The Best Gate Latch for Horse Property: EZ Latch Vs Traditional Gate Latch 

If you own a horse, you know every piece of the property that’s around your precious animal has to be chosen carefully, keeping their security, durability and overall ease of use in mind. A fence gate latch is no different.  

A gate latch on an equine property should be made of robust, rust-resistant materials and feature a mechanism that prevents accidental openings while operating quietly. Rounded edges and smooth surfaces are essential to prevent horse injuries. The latch should also be easy to operate with one hand, ensuring convenience for handlers.   

For a long time, simple farm steel latches have been used for horse fences, but are they safe for the horses? Does a traditional gate latch match the aesthetics and your vision of a dream equine property? 

Let’s find out! 

At Stock & Noble, we provide top-quality fencing solutions, including the Buckley Steel Fencing System and EZ Latch, across Australia and New Zealand. Our innovative latch system is well-received by many customers, suitable not just for steel gates but also for wood and pipe-style farm gates. While we’re proud of our product, we understand it may not suit every property.  

In this blog, we’ll list out the key differences between a traditional gate latch and EZ Latch, based on critical factors that include safety, performance, compatibility and cost.  

Finally, you will have all the information you need to make the right decision for your horses, your property and your budget.    Before we dive in, it’ll be worth learning about all the features, specifications and applications of EZ Gate Latch. 

Comparison based on Ease and Functionality 

EZ Gate Latch System

EZ Latch is an engineered gate latch system that has been specifically designed for the utmost convenience of the rider, and ease of operation on an equine property.  

Say goodbye to dismounting your horse just to work a gate. The EZ Gate Latch introduces an innovative two-way operation, allowing you to effortlessly manage the gate from either side while staying mounted. With its heat-treated alloy steel drop plates, a simple finger lift smoothly opens the gate, and it gracefully drops back into place upon closure. 

If you’re a horse owner, you’d know this single feature can prove to be a game-changer and save you a ton of time, stress and effort in managing your horses efficiently.  

Traditional Latch

A chain hook and staple set is a common gate fastener used for quick and easy gate securing. It comprises a hook, a staple, and a connecting chain. The hook attaches to the gate post, while the staple is fixed to the gate itself. The chain can be looped around the hook and the staple to lock the gate securely in place.  

For containing large animals like cattle and horses, it’s advisable to opt for a heavy-duty hook and chain. Some brands also offer a lick-proof spring ring that prevents animals from accidentally releasing the fastener or causing gate movement.  

While traditional gate latches are easy to install and operate, unlike EZ Latch they do not allow for the convenient opening and closing of gates while on horseback and cannot be opened both ways.  

Gate Latch Comparison Based on Horse-Safety 

EZ Gate Latch System

When it comes to your precious animals, safety is the most important requirement. EZ Latch is literally “horse-proof”.  

In the housing’s upper right section, there is a purpose-built slit designed to accommodate a padlock. When a padlock is used, both drop plates can be securely locked down, preventing the gate from being opened in any direction. This feature adds a layer of protection and peace of mind, ensuring that your horses stay safely enclosed and that only authorised individuals can gain access to your property. 

EZ Latch also has a smooth finish with no sharp edges to prevent any injury to the horse or user. 

Traditional Latch

While traditional latches do not come with a dedicated slot for a padlock, you can still enhance security by using a longer chain that allows you to pass a padlock through it. This modification provides an added level of assurance regarding safety. 

EZ Latch is engineered and proven to be horse-safe, while Traditional latch needs extra resources and effort to enhance the safety aspect. 

Gate Latch Comparison Based on Durability 

EZ Gate Latch System

The EZ Gate Latch is a superior quality fence gate latch designed with durability and a long lifespan in mind. It’s strong and has a latch pin end equipped with a shock-absorbing rubber bushing, shielded by a stainless-steel contact roller.  

To facilitate horizontal pin adjustments of up to 1.5 inches, corrosion-resistant washers are included. The entire latch housing is constructed from a robust cast-aluminium alloy, further fortified with a powder-coated finish to enhance its strength and resist corrosion. This gate latch is engineered to endure the test of time.  

Traditional Latch

The Spring Latch, Staple, and Chain Gate fasteners that form a traditional gate latch are also durable and long-lasting fencing products. They are galvanised and zinc-coated for corrosion protection. Some brands offer chain lengths ranging from 200mm to 1m, backed by a 3- 10 year warranty, depending on the brand. 

