How to build a latch or lock on my run door that opens from both sides?

[aart]

I would not recommend a self locking latch, even those with the string can malfunction(broken string/wire and misalignment from weather changes) and lock you in. Those are the kind that create the most lockins that I've read about.
And have had it happen here, tho it wasn't in a run and I was able to release it by reaching around.

I use a sliding bolt latch with a caribineer, and screen door springs to close the doors automatically.

 

[mowin]

I've got a slide latch. It's not going to slide by itself to lock me in the run. I added a spring on the inside of the door to keep it closed so the chickens can't escape if I'm in the run.

 

[aart]

I've got a slide latch. It's not going to slide by itself to lock me in the run.

True, tho someone claimed it happened to them.

 

[mowin]

True, tho someone claimed it happened to them.

Maybe if it wasn't level, the door closing could cause it to slide. Otherwise, not happening.

 

[aart]

Maybe if it wasn't level, the door closing could cause it to slide. Otherwise, not happening.

No, the latch/door scenario shown in pic with that claim could in no way have just slid into the locked position.

 

[mowin]

No, the latch/door scenario shown in pic with that claim could in no way have just slid into the locked position.

I'm saying the slide bolt I have is not going to slide closed accidentally. Can't happen.

 

[jreardon1918]

I would not recommend a self locking latch, even those with the string can malfunction(broken string/wire and misalignment from weather changes) and lock you in. Those are the kind that create the most lockins that I've read about.
And have had it happen here, tho it wasn't in a run and I was able to release it by reaching around.

I use a sliding bolt latch with a caribineer, and screen door springs to close the doors automatically.

That is good advice. Haven't followed it, but can add it to my to-do list.
We have a spring, but it proved less than effective than we hoped. Better installation could help.

 

[aart]

I'm saying the slide bolt I have is not going to slide closed accidentally. Can't happen.

Right, and I was talking about the poster who claimed it did slide into place on it's own.

 

[3KillerBs]

I use a small bungie cord to hold the door closed while I'm inside.

 

[saysfaa]

My latch was the builder's choice. It has handles inside and out that move together and lock with a key. This picture isn't the best - the silver circle is the keyhole. It is usually either all the way vertical or all the horizontal - not partway closed.

It works pretty well so I haven't bothered to change it in the year since the shed came.

Someday, I might change it to a latch like our old barns had. Something like the second picture. The third picture is from the inside... it is just a slot for the peg through the crossbar. There are ways to make them lockable.