Apply Discount Code
DUN203G
20/3 Light Spelter Galvanised Suffolk Latch
Main image
Click to view image in fullscreen
![]()
20/3 Light Spelter Galvanised Suffolk Latch
In stock
Delivery Information
| Delivery Time Frame | Delivery Information |
| Next Working Day By 1PM | When an order is placed by 3pm for next working day on certain items |
| Standard Delivery | Usually delivered in 2 to 4 working days |
| Delivery Charges | |
| UK Mainland | Prices start at £3.95 for very small items, £6.50 for small, £9.50 for medium and £20 for large/long items |
| Scottish Highlands & Islands, Northern Ireland & Ireland | Prices from £30, please see our delivery page for more info. |
View Delivery Information
£11.81
Incl. VAT
£9.84
Excl. VAT
Incl. VAT
Excl. VAT
Incl. VAT
Excl. VAT
Price is for/per each
-
+
See our full range:
Description
Reliable Traditional Latching for Exterior Gates and Timber Doors
Securing external garden gates, side entrances, and traditional outbuilding doors requires ironmongery that can cope with seasonal movement and persistent British weather. Timber gates naturally expand during wet winter periods and contract in the dry summer months, which frequently causes modern, tightly toleranced latches to bind, jam, or fall completely out of alignment. Choosing hardware that lacks sufficient surface protection leads to premature rusting, unsightly streaks down clean timber, and stiff mechanisms that prove awkward for everyday family use.
The 20/3 Light Spelter Galvanised Suffolk Latch offers a proven, time tested solution designed specifically to address these challenges. By combining a classic thumb latch arrangement with a robust spelter galvanised coating, this complete latch assembly delivers dependable, fluid operation alongside exceptional resistance against corrosion. Whether you are replacing a worn out latch on a cottage entrance or hanging a brand new tongue and groove garden gate, this complete kit provides all the essential operational components needed to establish smooth, reliable passage for years to come.
Step-by-Step Installation and Operational Guide
1. Marking and Slot Preparation
Carefully mark the desired handle height on the outer face of your timber gate. Drill a small series of pilot holes through the door leaf to form the vertical slot required for the thumb piece, then clean out the edges neatly using a sharp timber chisel to ensure unhindered pivot motion.
2. Mounting the Outer Handle
Pass the thumb bar horizontally through the prepared slot from the exterior side. Position the outer handle plate upright against the timber face and secure it firmly in place using suitable exterior woodscrews, verifying that the thumb depressor tilts smoothly without catching against the timber edges.
3. Fixing Latch Bar and Keep
Align the horizontal latch bar on the reverse side so the thumb bar lifts it effortlessly. Screw the pivot end securely to the gate leaf, slide the retaining keep over the loose bar end to limit vertical movement, and screw the keep securely home into the gate frame.
4. Setting the Frame Strike
Position the angled strike plate on the static door frame or post where the falling latch bar naturally drops. Fasten it securely, ensuring the angled ramp catches the bar as the gate swings shut and allows it to fall comfortably into the resting pocket without manual assistance.
Key Features and Practical Benefits
Investing in high quality, purpose built gate hardware makes all the difference when it comes to ongoing home maintenance. The 20/3 Light Spelter Galvanised Suffolk Latch incorporates functional design details that simplify everyday use and minimise the need for regular repairs.
- Spelter Galvanised Protective Finish The heavy duty spelter galvanising treatment bonds molten zinc securely across the steel surface, creating an impenetrable barrier against damp, rain, frost, and outdoor moisture.
- Forgiving Mechanical Tolerance Because Suffolk latches rely on a gravity drop rather than delicate internal springs, natural timber swelling and warping will not cause the mechanism to seize up during damp seasons.
- Intuitive Two Way Operation The external thumb paddle allows smooth one handed lifting from outside, while users inside can effortlessly raise the horizontal latch bar by hand to exit.
- Complete Hardware Set The assembly arrives complete with the exterior pull handle, pivoting thumb piece, internal latch bar, retaining bridge keep, and frame strike plate, reducing the hassle of sourcing mismatched individual parts.
- Classic Rural Character The traditional forged shape blends naturally with ledged and braced doors, rustic garden gates, farm outbuildings, and traditional perimeter fencing.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Material and Build Standard | Practical Details |
|---|---|---|
| Product Model | 20/3 Light Pattern | Optimised weight suited for domestic timber garden gates and light perimeter doors |
| Protective Coating | Spelter Hot Dipped Galvanised | Resilient zinc alloy coating offering dependable defence against rust and weather exposure |
| Hardware Mechanism | Suffolk Gravity Drop Action | Simple gravity based latching with zero delicate springs that could snap or degrade outdoors |
| Base Material | Formed Steel | Solid structural strength capable of withstanding repetitive daily opening and closing |
| Inclusions | Full Assembly Kit | Includes external handle, thumb lever, falling bar, retaining keep, and angled frame strike |
| Timber Suitability | Ledged and Braced / Featheredge | Ideal for standard garden gate thicknesses, side timber access gates, and small shed doors |
Care and Ongoing Maintenance
The spelter galvanised finish is engineered to provide years of dependable service with minimal intervention. However, periodic maintenance will extend the life of your ironmongery and keep moving parts working smoothly through all four seasons.
We recommend checking the fixings once or twice a year, especially after periods of high wind or rapid temperature shifts that cause outdoor timber to settle. Lightly oil the pivot point of the thumb lever and the hinge point of the horizontal latch bar using a light machine oil or exterior silicone spray. This prevents dry metal on metal friction and ensures the latch bar continues to fall cleanly under its own weight into the strike plate every time the gate closes.
Need Advice on Your Gate Hardware Project?
Choosing the right ironmongery for outdoor gates, outbuildings, or architectural renovations can be confusing when balancing timber thickness, weather exposure, and hanging requirements. Our experienced team is always available to discuss measurements, compatibility, and complementary fittings to ensure your installation goes without a hitch.
Contact Our TeamSpecification
| Finish | Spelter Galvanised |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 191 (H) x 48 (W) |