8" Dark Bronze Thumb Latch with Drop Bar
Package for Single Wood Gates

Solid bronze hardware with an old world design

This solid Cast Bronze Thumb Latch pairs with an Old World drop bar to create a very traditional gate opener. On the street-side of your gate you install the Thumb Latch, and on the yard-side you install this drop bar. This latch is suitable only for in-swinging gates. The latch is not lacquered, so it will darken naturally over time. Please read bronze care instructions below.

For additional images of this latch, please click here.

The use of a gate stop with this product is strongly recommended to protect the drop bar. A gate that slams in a strong wind can damage a bronze drop bar. The installation of a gate stop will protect the drop bar. 

Bronze ages gracefully and may change in appearance due to varying environmental conditions. Bronze patina finishes will develop a wear highlight with frequency of use. When bronze is exposed to air it will tarnish quickly and turn brown. Bronze exposed to exterior elements and conditions will turn green. This discoloration is referred to as patina. This patina process starts immediately upon installation. None of these conditions are considered defects, but part of the natural beauty of ages bronze.

Features:

Accommodates gates up to 2-1/2" thick. Extension kit can be ordered below and will accommodate gates up to 3-1/2" thick.

Mounting hardware included.

Ships within 3 days.

Options:

This piece of hardware can be finished black for a 10% upcharge. Adds ~2 weeks to order processing time. Select that option with your order below.

Dimensions:

• Pull Handle: 8" Tall x 1-3/4" Wide. Tail Piece is 3-3/4" long.
• Drop Bar: 6-1/2"
• Catch Plate: 4" x 3/4"

How does this hardware hold up to the elements? This bronze hardware contains 90% copper and 10% tin. When submitted to a salt-water chamber test, this hardware began to patina at the 16-hour-mark, versus 10-hours for other name-brand, high end bronze products. The hardware has an exterior-grade wax applied to it that adds to its resistance. A client recently wrote that this hardware installed on an waterfront boathouse two years ago looks slightly darker and shinier than the original, but looks otherwise exceptional.

The bottom line is: this hardware is the perfect choice for oceanfront, waterfront, and coastal installations.

How to Care for your Bronze Gate Hardware:

Never use spray or liquid furniture polishes to clean your bronze hardware. These polishes may contain oils which could damage the original patina finish. Instead, use a microcrystalline wax.

In climates with higher humidity, coastal areas, or areas with a higher concentration of airborne pollutants, cleaning and waxing may be needed twice a year.

Applying Wax
All bronze darkens with age, however waxing may slow the process of oxidation.

To apply the wax, you need two 1- to 2-inch paint brushes that will be used only for cleaning bronze. Do not use brushes that have been used for other purposes as chemicals may remain in the bristles and transferred to the patina finish, may cause permanent discoloration.

Start by applying a protective circle of tape around the metal ferrules that hold the bristles in the brushes you are using. This will help prevent scratching of the surface when applying the wax and when dusting.

Wipe bronze free of-any dust and fingerprints using a clean, dry, cotton cloth. Use one of the brushes to remove dust from small crevices or hard to reach places.

Use "Renaissance'' wax, or other "microcrystalline'' waxes, because they are inert and will not yellow over time. Apply to the second brush, with three or four, back and forth, sweeping strokes. Do not dab the brush in the wax. This could cause an abundance of wax to be applied to the bronze that could actually harm the patina surface. Dab the brush on the lid of the wax can to remove any excess wax. Lightly apply a super thin coat of wax to the surface of the bronze using gentle sweeping motions. Apply more wax to the brush as described, working it down into crevices.

Caution - Using too much wax may remove previous layers of wax. It is very important not to apply too much wax or work it into the surface too vigorously. Cover the entire surface with wax and let it dry according to the directions on the container.

Separate Your Brushes
Keep your brushes separate in labeled bags, free from contaminants, for future use. Use a clean, dry, cotton cloth to gently rub, in a circular motion, the dried wax from the bronze surface until you achieve the desired sheen. To achieve a dull finish, do not rub the surface after waxing.

To achieve a better protective coating, you may want to re-apply a second coat using the same technique.

Outdoor Bronze Hardware
Outdoor bronze requires a regular maintenance program, which keeps the product surfaces clean and waxed.