All latches maintain the closure of doors, panels, and other surfaces. Their actuation, or the mechanism by which the latch closes, and holding style are where they diverge. Even better, you may acquire a door lock latch, which enables your latch to lock for increased security.

We’ve put together this guide to assist you to understand the many types of latches and which best matches your application because there are so many different specialized latches available and uncertainty about terms like “what is a door latch” and “what are bolt latches.” This page will give you the knowledge you need to choose your latch assembly, whether you need door latches, trigger latches, spring latches, non-locking latches, thumb latches, or tubular locks. We’ll discuss:

Cam Locks

These are straightforward mechanical locks that have a base and a cam lever. A key or other tool is used to turn the base of the latch, which closes the doors or other surfaces. This is sometimes referred to as a cam lock latch. Mountings might be hidden, wings, or knobs. Even T-Handles with a stainless steel cam lock are an option. The most common cabinet latch hardware is cam latches.

Pull-Down Latches

Although they are a subset of cam locks, compression latches merit their limelight. These latches provide a tight seal by compressing gaskets against door and panel apertures as they close. A trigger release mechanism is used to open them. The locking arm is released by either turning the key or pressing a button. Swell latches, which compress a rubber bushing-type vibration isolator, are comparable to cam latches. You can purchase a fixed compression latch, which delivers constant compression and decompression to the depth you specify. Alternatively, you might choose adjustable compression latches, which allow you to vary where the locking cam is located. As a result, you can adjust the level of compression in small, incremental steps.

Locks That Slam

Although it’s sometimes called a push-to-close latch or said to have push-lock fittings, this is essentially a spring-loaded latch. Tactile resistance is provided by a particular spring. The cam rises as the panel door is opened and then swings down behind the panel wall to lock the door or panel when it is closed. A quarter-turn slam latch is an excellent illustration of this. It only takes a quarter turn, or 90 degrees, to open and close the latch. A magnetic cabinet lock, or catch, is yet another type of push-to-close device. Surfaces are kept closed by magnetic forces, which also gives them a pleasing appearance. To open the surfaces, only push.

Swivel Latches

Also known as toggle latches and pull-down latches. There are two components to the draw latch. An arm on one side is clasping the opposite side. The clasp combines the two pieces as the latch closes. The situation is straightforward. To close the surfaces, pivoting levers and drawbars press on catches. When a gasket is placed between the surface and the frame, this ensures a tight seal. The latch used varies. You can get a premium draw latch with a high-strength body, a slide spring draw latch, and a heavy-duty draw latch.

Latches That Slide

Sliding latches overlap the components. Once more, it’s easy. Manual motion is actuated. For instance, sliding snap latches need to be quickly slid to the catch to maintain the surfaces’ closed position and resistance to stress and vibration.

How Locks Can Safeguard Applications Against The Influx

For typical application issues, latches can offer a solution. Think of an outdoor utility cabinet, an outdoor telecom equipment cabinet, or an outdoor electrical enclosure. These applications need to be shielded against the entry of moisture, dust, and debris. The performance will degrade otherwise. And you need to consider security in addition to the elements. An aid in this situation is a latch.