Latches and Hardware: Cannonball Gate Closer

I’m a sucker for the solid heft of anything round and heavy–crystal ball, bocce, Magic 8 Ball, I’m there–so when I spotted this old-fashioned garden gate accessory, I fell for it immediately. Known as a cannonball closer, it solves the wimpy latch problem. No longer will your gate swing open in the wind if you have a cannonball closer; a heavy ball (or two) hanging from a chain suspended between the gate and a free standing fence post will solve that problem.

Photograph courtesy of The Redeemed Gardener.

The cannonball closer dates to Colonial times. No fancy mechanical bells and whistles; the closer relies on the forces of gravity to pull shut a gate. A Cannonball Gate Closer with a heavy steel ball and 5 feet of chain is $75.24 from Snug Cottage. A Mounting Kit ($14.58) and Gate Stop ($9.18) are sold separately.

Looking for a new latch? See more of our favorites in 10 Easy Pieces: Garden Gate Latches.

Finally, learn how to successfully design a fence for any landscape or garden project with our Hardscaping 101: Fences & Gates guide.