A sneck is a simple mechanical fastening consisting of a horizontal metal or wooden bar that drops into a receiving catch. It is operated by pressing a thumbpiece that lifts the bar clear of the catch, allowing the gate to swing open. It is a common, robust piece of hardware on livestock pens and pasture fences where complex locks are unnecessary.
Heard on the job
Make sure the sneck drops all the way down on that gate or the heifers will push it open.
Also heard as
- thumb latch
- sneck latch