The Basics of Latches: 4 Things to Know

Latches are mechanical fasteners or devices that temporarily hold surfaces together, and are commonly used to close doors, gates, and cabinets. In addition, large, reliable, and durable latches are used in utility boxes, refrigeration systems, storage facilities, and vehicles like trailers and trucks. They’re most useful when applied in controlled closing and releasing of two adjacent surfaces.

Latches are most applicable in industries like security, furniture, transportation, home, and construction. Depending on the design, latches are fabricated using forging, casting, or stamping. They can be made from stainless steel, aluminum, alloy, steel, brass, cast iron, and thermoplastics. Here are things to know about latches.

Considerations for latch designs

The latch design factors manufacturers consider include latching position, which can either be primary or secondary, material, and mounting design. For a hardware industrial latch, the functioning requirements will depend on the intended use. The mounting options available for latches include concealed, edge, side, single-hole, and flush mounting. The selection of a mounting surface depends on its use and spatial availability. A latch may consist of brackets or plates positioned at corresponding points of adjacent surfaces.

Types of latches

Since latches are used in a wide range of contexts, there are a variety of latch types. They include:

Compression latches

Compression latches can significantly impact the security, ergonomics, and performance of an industrial application. When choosing a compression latch, know the specific application requirements, the environment in which it will be used, how it will be installed, the security and ergonomic requirements, and any other vital factors.

Slam and push latches

Also known as push-to-close, slam latches are used indoors that need automatic latching when closed. Their design uses cams for latching onto the door frame or striker. Since slam latches can cope with many opening and closing cycles without getting damaged, they are ideal for high traffic doors in industrial and commercial settings. They can also be used in emergency exits.

Cam Latches

Cam latches are quarter-turn devices primarily used in furniture like cabinets and drawers. They function by twisting a knob or a key that rotates an arm fitted on the opposite side of the door. Cam latches' assembly doesn't involve the installation of a box, strike plate, or a hole on the frame for arm receiving. Since they lock by barring one side, they aren't suitable for doors that move past the edge or swing.

Paddle Latches

Paddle latches use a specific technique to allow operators to close the latch and open when necessary tightly. Industrial latches are large and durable, making them suitable for transportation in automobile and aerospace, recreational vehicles, marine, railway, and off-highway uses.

How to care for latches

Latches only require routine cleaning to make them last longer. Those with chrome finishes require a wipe down with a wet cloth every once in a while; the ones with clear coat finishes need an occasional wash with a non-abrasive mild soap, while the bronze ones need a drop of vegetable oil or detergent for wiping.

Standards for latches

When buying a latch, ensure it has a stamp from Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The stamp signifies high-quality construction and safety.

Endnote

There are a variety of latches depending on their use, material, and industry. Use this article as a reference for basic things to know about latches.