10 Door Latch Types: A Detailed Guide
With different types of door latches available in the market, choosing the perfect door latch that suits all your requirements can be confusing. Before getting on to the types of door latches, let us know what they are.
What Are Door Latches?
A door latch is a device used to secure a door by engaging a bolt in a recess in the door frame. Door latches can be manual or automatic, and they can be operated with a key or a switch. Door latches come in many different designs, including mortise, spring-loaded, and surface-mounted.
They are commonly made of metal or plastic and are often available in a variety of colours to match the décor of a room. There are many different types of door latches, but they all serve the same purpose.
Types of Door Latches
There are many types of door latches, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of door latches are described below.
Tubular Latches
Tubular door latches consist of a latch bolt that is attached to the door and a striker plate that is attached to the frame of the door. The latch bolt is inserted into the striker plate to secure the door. They are typically installed indoors that have a cylindrical-shaped door knob hole, such as a front door. Tubular door latches are also available in keyed versions, which can be locked and unlocked with a key.
Tubular door latches are commonly used on interior doors, such as bedroom doors, and can be opened from either side of the door.
Roller Bolt Latches
A roller bolt door latch uses a bolt that is mounted on a rolling track. The bolt rests in a track on the door frame and has a roller on its end that rides in a corresponding track on the door itself. When the door is closed, the bolt is pulled into the door frame, preventing it from being opened from the outside.
This type of lock is often used in industrial and commercial settings, where a high level of security is required.
Rim Latches
A rim door latch is mounted on the surface of a door rather than being recessed into it. It consists of a strike plate and a latch bolt. The strike plate is mounted on the door frame, and the latch bolt attaches to the door. When the door is closed, the latch bolt slides into the strike plate, locking the door shut.
Rim door latches are typically used on exterior doors, as they provide a more secure and weather-resistant closure than recessed door latches. Rim door latches come in a variety of styles, including spring-loaded and mortise.
Flat Latches
A flat door latch secures a door by latching it to the door frame. These latches consist of a latch plate and a striker plate. The latch plate is mounted on the door, and the striker plate is mounted on the door frame. The striker plate has a hole that corresponds to the hole in the latch plate. When the door is closed, the striker plate slides over the latch plate and pushes it into the hole in the door frame, securing the door.
Flat door latches are typically used on interior doors, such as bedroom doors, and are installed in the door frame so that the latch is visible on the front of the door. These latches are available in a variety of styles, including traditional and modern designs, and they are often used on furniture and cabinets.
Spring-Loaded Latches
A spring-loaded door latch uses a spring to keep the latch in place. This latch can be opened by pushing down on the latch and then pulling the door open. It is easy to operate; all you have to do is press down on the latch, and the door will open. The spring will automatically push the latch back into place to secure the door.
This type of latch is typically used on cabinet doors that need to be opened frequently.
Sliding Bolt Latches
A sliding bolt door latch is mounted on the surface of a door, rather than in the door's frame. It consists of a bolt, typically made of metal, that slides into and out of a slot or hole in the door's surface. It consists of a long, metal bolt that slides along a track to secure the door in place. There is usually a handle or lever on one end of the bolt that allows you to easily move it back and forth.
Sliding bolt latches are often used on barn doors or large gates, as they provide a level of security that is not possible with other types of door latches.
Hook & Eye Latches
Hook-and-eye door latches are typically made of metal and consist of two pieces: a hook and an eye. The hook is attached to the door, and the eye is attached to the frame. When the door is closed, the hook catches the eye and holds the door closed.
Hook and eye door latches are majorly used on windows, gates, and sheds.
Chain Latches
Chain door latches use a chain to keep the door closed. One end of the chain is attached to the door, and the other end is attached to the strike plate on the door's frame. When the door is closed, the chain tightens and keeps the door closed, preventing someone from opening the door from the opposite side.
Chain door latches are commonly used on exterior doors to keep them secure.
Swing-Bar Latches
A swing-bar door latch uses a swinging bar to hold the door closed. The bar is attached to the door frame, and the door itself has a hole in it through which the bar passes. When the door is closed, the bar swings inward and locks against the door frame, preventing the door from opening.
Swing-bar door latches are commonly used on cabinet doors and toilet stall doors.
Gravity Latches
Gravity door latches are a type of latch that uses force to keep a door closed. The latch is typically positioned at the top of the door and includes a mechanism that allows it to be released when pressure is applied. The latch is typically a metal plate or bar attached to the door frame, and the striker is a metal plate or bar attached to the door. When the door is closed, the striker engages the latch and holds the door in place.
This type of latch is ideal for applications where it is not possible to use a traditional door knob or handle, such as on a barn door. Gravity door latches are also commonly used in restaurants and other commercial settings where hygiene is important.
Conclusion
There are various door latches available in the market, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. When choosing a door latch, it is important to consider the material, the style, and the level of security you need. No matter what type of door latch you choose, it is necessary to install it perfectly to keep your home safe and secure.
Apart from door latches, check out internal doors and front doors for your home from Emerald Doors.
FAQs on Door Latches
Are door latches standard size?
Sectional garage doors are considered to be the most durable garage doors in the UK. This is because the side rails on a sectional garage door tend to operate smoothly even in the case of harsh weather conditions such as hurricanes, heavy rains, snowfall, etc.
How do I know what size door latch I need?
When it comes to figuring out the size of the door latch, the size of your door and the place where the latch is to be installed is to be considered. To find your perfect door latch size, you will require measuring the case and backset sizes.
Can you adjust a door latch?
Most door latch adjustments can be simply made by moving the strike plate to align with the bolt on the door handle. Another adjustment is to tighten the mounting screws on the bolt plate. These adjustments are easy and can be done with the help of a screwdriver.