Best Automatic Gate Latches of 2026

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 19, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Automatic gate latches are the perfect solution for those looking for a convenient and secure way to keep their gates closed. These latches are designed to automatically lock when the gate is closed, ensuring that the gate remains securely shut until opened manually. They are easy to install and operate, and are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any gate. Automatic gate latches are ideal for use in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, and provide a simple and effective way to improve security and convenience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Gravity Lever Fence Gate Latch for Pets and Babies Cover #TOP 1
Gravity Lever Fence Gate Latch for Pets and Babies
ftb score rating icon 9.8
National Hardware Automatic Gate Latch Cover #TOP 2
National Hardware Automatic Gate Latch
ftb score rating icon 9.7
SANKINS Self-Locking Gate Latch Cover #TOP 3
SANKINS Self-Locking Gate Latch
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Automatic Gate Latches

Gravity Lever Fence Gate Latch for Pets and Babies

35938
Balck
4 1/8"
Gravity Lever Fence Gate Latch for Pets and Babies Cover
Self Locking Automatic Gravity Lever Fence Gate Latch, Steel, Black

If you are looking for a gate latch to secure your yard and protect your pets and babies, the Self Locking Automatic Gravity Lever Fence Gate Latch by Qualihome is a great choice. The latch is made of thick steel and uses gravity locking to keep predators out of your garden. The installation is quick and easy with a self-latching quick release that works without a cable, and the black coated steel matches any backyard decor. You can place it on any decorative door, privacy fence, or even a chicken coop door. The Qualihome quality ensures long-lasting durability, making it a risk-free purchase for all your DIY home improvement needs.

What We Like
Easy installation
Works well
Timely delivery
Good for small gates
#TOP 2

National Hardware Automatic Gate Latch

N184-861
Black
1 Count (Pack of 1)
National Hardware Automatic Gate Latch Cover
National Hardware N184-861 BPB21 Automatic Gate Latch in Black

The National Hardware Automatic Gate Latch in black finish is an ideal solution for outswing gates, animal pens, and doors. Featuring a strike that can be mounted on the gate or post, the latch comes with installation hardware for left and right-handed applications. Its WeatherGuard Protection ensures durability and prevents corrosion, which makes it perfect for use in harsh weather conditions. The latch is also easy to install and use.

What We Like
Easy to install
Durable construction
Attractive design
Works reliably
High-quality materials

SANKINS Self-Locking Gate Latch

782902358389
Black
SANKINS Self-Locking Gate Latch Cover
Self-Locking Gate Latch Heavy Duty Post Mount Automatic Gravity Lever Wood/PVC Fence Gate Lock with Fasteners Hardware,for Secure Pool |Yard | Garden, Steel,Black

Secure your pets, kids, and garden with SANKINS Self-Locking Gate Latch. Made of thick steel with gravity locking mechanism, this latch is perfect for inward and outward swinging wood or metal doors. The latch is easy to install and comes with all the necessary parts and accessories. You can use it with a regular padlock for added security. Its convenience use makes it ideal for outdoor side wood, vinyl, metal gates, and it's great for any decorative door in your backyard, baby gate, privacy fence, yard fences, pool gates, or even on a chicken coop door. SANKINS has been producing self-lock gate-latches for more than 30 years, guaranteeing long-lasting durability.

What We Like
Easy installation
Heavy duty construction
Works both sides
Includes padlock option
Weather resistant
#TOP 4

SANKINS Self Locking Gate Latch

xy301
Gate Latch
Normal
SANKINS Self Locking Gate Latch Cover
SANKINS Self Locking Gate Latch Automatic Gravity Lever for Wood Fence Gate, Door Latches, Steel, Black

The SANKINS Gate Latch is a premium protection solution for your yard fences, doors, and gates. Its thick steel construction and gravity locking mechanism provide true safety for your dogs, pets, and babies, keeping predators out of your garden. With its easy installation, including all the necessary parts and accessories, you can quickly secure your wood or metal doors. The self-locking latch automatically locks when released, ensuring convenience and peace of mind. This versatile latch can be used on outdoor side wood, vinyl, or metal gates, making it suitable for various applications such as baby gates, privacy fences, pool gates, and even chicken coop doors. Choose SANKINS for a long-lasting and durable gate latch that will enhance your DIY home improvement projects.

