Needing to replace closures on some paddock gates. They don’t all have a solid, vertical, super close post. So they are currently closed with chains with a snap, attached to the post and wrapped around the gate. Will probably use something similar to replace those with broken snaps, but was wondering what people recommend, especially considering winter. What snaps, etc. do you find easiest to use in freezing weather?
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I have the chain always connected into a loop that goes over the latch post which has a cap that prevents the chain from being picked up by the horse … I never undo the chain just pick it up …but winter here is just a few days and that paddock normally is not used then … Cost was zero which is what I prefer
The other gates have chains that drop into a slot which could be an issue when we have ice storms (usually two to three a season) but I do not remember ever having a chain freeze into the slot, but it sure could I would think
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YES! These are great. No freezing. :yes:
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- when my gate latches and chains and various closing devices freeze due to an ice storm … thank goodness just a few times a winter season
If I have warning
I cover the latch/ chain/ area
with a piece of heavy rubber ( inner tube material ) or tarp hanging over or wrapped around the closure
- at my most important gates I will pre-place a short thick piece of rope for closing during this icy weather …
** if caught off guard over night storms
I carry a short heavy piece of wood and or a small hammer to strike the area and crack the ice off the latch/ chain to access the area.
I also put a small bucket on top of the outside (yes frost proof) hydrants to ensure the handles do not get frozen closed.
Good Luck …hoping something I’ve written may help … always have back up plans ~
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These are great! I can open and close a gate with one hand while carrying hay in the other!
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I just used carabiners. It was the only thing my mare couldn’t open. If it froze I could just rub it with my hand to unfreeze it and open it. Occasionally I would have to pour water on them to get them open but that was rare. This was in central CT.
Second these. I use screw eyes instead of the nailed “eye” that comes with it. I used small size quick links to attach the chain to the gate.
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Or a rowdy horse in the other hand.
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Same, those staple things it comes with are the WORST
I use these also, but be aware that they can have issues. Some come with a sturdy heavy-gauge chain attached. Others come with a chain that wouldn’t hold a 20-lb poodle. I simply cut off the weaker chains and replace with a quick-link and heavier chain.
ALL of them, every. single. one. has needed to be put in a vise and squeezed to narrow the gap where the ring is, otherwise the ring just floats and/or falls down, making it a simple “J” hook that will not hold an inquisitive horse, or even one who paws/pushes at the gate. The latch will just “jump” loose. Not sure if that makes sense, wish I could draw what I am explaining.
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I understand what you are explaining. They come in different sizes. The bigger ones would be very difficult for a horse to bend.
I like gates to be able to swing in or out. But I also like some, esp on paddocks with youngsters in it. The gate only opens in and closes against the fence posts. This also prevents paddock buddies from slipping out when taking a horse out. Don’t have to worry about getting the gate latched quickly.
I use one of these on the post (I mount it opposite the side of the fence post that the horse will walk through if that makes sense - so no obstruction into the paddock/walkway). Chain that’s attached to my gates slides right onto the bucket holder, open and close with one hand in winter with no latches to worry about.
I like the latches that mmeq posted.
Bolt snaps are hands down the very worst in winter, though. Anything other than them.
I use chains with carabiners on them. Tastefully tied to the gate with baling string so I don’t end up dropping them in the snow. My corral gates all have these tubular slider closures, which freeze solid, so all get replaced with the chain arrangement for the winter.
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Yes, these are great in areas with snow and freezing temperatures. We started out with chains and double ended snaps and they were a royal pain when they froze. They are so easy to use - open and close the gate with one hand - which is a huge benefit with a fresh one or more than one on lead ropes!
This is the slightly different version of what others have posted.
https://www.martinranchsupply.com/content/kiwi-latch
Latch has more of a curve and even the busiest mouthed horse cannot get it open. I have these on several gates and like them alot. They don’t freeze and I can open with one hand and with bulky mittens on.
me too. I love those
