Latches are used to fasten two doors or surfaces together so that they remain shut and can also be easily opened when required. They may or may not have locking devices and may be simple metal and string mechanisms or complex compression latches to keep large pressurized doors shut.

The materials used to manufacture latches have traditionally been metals since they were known to offer greater protection and durability especially when they contain locking mechanisms. However a variety of materials like plastics, wood, etc can also be used depending on the function and requirements that the latch has to fulfill.

Types of latches:

Snap or Slam latches: These latches are very useful in case of doors that are frequently closed and opened and people have to emerge from the cabinet or room carrying things and hence may not be able to latch the door shut. The snap or slam latch ensures that the door stays shut when it closes without damaging the locking mechanism or the latch itself. These latches have to be maintained well since they perform a heavy-duty function.

Tension/draw latches: are used when you need to bring the doors or surfaces together and keep them shut with the ensuing tension. They usually have a hook or gasket that seals the doors shut and prevents dust, debris and grime from entering. They are used in heavy-duty applications and may also be made of thermoplastic materials to withstand temperature fluctuations and resist damage due to moisture, corrosion and exposure to chemicals.

Bolt latches: or crossbars are the original classic latches and are still seen on doors of homes, offices, schools, etc. They may be made of aluminum, steel, cast-iron or other metals and can also serve a decorative function while including a locking device.

Cane-bolt: latches have a spring-loaded bolt shaped like a cane head which fits into the locking device and helps to latch and lock the door. They are simple latches and can be manufactured in metals or thermoplastics.

Compression and cam latches: work by the movement of a knob/grip which in turn allows a metal protrusion to control the movement of the door. Both door and frame are held together by compression and the locking mechanism may be activated by a key while the latch itself may be exposed or flush within the door-frame as required.

Additionally, there are several other varieties like thumb and finger latches, trigger, pawl, quarter-turn, magnetic, twist and pull, ring and lever latches which can be made of different materials and can perform different functions. Modern key-pad latches use computerized applications to control the movement of the door.

Based on your specific requirements, you can purchase latches from your local hardware retailer or order them directly from the manufacturers based on their on-line catalogs.

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