What We Like
Premium protection
Easy installation
Convenient self-locking latch
#TOP 5

HILLMASTER Self-Locking Gate Latch

Balck
HILLMASTER Self-Locking Gate Latch Cover
HILLMASTER Heavy Duty Self-Locking Gate Latch for Wooden Fence, Post Mount Automatic Gate Lock Gravity Door Latch Hardware for Secure Pool, Outdoor Garden, Metal Gates Vinyl Fence, Black Finish

HILLMASTER Gate Latch is a heavy-duty self-locking latch made of steel construction with a superior black powder coat finish and zinc-plated corrosion resistance. It features a self-latching fingertip release that can also be operated with a pull string. The latch is designed to offer simple but solid security for inward and outward swinging gates and doors. With a 90-degree bracket, it results in a positive latch to gate connection. The latch is perfect for wood gates and fences, vinyl gates, aluminum alloy doors, or metal gates. It is also suitable for garden, pasture, backyard, pool gate, barn door, and animal pens. The security gate hardware kit comes with installation instructions, 12 mounting screws, and can be padlocked for added security. HILLMASTER Gate Latch is easy to install, padlockable, and durable.

What We Like
Self-locking
Sturdy construction
Easy to install
#TOP 6

SANKINS Gate Spring Self Closing Hardware

Black
SANKINS Gate Spring Self Closing Hardware Cover
SANKINS 14" Gate Spring Self Closing Heavy Duty Outdoor Door Spring Automatic Metal Gate Closure Hardware with Adjustable Tool for Wooden and Vinyl Fence, Black

SANKINS Self Closing Gate Spring is made of premium steel with black powder coated anti-corrosion and anti-rust. It is durable for long-term outdoor use and has an adjustable spring tension feature that allows you to control the closing speed. This gate spring is easy to install and suitable for various wooden doors, vinyl doors, and fences. Its package includes all the necessary fasteners and instructions. With SANKINS Self Closing Gate Spring, you can enjoy the convenience and security of having your gate or door close automatically.

What We Like
Premium Material
Adjustable Spring Tension
Easy to Install

HILLMASTER Heavy Duty Gate Latch

Black
HILLMASTER Heavy Duty Gate Latch Cover
HILLMASTER Self Locking Gate Latch for Wooden Fence,Heavy Duty Gravity Fence Latch Privacy Door Latch for Wood Gate,Metal Gates,Vinyl Fence,Gate Hardware Gate Door Lock for Outdoor Pool,Black Finish

The HILLMASTER Gate Latch is designed for security and convenience. It features a gravity self-locking mechanism, ensuring your gates close securely with a simple fingertip release. The latch is easy to install, accommodating gaps up to 1-9/16 inches, which makes it suitable for various gate types. Its multipurpose design allows you to use it on wood, vinyl, and metal gates, making it perfect for your home or garden. Additionally, you can enhance security by padlocking it, providing peace of mind when pets or children are around.

What We Like
Heavy gauge steel construction
Easy installation
Multipurpose use
Padlockable for added security
#TOP 8

HILLMASTER Heavy Duty Self Locking Gate Latch

Black
1 Pack
HILLMASTER Heavy Duty Self Locking Gate Latch Cover
HILLMASTER Self Locking Gate Latch for Wooden Fence Heavy Duty,Gravity Lever Fence Door Latches with Steel Spring Cable Pull String Gate Hardware Gate Lock for Outdoor Secure Pool,Garden,Black Finish

The HILLMASTER Gate Latch is designed to give you reliable security with its heavy-duty steel build and black powder coat finish that resists corrosion, making it perfect for outdoor use. Its self-closing feature means you don’t have to worry about manually securing your gate every time, offering you convenience and peace of mind. The upgraded 1.26-inch screws ensure the latch stays firmly in place, so your gate remains secure over time. Plus, it’s easy to install and can be locked with a padlock for extra protection, fitting both left and right-handed gates. This latch is a practical choice for keeping your outdoor spaces safe and secure.

