101 Guide To Different Door Latch Types

The door latch provides essential safety and security to a place. They are necessary to keep one’s profits safe and protected. With the advanced technology and changing needs, there are different types of door locks according to the requirements. Adding different types of latches would definitely boost the profits of your business. 

But before you start a door latch business, it’s essential to understand the variety that you can offer to your customers. So, here in this blog, we will discuss all the different types of door latches.

What Are Door Latches?

Door deadlatch
Source: Pinterest

Door Latches are used to keep doors closed or open as well as to secure gates and doors to keep people and items within or outside of a certain area. These devices are great for safety and are also a necessity for every place, therefore you can be assured of successful sales in the same. 

Latches may be manipulated in both ways, making them significantly more flexible. The design and part placement of a door latch are vital to its security. Door latches should be installed in a manner that prevents unauthorized access to the door. 

These same latches should be mounted on the inside of the door itself so that when they are closed they prevent the door from being opened. This ensures that the door will be completely secured from unwanted intrusion.

Different Types Of Door Latches

Before investing in the door latches it is quite essential to know about the different types of latches and their functionality. This will help you to make a specific choice for your business requirements. For a diversified product range, you can opt for all types, for a specialty, it would be great to choose anyone. 

Electric door latch types

Electric door latch type
Source: Betechiot

The conventional strike faceplate, which is frequently used to fasten latch bar doors, is replaced by these electric door strikes. 

Once more, electric currents are used in the latch mechanism to lock or release the latch. It is a versatile electronic lock with a wide range of settings depending on how the strike is mounted. 

It is stated that the combination of these electric door strikes greatly influences how effective they are electric electric 

Biometric Technology

Biometric Lock
Source: Betechiot

Biometric locks and equipment represent the pinnacle of lock technology and are more frequently seen in businesses and offices. Those who are given access to the interior must have their fingerprints or retinas scanned in order to open these locks. It is very challenging to disassemble or disrupt this system since the lock mechanism uses special human body characteristics. The efficacy of any security system may thus be increased by using the biometric lock.

Electric Bolt Locks

Electric Bolt Lock 2
Source: Pinterest

These are typically employed on interior doors and cabinets that demand the highest level of protection. Although stronger than deadbolt locks, electric bolt locks are really pretty comparable to them. They are renowned for working with the majority of electric systems. Additionally, electric bolt locks offer simple installation and a variety of failsafe functions.

Digital keypad locks

keypad Lock latch type
Source: Betechiot

Probably the most popular and widely used form of electronic lock is this one. A numerical number or password is necessary to unlock these electronic keypad locks. 

Especially convenient, these do not require actual keys. Security is well-guaranteed despite the fact that they are more pricey than the majority of locks. 

Therefore, it’s critical to maintain the password or numeric code secure and challenging for others to guess.

Locks that use radio frequency identification (RFID)

RFID Security Door Lock
Source: Pinterest

To open doors, the RFID mortise lock system employs a radio frequency device that transmits the signal. The most practical aspect of it is that you don’t have to be close to the entrance to enter. In a high-security facility, an RFID lock system is typically coupled with other locking systems. To remotely open doors within a specific range, authentication devices are utilized.

Bluetooth electronic locks

Bluetooth electronic lock latch type
Source: Pinterest

This sort of electronic lock uses Bluetooth to regulate entry to any door or room just like wifi deadbolt, as suggested by the name. A smartphone or other device that is in close contact with the Bluetooth sensors is required for entrance. The bluetooth sliding door lock is more often utilized in vehicles or places with large populations.

Internal Doors Latches

Flat Latch
Source: Pinterest

While these door latches are often installed into the frame of a door or gate, they do not provide a secure locking mechanism. Instead, these interior door locks guarantee that the door or gate is securely closed when closed.

Tubular Latches 

Tubular Latch
Source: Pinterest 

Tubular latches, one of the most frequent door latches, are also known as mortice latches. This term derives from the way the latch is fixed – or morticed – into the door itself. The latch may now be operated by a doorknob or door handle. When the knob or handle is activated, the doors can be closed or opened. When it comes to interior door locks, these are the most commonly utilized. Digital lock suppliers have combined this latch to electronic door mechanism.

