Cast Iron Slide Bolt 6 Inch, Rustic Barn Door Latch - Outlet

Cast Iron Slide Bolt 6 Inch, Rustic Barn Door Latch

Where It Works Best

This universal and sturdy slide bolt is an excellent solution for securing a whole range of places. You can use it on:

• Barn, shed, or garden gates: Its weather-resistant nature makes it ideal for outdoor hardware.
• Cellar or attic doors: Reliably secure less-frequented entryways.
• Wooden chests and trunks: Give your storage an antique look and a functional lock.
• Shutters: Perfect for locking the shutters on a cabin, cottage, or historic building.
• Double doors: Can be used as a horizontal surface bolt to secure one leaf of a pair of doors.

A Link to a Simpler Past

The slide bolt is one of the oldest and simplest locking mechanisms in history. Long before the invention of complex key-operated locks, simple wooden or metal bars were slid into a hole in the doorframe to prevent entry. This design, which includes guide loops and a separate catch plate (or "keeper"), is a more refined version that was common from the Middle Ages onward for securing everything from fortifications and farmsteads to simple homes. Its rugged, slightly coarse appearance is typical of utilitarian ironmongery, where function and durability came first.

A Tale from History: The Layered Defense of a Castle

The security of a medieval castle was complex and relied on many layers. While the main gate was protected by a drawbridge, massive doors, and a portcullis, the security within was just as important. Individual corridors, chambers, and towers were often separated by additional doors. It was here that simple but strong slide bolts and latches like this one found their purpose. In the event of a breach of the main defenses, they could slow down attackers and give defenders precious time to regroup. It proves that even the simplest mechanism can be a key component in a well-thought-out system.

Specifications

• Total Bolt Length (with handle): Approx. 9 inches (23 cm)
• Bolt Mounting Plate Length: 6 inches (15.2 cm)
• Bolt Mounting Plate Height: 2.3 inches (5.8 cm)
• Catch Plate Height: 4.5 inches (11.4 cm)
• Catch Plate Width: 2.3 inches (5.8 cm)
• Material: Solid Cast Iron
• Finish: Black
• Package Includes: 1x Slide Bolt Assembly, 1x Catch Plate

Please Note: Mounting screws are not included.

Installation and Care

Easy Installation

Installation consists of two parts. First, mount the main piece with the sliding pin to the door or gate, ensuring it is level. Then, close the door, position the catch plate on the frame so the pin slides smoothly into it, and mark your holes for drilling. Fasten both parts securely. Choose screws with a length and head type that suit both your mounting surface and the rustic style of the hardware.

Preserving the Original Look

Cast iron is a highly durable material. The black finish provides basic protection. For indoor use, simply dusting the bolt is sufficient. If installed outdoors and exposed to direct rain, we recommend occasionally treating it with a protective wax or oil to prevent surface rust and maintain its deep black appearance.

What to Avoid

This bolt provides reliable, basic security. It is not, however, designed as a high-security lock for the main entrance of a modern home. During installation, ensure both parts are correctly aligned—do not use force to close the bolt if the pin is hitting the catch plate.