Let me start by saying I've tried my fair share of gate latches, and this Heavy Duty Zinc Alloy one caught my eye immediately. The black finish gives it that modern farmhouse look that's so popular right now - definitely an upgrade from those rusty old hooks I used to use!

The installation was a breeze with my power drill. Those included screws bit right into my wooden door frame in about 5 minutes flat. Unlike some reviewers, I didn't have drywall issues since I was mounting directly to wood - but fair warning, you might need longer screws for certain installations.

Where this latch really shines is in everyday use. That satisfying 'click' when it engages tells you it means business. My escape-artist cat hasn't figured out how to defeat it yet (and trust me, she's tried). The 90-degree flip action works smoothly, though I haven't tested the 180-degree configuration personally.

Now for the not-so-great parts: After about three months of use on my backyard gate (with kids playing nearby), I did notice some loosening. While it hasn't failed completely yet, I'm keeping an eye on those ball bearings everyone mentions. For light indoor use? Perfect. For heavy-duty outdoor applications with active kids or pets? Maybe not your best bet.

The back plate is a genius addition for uneven doors - solved my 3mm gap problem beautifully. But buyer beware: several users report the zinc alloy might not be as 'heavy duty' as advertised when put to serious stress tests.

Final verdict? Great for what it is - a stylish, functional latch for moderate use cases. Just don't expect industrial-grade performance from what's essentially a decorative security upgrade.