-Locking Gate Latch Heavy-Duty

Steel gravity latch with an 8.5 in length

Latch type
Self-latching gravity
Material
Steel
Padlockable
Yes (best of the reviewed tools)
Weight
1.68 lb

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.

Pros

  • Inward and outward swing support
  • Steel body, 8.5 in long
  • Mounting screws included

Cons

  • No left/right mounting listed
  • No far-side release listed
Buy it if
you want a simple gravity latch for a pool gate.
Skip it if
you need a pull string for far-side use.

VerdictA solid gravity latch that ranks third, but it lists less for two-way access.

Left or right post mount

JIAHOO JIAHOO Post Mount Self-Latching Gate Latch

Post-mount latch with left or right placement

Latch type
—
Material
Steel
Padlockable
Yes (best of the reviewed tools)
Weight
1.70 lb

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.

Pros

  • Left or right mounting
  • Inward and outward swing support
  • Anti-rust steel, 1.7 lb

Cons

  • Latch length not published
  • Latch type not stated
Buy it if
you have a wood or vinyl fence.
Skip it if
you need to compare latch length first.

VerdictA fair two-way option at fourth place, held back by missing length and latch type details.

Covers iron gates too

HTHOOOOOME N-Gate Latch-1HTHOOOOOME Gravity Self-Locking Gate Latch

Gravity lever latch for most gate materials

Latch type
Gravity self-latching
Material
—
Padlockable
Yes (best of the reviewed tools)
Weight
—

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.

Pros

  • Gravity lever self-latching
  • Wood, vinyl, metal, iron gates
  • Reversible for left or right

Cons

  • Weight and length not published
  • Screws not confirmed
Buy it if
you have an iron or metal gate.
Skip it if
you need exact size and screw details before buying.

VerdictA plausible two-way gravity latch, but its thin spec sheet puts it fifth.

Best among the reviewed tools

Buying guide

Check inward and outward swing

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.

Plan for the far side

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.

Material and finish outdoors

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 gap, size and hinge side

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.

FAQ

Can a gravity gate latch be opened from both sides?

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.

Does a self-latching gate latch work on inward and outward gates?

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.

Can I padlock a self-latching gate latch?

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.

What material is best for an outdoor gate latch?

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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Top pick · #1HILLMASTER 0011
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