EZ Latch is built to be corrosion-free and last for decades, the same as Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing. 

Traditional Latch lasts long, but cannot match the superior quality, safety, convenience, longevity and sophisticated design offered by EZ latch. 

Gate Latch Comparison Based on Looks 

EZ Gate Latch System

EZ Latch has been crafted to match the aesthetics of signature properties. Its looks are in tandem with the beautifully designed Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing System and elevate the overall appearance of any property it’s been used on.  

It’s powder-coated in black or white and has a smooth finish with no sharp edges.  

Traditional Gate Latch 

A standard gate latch is basically a smooth round chain with a round hook. It’s a functional product, which is made to do its job and is usually available in steel grey. 

Gate Latch Comparison Based on Performance 

EZ Gate Latch System

Gate lean, a common issue that jeopardises gate stability and the integrity of surrounding structures, is effectively addressed by the EZ Gate Latch. When the gate is closed, it strategically rests the latch pin on a stainless-steel metal latch plate, reducing the weight borne by the gate post. This clever engineering feature ensures that your gate remains steady and prevents unwanted leaning. 

Traditional Gate Latch

In contrast, a traditional latch does not alleviate the gate’s weight burden on the post, leading to potential post leaning over time. However, it offers adjustability by allowing you to modify the chain to suit changing conditions. 

EZ Latch thus offers a better performance and higher functionality over the years. 

Fence Gate Latch Comparison Based on Cost 

The price of Black Ez Latch – is $332.35 NZD including GST 

The price of a traditional gate latch - Hang it heavy-duty Hook and Staples is $29.99 NZD

Sometimes you can only buy these in a minimum order of 20.

EZ Gate Latch is a lot more expensive than a traditional gate latch. It’ll be worth exploring if EZ Latch is a smart investment or not. 

Comparison based on Compatibility with Gates 

EZ Gate Latch System

Along with Buckley Steel Gates, EZ Latch can be installed on a wide variety of gates like wood and round pipe steel gates. 

The standard pre-cut bolt length of the EZ Gate Latch System may present challenges when installing it on gates with larger spacings.

To ensure a proper installation in such cases, you may need to take additional steps, such as inserting a spacer behind the latch or separately obtaining a longer bolt. This added complexity introduces an extra layer to the installation process, potentially requiring more effort and resources. 

Traditional Latch

Traditional Gate latches can also be attached to a lot of different gates. 

It also offers versatility by providing various chain lengths, making it easy to adjust to accommodate different gateway gaps. 

Both EZ Latch and Traditional Gate Latch can be successfully attached to wooden, steel, vinyl and round pipe steel gates. However, the spacing of gates might pose a challenge for the EZ Latch. 

Are you Ready to Choose the Right Gate Latch For Your Horse Gate? 

Owning a horse entails a responsibility to provide a secure and convenient environment, and this extends to the gate latch on your equine property. In this blog, we’ve extensively explored the factors to consider when choosing between the EZ Latch and the Traditional Gate Latch. 

The EZ Latch offers unparalleled convenience, boasting a two-way operation, robust construction, and added security with its padlock slot. It also addresses gate lean, enhancing gate stability. 

Durability is a strong suit of the EZ Latch, thanks to its corrosion-resistant materials and cast-aluminium alloy. 

However, this convenience comes at a higher cost compared to traditional latches. Whether it’s a wise investment depends on your specific needs and budget. 

Both options are compatible with various gate types, but the EZ Latch may pose challenges with a larger gap between the gate and post. 

Ultimately, the choice between the EZ Latch and a traditional gate latch depends on your priorities. If convenience, safety, aesthetics and long-term durability are important to you, the EZ Latch is a compelling option. However, if you’re working within a tighter budget or have specific preferences, a traditional gate latch may still serve your needs effectively. 

While it’s integral to choose the right gate latch, the fence gate is an equally significant component of your fencing and a comparison of the top fence gates for paddocks will provide you a valuable insight into this world.  

If you have more questions on how to choose the right gate latch, fence gates or any other aspect of your horse fencing, talk to us. Our fencing experts are there to guide you and help create a beautiful property that aligns with your vision and the well-being of your horses.