Lafayette Hasp detail

Hasps were the most common way to secure the doors on a barn, corn crib, wood shed or similar outbuilding.   Barn door bolts are also popular, but hasps are purely functional and a unique appointment to the American barn & outbuildings.

Hasps are seen that are firmly fixed to the door while others are free to swing down out of the way when not in use.

Hasps were fashioned in the local blacksmith shops, so wide variances were seen in the size and form.  One thing I know – padlocks were expensive.  So I do believe more often than not, a corn cob or wood peg was shoved into the staple to secure the door.