In order to make milking the cow easier, I built this head stanchion. The diagonal board slides up into place and when it's vertical, there is a 1-in hole drilled through all three boards. The front and back sandwich boards are 2x6s as is the diagonal sliding board. I had planned on sliding the board into place and then inserting a bolt through all three holes to lock it in place. She's too fast for me, and backs her head out knocking the board out of place before I can get the bolt through. I tried looking for spring-loaded plunger latches, but none of them are long enough or thick enough. I'm not married to the idea of using some sort of spring-loaded mechanism, but I will certainly entertain. Any idea that might make this easier. I'm not married to the idea of using some sort of spring-loaded mechanism, but I will certainly entertain any idea that might make this easier.
Any ideas on how I can accomplish this? Thank you in advance
I don't know how to insert a picture into a reply, apparently. It's two feet off the wall, and she goes in there and eats just fine. It's just been very difficult to close the head gate and keep it closed long enough to secure the through bolt. I got it done today, and just stood with her calmly petting her and talking to her and she just ate the rest of her pellets and alfalfa. When she was done I let her out and she just hung around looking for more pellets.
Progress, I suppose.