Flat Latches

Latch Lock 1
Source: Pinterest 

Flat latches and tubular latches are both integrated into the framework of a door. As a result, they work similarly to the kind explained above. However, they are more typically utilized with heavy-duty doors that do not require a locking mechanism.

Flat latches are used in the vast majority of internal doors that do not require additional security. Flat latches, like the preceding variety, are operated by a handle. There are different flat locks with a wide range of sizes, materials, and finishes to fit all demands.

Roller Bolt Latches

Roller Bolt Latch
Source: Pinterest

Roller bolt latches are similarly embedded into the rear door. The key distinction between roller bolt latches and the other types of internal latches is functioning. When a roller bolt latch is installed within a door, you may simply pull the door open. 

The actual roller mechanism may be modified, allowing you to fine-tune the amount of force required to pull the door open. This style of the latch is typically found on wardrobe doors.

Spring Latches

Spring Latch
Source: Pinterest

Spring-loaded latches are a common choice for internally installed door latches due to the ease they provide. 

A compressed spring secures the door using this sort of latch. However, this is a heavy-duty latch that is often used in the automobile sector. 

The size of these latches will vary based on the latch’s intended usage. The availability of these latches is different types of materials. 

Stainless steel, on the other hand, is one of the most widely utilized materials for these latches.

External Door Latches

External Door Latch
Source: Pinterest

There are several types of exterior door latches affixed to the door and its frame. While certain types of exterior door latches are typically used inside companies, many are also used outdoors. Installing an exterior door latch is a straightforward procedure that is ideal for individuals who want a latch.

Sliding Bolts Latches

Sliding Bolts Latch
Source: Pinterest 

For many homeowners, bolt locks are an excellent solution. This sort of latch makes use of a metal bolt or lock to firmly fasten a door or gate. 

To unlock the door using this sort of latch, just move the metal bolt to one side. The rod can be used to close the entrance or gate once again.

The door latches lacking a security mechanism imply that anyone with the ability to slide the bolt can unlock them. 

However, there are several different types of bolt locks that will accept a padlock.

Rim Latches

Rim Latch Set
Source: Pinterest

Indoors, rim locks are widely used. In many aspects, this sort of exterior door latch resembles tubular or flat latches with knob handles. However, because these latches are positioned on the outside of a door, they are less secure than mortised door latches, which are incorporated inside the door frame.

Many rim latches are equipped with doorknobs or a cylinder lock mechanism. When looking at rim latches, it is seen that rim locks are frequently listed in the same category. The contrast between rim latches and rim locks is straightforward: rim locks use the same mechanism as rim latches but may also be locked for increased security.

Hooks and Eyes Latches

Hooks and Eyes Latch
Source: Pinterest

Hook and eye latches are the most prevalent type of gate lock. These locks are both simple and effective, making them ideal for outdoor use. As a result, these latches are also known as barn door hooks. This latch, like other latches, is placed using two distinct components.

To begin, an attachment containing the hook is fastened to the gate. The frame is then fitted with an eye. When the hook is inserted into the eye, the gate is securely latched. The installation method is simple due to the fundamental nature of these locks.

Chains Latches

Chain Door Latch
Source: Pinterest

Chain latches are another common form of a latch. This is one of the most unusual locks since it isn’t often used to secure a door. Furthermore, this latch provides somewhat better security than conventional locks.

When the door is unlocked but the chain latch is secured, the individual will be able to open it slightly to peek outside or chat with someone – without having to fully open the door. Because of this versatility, this is a common type of door latch used by the people

Swing-Bars Latches

Swing Bars Latch
Source: Pinterest

This sort of latch is frequently used in conjunction with the primary locking mechanism, such as a deadbolt. As with other locks, there are two components to install. The more crucial swing bar, however, is put on the door frame. A peg is inserted on the door itself that fits into the swing bar. This, like chain locks, allows homeowners to open their door slightly without entirely opening it.

Gravity Latches 

Double Sided Gravity Gate Latch
Source: Pinterest

Another form of door lock is the gravity latch. Unlike the previous two external latches, gravity latches favor convenience above security. This is owing to the fact that these latches are intended to self-latch due to gravity. When one closes the gate, the slatch will slot into position and secure it.

