Fence gate sag latching wood!

[Don2222]

Hello
Common problem here, the new gate settled. The hinges can reset the height but what about the latch? The gate is not latching by itself anymore and the 2 screws are slowly stripping from the latch striker! Yesterday they finally have way and the light vinyl door (just like the song) is blowing in the wind!
This is the original latch with the ridged 2 bolt lever that must be in the same place or it will not work!
https://m.lowes.com/pd/BOERBOEL-4-1-2-in-Stainless-Steel-Gate-Latch/50290457
After a lot of research, I found this!
Auto self adjusting after a sag up to 1/2”
https://m.lowes.com/pd/National-Hardware-4-1-8-in-Black-Gate-Latch/50414122
Now the problem is that the wire to the other side is stiff and preventing the fence from latching by itself when the gate hinge springs close it?
I tried changing the wire to twine and it works more often but not every time when I take the wire or string off!!
Any suggestions?
My guess is the hole is too close to the top of the latch and maybe if was higher up, that may help?
Or even more flexible nylon rope? Or small chain?
Pic 1-2 Original latch with rigid 2 screw striker
Pic 3 New self adjusting latch
Pic 4-7 shows latch self adjusting
Pic 8 - Shows twine that helps latching but still not 100%

 

[zrock]

That little ball chain you see on sink plugs would work well

 

[tadmaz]

Could fill the stripped holes with high-performance wood filler (like bondo), then re-drill and re-screw the original latch back in place.

 

[Don2222]

Could fill the stripped holes with high-performance wood filler (like bondo), then re-drill and re-screw the original latch back in place.

Thanks but the original latch was in the wrong place after settling. The new self adjusting latch has 4 bolts instead of 2 for more strength and works great!

 

[Don2222]

That little ball chain you see on sink plugs would work well

Hello
Well, I drilled a hole 5” higher with the flexible twine and it works! Now I am thinking some nice small stainless steel chain like you suggest or nylon rope like they use on pool thermometers would be more durable and weather proof??
Now I have to plug the other 2 holes!
Should it be this difficult???

 

[zrock]

U can usually get matching plugs at any hardware store or a place the does windows and doors...

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

 

[festerw]

Too late but would a latch like this one work for you?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Black-Post-Latch-18109/202042254

 

[Don2222]

Too late but would a latch like this one work for you?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Black-Post-Latch-18109/202042254

Thanks but looks like it does not adjust for gate sag so I really do not think so.

 

[My_3_Girls]

How about a tension spring from the top of the catch to the edge of the latch? My experience with these things is that the string is too stiff, too heavy, too sticky to allow the catch to drop back down after pulling for release

 

[Ashful]

Why not just pull the gate back to square and at attach a proper door brace?

Stanley National Hardware S748-264 CD1739 Screen Door Brace in Zinc https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004Z0YB/?tag=hearthamazon-20

 

[Dobish]

Why not just pull the gate back to square and at attach a proper door brace?

Stanley National Hardware S748-264 CD1739 Screen Door Brace in Zinc https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004Z0YB/?tag=hearthamazon-20

that was my thought... or a turnbuckle to tighten it.

 

[Don2222]

How about a tension spring from the top of the catch to the edge of the latch? My experience with these things is that the string is too stiff, too heavy, too sticky to allow the catch to drop back down after pulling for release

Yes, a tension spring that does not rust would be good
The nickel plated steel chain seems good
See pics and vid!
Vid 1 - closing gate shown from the front

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Vid 2 - closing gate shown from the back

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[SeanBB]

Hello
Well, I drilled a hole 5” higher with the flexible twine and it works! Now I am thinking some nice small stainless steel chain like you suggest or nylon rope like they use on pool thermometers would be more durable and weather proof??
Now I have to plug the other 2 holes!
Should it be this difficult???

How about fishing line?

 

[Don2222]

How about fishing line?

I thought of that but did not have any to try. :-(

 

[Don2222]

Not happy with the chain I had so I went to the only thing that works every time that was invented by a contractor and made in the USA.
Gate Latch Cable with spring,
Works great! $9.99

 

[begreen]

Nice solution. I have the same problem. Will try this out.

 

[begreen]

I tried it and I love it! This has bugged me for the past 3 yrs. Finally, the gate latches every time. This may be the best tip I have picked up from here. Thanks,