Door Latch Types and Their Uses to Help You Pick the Right One

Choosing the right door latch is important for safety, functionality, and overall look of the room. With numerous door latch types available, from traditional tubular latches to modern mortice systems, understanding their unique features and applications helps you choose the right one. This guide will explain different types of latches, discuss key considerations for selection, and provide a clear chart for comparison. Whether you're fixing up your home or picking hardware for business buildings, this guide will help you make informed decisions about door latch selection.

What are Door Latches Used for?

Door latches keep doors closed, stopping them from swinging open by themselves. They work by sliding a small metal piece called a bolt into a hole in the door frame. Door latches are different from locks as they don’t provide security but help prevent doors from opening accidentally and offer basic privacy. They are commonly used on interior doors, cupboards, and gates to keep them shut when needed.

Types of Door Latches

Now that you understand what door latches do, let's explore the different types available to help you choose the right one for your needs.

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.

Mortice Latches

A mortice door latch is fitted inside a rectangular slot cut into the edge of the door, not on its surface. It has a latch bolt inside the door and a striker plate on the frame. When the door closes, the latch bolt slides into the hole in the striker plate, holding the door shut.

Mortice door latches are often used on interior doors, like those for bedrooms and bathrooms, where a neat, professional look is preferred. These latches are available in various sizes and finishes to match different door hardware styles.

Panic Latches

A panic door latch is made for emergency exits, letting doors open quickly when someone pushes a horizontal bar or pad. The push bar is fixed across the door and connected to a latch bolt that holds the door shut. When the bar is pressed, the bolt pulls back right away, so the door can swing outward without needing keys or handles.

Panic door latches are often found on emergency exit doors in places like offices, schools, hospitals, and other public buildings where people may need to leave quickly. In many areas, building codes require them. They keep the building secure from the outside while allowing people inside to get out fast during an emergency.

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 lock 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. Flat latches door locks are available in a variety of styles, including traditional and modern designs, and they are often used on furniture and cabinets.

Magnetic Latches

A magnetic door latch uses magnets to keep a door closed. It has two main parts: a magnetic plate on the door and a metal plate on the door frame. When the door closes, the magnet pulls the two plates together to hold it shut. You can open the door by pushing or pulling with enough force to break the magnetic hold.

Magnetic door latches are commonly used on cabinet doors, wardrobe doors, and modern interior doors because they close quietly. They give a neat way to keep doors shut and are popular in contemporary kitchen designs and furniture.

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.

Night Latches

A night door latch is a spring-loaded lock that locks the door automatically when it’s closed. It has a latch bolt inside the door and a striker plate on the frame. When the door is pulled shut, the bolt fits into the striker plate, locking the door from the inside. You can open it from indoors with a thumb turn or from outdoors with a key.

Night door latches are often used on exterior doors, such as front and back doors, where automatic locking adds both security and convenience. They are popular in homes because they make sure the door is locked every time it’s closed.

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.

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.

Door Latch Types Comparison

Conclusion

There are various door latches available in the market, and choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and where it will be used. When making your choice, think about how the door will be used, the level of security needed, and the style and material. Knowing these factors will help you select a latch that offers the right balance of function, security, and design.

To make this choice easier, Emerald Doors offers a wide range of high-quality latches and locks to suit every requirement. Our collection also includes internal doors and external doors that perfectly complement your selected hardware. Whether you’re upgrading for security, enhancing your décor, or both, you’ll find the ideal combination for your home or business on our website.

FAQs on Door Latches

Here are answers to common questions people ask about door latches to help you make the right choice for your home.

What is the primary function of a door latch?

Door latches primarily keep entryways secure by preventing unwanted access and ensuring doors stay firmly shut. They also prevent the doors from swinging open on their own.

Are door locks standard size in the UK?

Most door latches come in standard sizes, but they vary by type. Tubular latches are usually 60mm or 70mm long. Mortice latches have standard depths of 13mm, 16mm, or 25mm. Always measure your door before buying to ensure proper fit.

How do I know what size door latch I need?

Measure your door's thickness and the distance from the door edge to the handle center. Check your old latch if replacing one. Most interior doors use 60mm latches, while thicker doors need 70mm or longer latches.

Can you adjust a door latch?

Yes, you can adjust most door latches. Move the striker plate up, down, or closer to fix alignment issues. Some latches have adjustable bolts you can turn. If the door still won't close properly, you may need professional help.