Two components must be inserted once more. Typically, they are positioned on the inside of a fence. A striker will be attached to the gate. The latch mechanism will be put on the frame. When you close the gate, the striker will self-latch once it comes into contact with the mechanism. When put on short gates, these latches may be unlocked from either side. These locks will only be functional from one side of a tall gate.

Ring Latches

Ring Door Latch Set
Source: Pinterest

Ring latches, on the other hand, allow you to open or close the door from any side. Because of their utility, ring locks are a popular choice. Despite being mounted on one side of the gate or door, the latch may be opened from either side by turning a ring-shaped handle. A lot of ring latches may also be locked with padlocks for further security because of this compatibility.

Finger Latches

Finger Door Latch
Source: Pinterest

Ring latches and gravity locks are hybridized into thumb latches. A metal plate and a device known as a thumb depressor are often seen on a gate’s outside. On the interior of your business gate, the latch mechanism with a fastening lever will be placed. The lever on the other side of the gate will open once you depress the thumb depressor. The gate may also be opened from the side on which the latch is fixed. The way these latches help in opening the door is quite similar to the gravity latches.

Night Latches

Prime Line Night Latch
Source: Pinterest

One of the latches that come closest to a door lock is the night latch. On the outside of the door and frame, this kind of latch is put. 

Night latches resemble the rim latches we previously mentioned in terms of appearance. 

This kind of door latch is frequently used in conjunction with another latch or locking device. Night latches, however, are a fantastic extra layer of protection that can be added to doors.

What are Door Latches Used for?

Door Latches
Source: Pinterest 

To secure a door, toolbox, cabinet, or anywhere else that needs security protection, latches are often utilized in a variety of sectors. Some of them include doors and windows in architecture.

Special-purpose latches are used in automobiles as parts of the doors, hood/bonnet, trunk/boot door, seat belts, etc.

A hook latch can be used as a security element for lifting hooks to prevent wire rope slings in the military and weaponry, including weapons and knives with folding or retractable blades.

Truck boxes, freezers, and gates for swimming pools

Design and Specifications of a door latch

door latch
Source: Pinterest

Materials

Metals are typically used to make latches. Carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, and copper alloys are a few examples of these materials. Because of their formability, machinability, and strength, metals are the material of choice for creating latches. Additionally, additional procedures like polishing and coating can enhance the way they look on the outside. 

  • Aluminum

For door latches, aluminum is a fantastic lightweight material. Latch mechanisms made of aluminum are strong and rust-proof. These latches are incredibly reasonable for consumers because aluminum is one of the least expensive materials for latches.

  • Brass

One of the least frequently utilized materials for door latches is brass. In fact, depending on where they live, customers can have trouble finding brass latches. However, it will require frequent polishing to keep the brass level.

  • Bronze 

Bronze locks will cost more than those made of other materials since they are more expensive to produce. In addition to being sturdy, bronze is also resistant to chipping and rust. However, it costs more money for a bronze latch.

  • Chrome

For their brilliant appearance, latches made of chrome material are frequently used. Chrome is less enduring than stainless steel as a latch material, nevertheless.

  • Iron 

Black powder coating, which protects the metal from the elements, is a distinguishing feature of Iron locks. Several design trends work well with this color. Iron locks are notorious for rusting even with this coating.

  • Stainless Steel 

The great durability and pressure resistance of stainless steel are well recognized. White powder-coated stainless steel latches are available, the natural silver hue has a much more contemporary appearance.

Coating and finishing

Latches and other goods can be finished or coated as secondary procedures to improve their surface attributes. Plating, polishing, powder coating, and painting are common secondary procedures used to make locks. A thin layer of metal, such as zinc, silver, or chromium, is created by plating. 

The metal is deposited onto the surface of the component via electrochemical deposition. As a result, the lock has greater resistance to corrosion, making it appropriate for outdoor usage.

Strength

There are three types of latches: light, medium, and heavy. Their backing plates, barrels, and rotors are made of different thicknesses of sheet metal or metal plate. Different thicknesses are also possible for the cams and bolts. They are made to endure forces from impact, shearing, and bending.

