Nordstrand Barn Door Latch - Shed Door Latch - Sliding Barn Door Latches and Catches - Barn Door Lock - Black Wrought Iron Rustic Flip Latch Hardware Kit for Double Doors, Garden Gate, Cabinet, Bar, Pantry

Why I picked this flip latch

I wanted a simple, stout way to keep a cedar garden gate closed and to add a bit of rustic charm to a set of double pantry doors. The Nordstrand flip latch checked the right boxes: thick steel, powder-coated black finish, and a vintage profile that suits both outdoor and “modern farmhouse” interiors. I’ve now had one on the gate through a full season and another on the pantry for several months.

Build and finish

The first impression is reassuring: the latch feels solid in hand. The body and arm are cut from roughly 4 mm steel and powder-coated in a matte black. There’s minimal play in the hinge, so the arm flips with a firm, precise motion rather than wobbling. Edges are clean, with no sharp burrs, and the coating is even, without thin spots at corners where cheaper hardware often fails first.

The design is classic: a simple rotating arm that drops into a catch plate. There’s nothing here to overthink, and that’s part of the appeal. The thickness of the steel matters—on my gate, the arm doesn’t flex when the wind pushes the panel, so the latch doesn’t chatter or work itself free.

Aesthetics and fit

This latch reads “wrought iron” without being fussy. On a dark-stained door it disappears; on natural wood it provides a nice bit of contrast. The scale is on the smaller side, which is perfect for cabinets, shutters, small to mid-size gates, and interior barn doors. On a very large, heavy gate, you may want something beefier or a secondary latch (like a cane bolt) to back it up. For most residential applications, though, the proportions look right and don’t overwhelm the door.

Installation notes

Installation was quick on both the pantry and the garden gate. A few practical tips from my installs:

• Dry fit first. Flip the arm through its motion to verify it lands squarely in the catch and clears any trim or profiles.
• Pre-drill pilot holes. The included screws are black to match the hardware, which looks great, but they’re on the small side. Predrilling prevents splitting and reduces the chance of stripping the heads.
• Consider upgrading fasteners for exterior use. On the gate I used longer, stainless screws for the primary mounting points to ensure a deeper bite into the framing. I kept the visible screws black for appearance but swapped the hidden ones for stainless.
• Mind door sag. If your gate or double doors aren’t perfectly aligned, plan to shim the catch plate or mount slightly proud to ensure the arm drops cleanly every time.

There’s no paper template included, but alignment is straightforward: mount the main latch body at a comfortable height, then mark and mount the catch plate to meet the arm when it’s flipped over.

Daily use

The action is smooth and satisfying. You flip it with one finger, and it lands securely in the catch with a muted thunk. On the pantry doors it eliminates that tiny rattle you sometimes get with magnetic catches. On the garden gate, it keeps the panel from drifting open in a breeze and has kept our dog from nosing his way out.

A couple of usability notes:

• This is a latch, not a lock. It keeps a door or gate closed; it’s not a security device. If you need true lockable security, pair it with a hasp or a deadbolt.
• It’s a manual device. It won’t “self-latch” if a gate closes on its own—you or gravity must flip the arm into place. For most use cases that’s fine, but if you want self-latching behavior, look at spring-loaded gate latches.

Noise is minimal. There’s no rattle when the door moves because the arm sits snugly in the catch; the thickness of the parts keeps it quiet.

Outdoor durability

The powder coat has held up well through sun and rain on my gate. I did see the first signs of surface oxidation on the screw heads after a few months—the usual fate of standard black-oxide screws outside—so I replaced the most exposed ones with black-coated stainless. The latch itself shows no blistering or flaking in the coating.

If you’re in a harsh coastal environment, consider a quick preventive step: wipe the hardware with a light coat of paste wax or a corrosion-inhibiting spray after installation. It takes two minutes and slows down the onset of surface rust on exposed fasteners. Also, avoid mounting where water can pool directly on the hinge barrel; a slight tilt helps shedding.

Where it works best

I found this latch particularly well suited for:

• Small to medium exterior gates made of wood or composite
• Interior sliding barn doors to keep panels from drifting
• Double cabinet or pantry doors where you want a positive mechanical hold instead of magnets
• Shutters and closet doors that benefit from a low-profile catch

Because of its size and style, it’s a great fit when you want function plus a bit of vintage character. It doesn’t look out of place on modern doors either, thanks to the clean, unfussy geometry.

Limitations to keep in mind

• Scale: On very large or heavy doors, add supplemental hardware. The latch itself is robust, but the leverage on big gates is substantial.
• Fasteners: The included screws look nice but are lightweight for structural loads and outdoor exposure. Upgrading is cheap insurance.
• Security: It’s not meant to deter forced entry. Pair it with a locking solution if needed.
• Alignment tolerance: Like all flip latches, it wants good alignment. If your gate sags seasonally, expect to adjust the catch or shim.

None of these are deal-breakers; they’re inherent to this style of hardware and easy to plan around.

Value and alternatives

For the build quality and finish, the pricing is fair. You’re getting thick steel, a clean powder coat, and hardware that installs easily and works consistently. If you need a self-latching mechanism or a truly lockable solution, this isn’t that tool; look at spring latches or lockable hasps. If you want a similar look in a bigger format for large gates, consider stepping up to a heavier throw bolt or adding a foot-operated cane bolt to carry the load.

Practical installation checklist

• Mark and pre-drill all holes.
• On exterior doors, use at least two longer screws into solid framing.
• Check the flip path with the door fully closed.
• If using on a sliding door, ensure there’s enough overlap for the arm to engage.
• Plan for seasonal movement—leave yourself a little adjustability in the catch.

These small steps make the difference between a five-minute install that lasts and one you’ll revisit later.

Recommendation

I recommend the Nordstrand flip latch for anyone who wants a sturdy, attractive way to keep small to medium doors and gates securely closed. It’s well made from thick, powder-coated steel, operates smoothly, and looks good across a range of styles. Upgrade the fasteners for exterior use, and you’ve got a reliable, low-maintenance latch that should hold up for years. If you need self-latching behavior, heavy-gate duty, or true lockable security, pair it with complementary hardware—but as a dependable, good-looking latch for everyday doors, this one delivers.