Product Description
DAC Industries Mini-Latch — Fits 1-3/8" Gates (Great for Kennels)
- Compact, self-latching — Automatic engagement keeps gates secured until released at the top handle.
- Kennel-friendly sizing — Designed for 1-3/8" O.D. gate frames and posts.
- Two-way swing — Allows gates to swing both directions for fast, low-friction movement.
- Durable housing — Shock-resistant polymer body handles daily use and weather.
- Familiar ergonomics — Same operating concept as DAC Auto-Latch in a shorter, kennel-scale form.
The DAC Mini-Latch brings auto-latching convenience to compact gates—especially kennels—built on 1-3/8″ frames. Like DAC’s full-size units, it secures automatically when the gate closes and releases from a high, top-mounted handle. This helps reduce accidental unlatching while keeping day-to-day operation quick and intuitive for handlers. A shock-resistant polymer body stands up to scratches, bumps, and regular wash-downs, so you can spec it confidently for commercial or rescue facilities. Because it supports two-way swing, the latch helps keep traffic flowing smoothly through tight aisles.
Confirm that both gate frame and post are 1-3/8″ O.D. and mount the latch at a convenient height for the team that will use it. Dry-cycle the gate to verify clean re-engagement and adjust as needed for consistent catch. If you’re outfitting chain link walk gates of other diameters, consider the DAC Chain Link Auto-Latch which covers additional size ranges. For ornamental square-post enclosures (pool, play areas), the Square Auto-Latch offers the same user experience in a square-mount form.
Specifications
| Frame/Post Size | 1-3/8″ O.D. (gate and post) |
| Latch Type | Self-latching; top-handle release; two-way swing |
| Housing | Shock-resistant polymer |
| Use Case | Kennel gates, compact chain link walk-gates |
Installation (Quick Steps)
- Verify sizes — Ensure both frame and post are 1-3/8″ O.D.
- Mount — Position latch/strike; start fasteners.
- Test — Cycle gate both ways; confirm auto-latch engagement.
- Secure — Tighten hardware; re-check after first week.
Buying Guide
- Throughput — Two-way swing helps in high-traffic kennel aisles.
- Material — Polymer body resists corrosion and wash-down.
- Alternatives — Chain link or ornamental latches available for other sizes/geometries.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this the same as the Auto-Latch?
- It operates similarly but is scaled/optimized for 1-3/8″ kennel gates.
- Does it self-latch?
- Yes—close the gate and the latch re-engages automatically.
- Can the gate swing both ways?
- Yes, the mechanism supports bi-directional operation.
Comparison
- Mini-Latch (this product) — 1-3/8″ kennels; compact housing.
- Chain Link Auto-Latch — Round-frame walk gates; broader size range.
- Square Auto-Latch — Ornamental square posts/frames; pool-friendly setups.
