How it connects
Pivots vertically by gravity or swings to drop around the cylindrical gate post, capturing the post between the two prongs of the U-shaped fork to prevent gate opening.
Male and female halves
Female receiver (two-prong open U-fork opening) capturing a male counterpart (the exterior OD surface of the cylindrical or square fence post).
Usually connects to
- round chain-link fence post (pipe)
- square fence post
Common sizes
- Sized to fit standard tubular post outside diameters, typically 1-3/8 in (1.315 in OD), 1-5/8 in (1.660 in OD), 1-7/8 in / 2 in (1.875 in OD), 2-3/8 in (2.375 in / 60.3 mm OD), 2-7/8 in / 3 in (2.875 in OD), and 4 in (4.0 in OD).
Where it is used
residential chain link fencingcommercial security fencingagricultural fencingindustrial perimeter fencing
Variations
- pressed steel drop fork
- malleable cast iron drop fork
- padlockable drop fork with hole or slot
- square post drop fork
How to recognise it
Recognised by a heavy stamped or cast two-prong U-shaped fork extending outward from the gate collar/hinge bolt assembly, flaring slightly at the prong tips to guide the tubular post into the capture recess.
Often confused with
| Confused with | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| gravity latch catch | Gravity latches feature an angled striker plate that automatically catches a bar, whereas fork latches use an open U-shaped dual prong that drops around the entire post pipe. |
| drop rod / cane bolt center stop | Drop rods slide vertically into a ground socket for double-drive gates, rather than capturing an upright terminal/latch post. |
Also called
drop fork latch openinggate fork latch capturefork latch collargate post latch receiver
Good to know
In chain-link hardware nomenclature, latches are sized by two dimensions: gate frame tube OD (which the collar clamps to) by gate latch post OD (which the fork captures). For example, 1-3/8" x 2-3/8".
Design with real parts
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