Mounting

There are several mounting techniques that may be utilized to install locks. Surface-mounted, mortised, or flush-mounted latches are all acceptable for usage in architectural applications. The latch and door surfaces are levels with a flush-mounted latch.

Handedness

Some bolt, rotary, and slam latch designs, as well as deadlatches, may be used by either left- or right-handed people. With very minor adjustments, the majority of designs are interchangeable. However, if none of these are available, handedness can be identified by seeing where the hinges are located. The left or right-handedness of the door and latch to be utilized is indicated by the hinge position.

How to Measure For Door Latch Replacement?

Latch Bolt Door Lock Replacement
Source: Pinterest 

Identifying the needs is the first step in acquiring door hardware. The door’s thickness, borehole, and cross bore sizes and backset are measured.

  • The metal door knob is fitted and installed in the borehole, which is a sizable hole. The little hole on the door’s edge is the cross bore. 
  • The transverse bore is initially filled with the door latch. 
  • The door knob is fitted after the latch is inserted into the huge borehole. 
  • The backset is the distance between the door’s edge to the huge bore hole’s center. 
  • The backset is often 2 3/8″ or 2 3/4″. The majority of doors have a backset of 2 3/8″, however, some (mainly outside doors) have a backset of 2 3/4″.

Some door knob manufacturers do not send their hardware with an adjustable backset, despite the fact that many do. 

Doors can range in thickness. Interior doors are typically 1 3/8 in “thick. Exterior doors are commonly 1 3/4” thick. The majority of door hardware producers design their products to meet these common thicknesses.

Tips for Latches Selection

Wood Latch
Source: Pinterest

There are a number of things to take into account when purchasing a latch for a particular application.

  • A cam latch is the best option if there is a need to install a door latch for the security of an office cabinet or a tiny piece of hardware.
  • A push-button latch or pull latch will suffice if the compartment is compact and concealed.
  • A sliding bolt latch can be used if the door is rusty or a little shaky and needs a bit of stabilisation
  • A cam lock or slam latch should be used if there is a need to install a concealed latch. Additionally, there are surface, flush, and blind-mounted locks.

Different businesses may select and purchase finger pulls, handles, keys, knobs, levers, pull rings, pushbuttons, triggers, and sliding bolts depending on the actuation mechanism or how the latch shuts.

The specifications and parts of a latch plays a major role in its selection. Before making a purchase for your business keep in mind certain factors:

  • Get a specific measurement from the edge of the door to the other end. 
  • Keep in mind that the handle stays in the central position. 
  • Every latch has a specific purpose and function, make sure you select the latch as per th needs. 
  • Additionally, determine whether the latch fits the organization’s demands or plans. 
  • If your requirement is for custom latches, send the manufacturer or supplier a detailed list of your requirements to get exact results. 

Conclusion 

This guide should have helped to learn what there is to know about door latches, their uses, and how to measure door latch replacement.  Are you looking for a reliable manufacturer for your door latch business? Consider visiting digital lock company be-tech for a wide range of advanced smart locks that are simple to integrate, it’s one of the best globe smart door lock manufacturers with various patents and certificates.

Blogs you may be interested in:

  1. Bluetooth door lock choose guide
  2. Difference between Deadbolt vs knob lock vs handle lock
  3. What is RFID door lock
  4. How does RFID door lock work
  5. 101guide to different types of deadbolts
  6. Buying advice on Bluetooth door lock

Wonderful! Share this Case:

Table of Contents

Reach Greater Business Heights by Partnering with Be-Tech

 Be-Tech, with its experienced specialists, specializes in manufacturing electronic smart locks and supporting one-stop smart lock solutions for the global market. We will respond to your requirement as soon as possible upon the return.

Contact Info

Canton Fair

Leading Keyless Solutions since 1992

Copyright © 2021, Be-Tech Asia Limited. All rights reserved.

Get in Touch

    We respect your confidentiality and all information are protected.Please upload only jpg, png, pdf, dxf, dwg files within 10MB.

    Get in Touch

      We respect your confidentiality and all information are protected.Please upload only jpg, png, pdf, dxf, dwg files within 10MB.