How does the Gap Latch work?
The Gap Latch is an award winning wire gate system that has been carefully fine tuned over the last 15 years to make wire gates functional and user-friendly. It comprises of two levers that work together. The first being a pivotal bar that attaches to the strainer post. The second is an overcentering lever that is attached to the top of the gate post and folds out to grab the top of the pivotal lever. As this lever is pulled back, both the top and bottom of the gate are tensioned in one easy action. The Gap Latch also comes complete with its own uniquely designed tensioning device that is fitted to the other end of the gate. This end assembly not only makes the gate easy to errect and tension, but it also makes the action of the gate smoother to open and close.
The Complete Gap Latch SystemThe Gap Latch comes complete with everything you will need, except the wire, to transform the wire gates on your property. The below outlines the main elements of this wire gate system:
Equalizer BarThis pivotal bar, known as the Equalizer bar, is one of the hidden secrets to the Gap Latch system. Enclosed in a steel cage that is attached to the strainer post, the pivotal bar acts as a tensioning spring in the gate. When opened, the bottom of the Equalizer bar swings out making it very easy to connect the gate. The Gate Post connects to the bottom of the Equalizer bar with a long coach bolt that is bolted to the bottom of the Equalizer to give greater reach. The coach bolt also enables the gate to be tensioned and secured close to the ground so that stock can't push under the gate. The Equalizer bar can be easily attached to any type of strainer with either a bolt, tech screws or both.
CageThe Cage encloses the Equalizer bar and gives strength to the gate by eliminating any sideways movement of the Equalizer bar.
Overcentering LeverThe overcentering lever is fundamental to the success of this wire gate system. To open the gate, you just need to lift the lever up and it will move in an arch away from the operator. The hook can then be disengaged from the Equalizer bar before being opened. To close the gate, the lever can be folded out to give greater reach to connect the hook to the top of the Equalizer bar. Holding the lever firmly, the lever can then be pulled back and locked into position. As the lever gets closer to being closed, the leverage increases enabling the gate to be closed at a tighter tension than normal wire gates. A Cattle Clip is also included for farmers wanting to prevent stock pushing their noses under the lever, or a padlock can be attached at this point to lock the gate.
Gate PostThis post is specially designed to make the assembling of the wire gate a simple process and additionally makes the gate easier to handle. It is made out of a 32 nominal bore pipe that has slots at frequent intervals into which cyclone or wire of any size can be attached. At the very bottom of the Gate Post there is a large slot that connects to the coach bolt on the bottom of the Equalizer bar.
End AssemblyThe Gap Latch system also comes complete with an End Assembly that is attached to the other end of the gate. It is made out of 32 nominal bore pipe with two eyebolts fit with stainless steel springs to allow tensioning of the gate. These springs keep the tension on the gate and also make the action of opening and closing the gate much smoother. Even if there is ground and strainer post movement the gate can be kept tight by quickly and easily adjusting the end assembly. It also makes the gate very easy to errect as it can be easily connected to any type of strainer by tying wire or placing a hook through the two eyebolts.
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