What We Like
Durable steel construction
Corrosion-resistant finish
Self-closing mechanism
Upgraded long screws
Padlock compatible
#TOP 9

SANKEYTEW Heavy-Duty Self-Locking Gate Latch

BUDAISHENG-zhuti
Black
SANKEYTEW Heavy-Duty Self-Locking Gate Latch Cover
SANKEYTEW Heavy-Duty Self-Locking Gate Latch for Wood Fence Gate - Automatic Gravity Lever, 4.6in, Durable Steel Sincere, in Sleek,Automatic Gate Latch in Black (1 Pack, Black)

The SANKEYTEW Self-Locking Latch is a versatile solution for securing both wood and metal gates that swing inward or outward. It works well on various gates, such as deck gates, baby gates, and even pet enclosures, giving you flexibility for many outdoor uses. The latch features an automatic pull lock that releases with a gentle touch, making it easy for you to open without fuss. Installation is straightforward and quick, with all necessary parts included and compatibility for left or right-hand doors. With over 30 years of experience in making durable gate latches, SANKEYTEW offers a reliable product that enhances your home improvement projects.

What We Like
Wide application
Automatic pull lock
Easy installation
Durable brand quality
#TOP 10

JIAHOO Post Mount Gate Latch

Black
JIAHOO Post Mount Gate Latch Cover
JIAHOO Post Mount Gate Latch for Wooden Fence - Heavy Duty Self Locking Gate Latch Hardware for Pool/Garden Gate Safety Latch, Automatic Fingertip Release Latches for Vinyl/Wood Fence, Black Finish

The JIAHOO Gate Latch is a heavy-duty self-locking latch hardware designed for wooden fences. Made of thickened steel with a black finish, this latch is not only durable but also resistant to rust, making it suitable for outdoor gates. The self-latching design with an automatic fingertip release allows for convenient and easy use, whether for inward or outward swinging gates and doors. With its padlockable feature, it provides added privacy and security for your garden. This versatile metal gate latch is perfect for various applications, including yard gates, garden doors, shed doors, pool doors, wooden fences, and vinyl fences. Installation is a breeze with the included mounting screws and instructions.

What We Like
Self-latching design
Heavy duty & sturdy
Security & padlockable
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a self-latching gate?

Self-Latching means a mechanical device or latch installed at the top and on the inside of the pool gate and which is engaged each time the gate is secured to its closed position, which will not allow the gate to be re-opened by pushing or pulling and which will ensure the pool enclosure gate remains closed until ...

2. How do you open a gate latch from both sides?

Thumb latches are typically for in-swinging gates and are double sided, meaning they can open and close from either side of the gate. Mounted on the street side of the gate typically is a decorative plate with a thumb depressor. Push the thumb and the latch-arm on the inside lifts, allowing the gate to open.

3. What is a gravity gate latch?

Gravity Gate Latches. As a fence and gate contractor you know that a great feature of gravity gate latches is that they reliably latch when the gate is closed, keeping people and pets in or out as the situation warrants.

4. How do butterfly latches work?

Gate latch resembles a butterfly in shape with the tabs on the latch appearing like 'wings'. These 'wings' will lift automatically when they come in contact with the latch post and drop back down to latch in place. To open latch, simply lift wing and open gate.

Editor's Notes

During our automatic gate latch research, we found 24 automatic gate latch products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 32,323 customer reviews through our big data system to write the automatic gate latches list. We found that most customers choose automatic gate latches with an average price of $14.31.

The automatic gate latches are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of automatic gate latches, including Qualihome, National Hardware, SANKINS, HILLMASTER, SANKEYTEW. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 553 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.