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

[3KillerBs]

Well a slide bolt may keep you from locking yourself in but it will also leave the door unsecure while you are in it. That is a bad thing if you are inside filling the feeders and a gust of wind blows open the door and all the chickens get loose.

I use small bungie cords for this purpose.

Screen door springs would be even better, but the repurposed screen doors we used didn't have their old springs anymore.

 

[Wendy Bee]

This is what we did. Don't mind the silly knot - one of the kids did that, lol:

The first cord we used frayed after wearing on the hardware cloth, so
hubby added the horseshoe shaped thingy (don't know what it is or
where he got it). The cord would pop off, though, so I added a zip
tie to keep the cord on the guide:

The latch doesn't usually completely close when I'm going in and out
of the run, but on those occasions when it does, it's nice to have an
escape!!!

 

[Mouthpear]

I use small bungie cords for this purpose.

Screen door springs would be even better, but the repurposed screen doors we used didn't have their old springs anymore.

As for the bungie cords I did not reference any sort of tie but it goes along with what I said about having a second slide bolt on the inside. To me that is more of a hassle.

As to the door springs, I mentioned gates springs in post #39. They are relatively cheap and easy to install. Adjustable tension.

 

[jreardon1918]

This is what we did. Don't mind the silly knot - one of the kids did that, lol:

View attachment 3120923

The first cord we used frayed after wearing on the hardware cloth, so
hubby added the horseshoe shaped thingy (don't know what it is or
where he got it). The cord would pop off, though, so I added a zip
tie to keep the cord on the guide:

View attachment 3120926

The latch doesn't usually completely close when I'm going in and out
of the run, but on those occasions when it does, it's nice to have an
escape!!!

That is quite clever. We have the same latch with the wire through the frame.
It works great, but if the ire disconnects... trouble. I can see how this rig is a hug improvement. !

 

[Neon8L]

Easiest that comes to mind is this latch, which is available everywhere. Mounted on outside of run entrance. I drew in red line, a string that you would attach to the eye of hook. Feed string thru the door frame to the interior of run. Then attach a small ball or something, so the string does not fall out of the hole in frame. It can also just be fastened to an eyelet inside run frame.
Where I marked an "A" is where you can install a padlock for the night, or just a snap clip.



View attachment 3079762


WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

Yep, had to crawl through chicken door! Here’s the same concept if you’re buying a new latch. Or just the wire kit to retro fit your current latch.