Raccoon-proof latches?

[moetrout]

I use these types on my run door. Very good choice.

 

[townhen]

We use a very simple design that is very inexpensive and effective...

In this first pic notice the swivel that is screwed in behind the latch. The latch is in the open position...(this door is not attached to anything at the moment and the clasp that would be attached to the right is also not there.



In this pic the latch is now shut and the swivel is turned down. The door is completely locked...



In this pic, note the latch is open as far as it would open, say if a critter was trying to open it in the night. The swivel is tight to turn at all times...


No animal will ever figure these things out. You can get these swivels at any hardware store for less than $2 bucks.

I know this is an old thread, but I have installed some of these swivels beside the barrel bolts on our coop after we became aware of the extent of our raccoon problem. I wanted to ask the original poster - how has this kind of barrel bolt lock held up over time to predators? Has it successfully kept raccoons out? Anyone else out there tried this idea? (I think it is pretty clever, btw.)

 

[TwoCrows]

Quote: I have never once seen my latches messed with in the morning. I am still using this type of system to this day on all my latches and coops.

 

[townhen]

I have never once seen my latches messed with in the morning. I am still using this type of system to this day on all my latches and coops.

Wow. I will keep my fingers crossed that these Iowa raccoons can't figure them out either. I put four of these on the large double doors to my coop, and right now the barrel bolts and swivels are the only thing that stands between the coons and my hens. I think I will add swivels to the barrel bolts on the nest box door, too! Thanks so much for the great idea!

 

[TwoCrows]

Quote: Trust me....no one has more paranoia than me! LOL But I have never had a break in with these latches. I do try to keep them out of reach however even if that means removing the ramp at night or anything else that would give them a place to sit and play with these things. No sense in giving the coons too much access to these locks. I am sure you will be fine.

 

[townhen]

Trust me....no one has more paranoia than me! LOL But I have never had a break in with these latches. I do try to keep them out of reach however even if that means removing the ramp at night or anything else that would give them a place to sit and play with these things. No sense in giving the coons too much access to these locks. I am sure you will be fine.

Two of the swivels on my double doors are 6 ft off the ground, so it certainly wouldn't be easy for them to be messed with, but the other two are only 2-3 ft or so off the ground. I think I might add yet another padlock down below, just to be extra extra sure. At this point, my coop has so many different locks on it that I am afraid to show it to people, lest they think I'm crazy!

 

[TwoCrows]

Quote: LOL....great minds think alike!! My latches are all about 4 feet off the ground now, but I also use back up padlocks as well. I mean you can't be too careful with the locks!! Better safe than sorry. I need to sleep at night and can't be all worried over my flocks.