Types of Door Latches
Latches can be made in various materials as well as finishes and thicknesses depending on the engineering requirements. For instance, engineers can choose a latch that is galvanized to avoid corrosion and ensure the durability even in harsh environments.
Other specifications include the level of security required to secure an application. A hook lock latch, for example, is more secure than hasps, and may require padlocks.
Hook and Eye Latch
The hook and eye latch is a simple way to lock gates, windows, cabinets, and sheds. It is also perfect for securing porches, screens and storm panels. The hook can be screwed in place by hand, without the need for fancy tools. The screw points are sharp and bite into wood quickly and easily for added stability and security.
To determine the proper hook size, first determine the hook type. Crosby Group(c): Look for the type of hook and size embossed close to the eye or clevis of the hook. The size is displayed on both sides. The clevis grab hook features an clevis that can be used for direct attachment to chains, whereas the eye rigging hook features an eye that is large enough for use with synthetic rope or wire rope. Pewag(c): The hook type, size in mm and the alloy grade is engraved on the lower portion of the hook bowl. CMCO Columbus McKinnon (c) Check out the "HA 800" or "HA 800-1000" as well as the size of the hook on the lower portion of the bowl, close to the clevis.
Laclede(c) market the Cartec chainhook. It's easy to spot since it has an elevated "Cartec" embossed near the bottom of the hook bowl and is safety orange or red. Gunnebo (c) and CMCO Columbus McKinnon have their names embossed in the lower portion of hook bowl. Gunnebo also has the swivel hook, which is identified by an "ELD" halfway up the bowl. The hook has a large eye that can spread web and round slings.
Clevis Latch
A clevis latch permits the user to attach the hook of a clevis to an anchor point, and it also helps prevent the hook from coming loose during a load transfer. Clevis latches are available in a variety including those with spring-loaded handles and those with a safety lock. The safety lock is a great option for slip hooks as it ensures that the load will not be removed unless a force is applied inward. This makes clevis-slip hooks compatible with ASME B30.9 Slings Standards and OSHA Regulations.
hook deadlocks has a clevis pin with tang at one end, and a head that is formed at the other. The clevises are made of steel, which provides strength to the latch. They are often coated with silver, zinc or chromium, to resist corrosion. They can also be made harder.
These types of latches are suitable for different purposes, from connecting chains to rigging equipment to securing loads in pickup trucks and trailers. They are also employed for heavy-duty applications, like securing cranes and machinery.
Some clevises are made from pieces that have been machined and others are made of folded pieces molded into them. Their bases have an opening that is threaded or unthreaded, and they can be fastened to other components using an clevis bolt, or a hanger for clevis.
The clevis pin is usually threaded, and it can fit into a hole that's either smooth or slotted. The pin has a larger diameter than a bolt, and it's designed to support massive shearing stresses and support an axial load.
A lot of clevis latches are made to withstand the strain and vibrations of use in harsh environments. Some are designed for overhead lifting. This means that they can support more weight than models that are not hardened. Additionally, a latch that is hardened can be plated with a variety of metals like nickel, silver, and chromium, in order to enhance its resistance to corrosion. Powder coating or painting can be used to improve their appearance and provide color.
Self-closing Lock

The locking mechanism can be as intricate or simple as the overall design. The majority of these devices are made of metals to ensure durability and strength. They may also be powder coated or painted to enhance the appearance of the latch. Regardless of the materials used in their manufacture, latches must be strong enough to withstand being bent, sheared and impact forces. The thickness of the latch's backing plates, barrels, and cams is a crucial element when determining whether they are medium, light or heavy-duty.
The latch you choose should be according to your security requirements and the type of enclosure or door that you intend to attach it to. A lightweight garden gate could, for instance, be secured using hook latch. However, a robust shed requires a combination of a padlock and hasp.
If you have a self-closing latch or not the most important thing is to make sure that it is properly closed. This reduces the chance of accidental disengagement, which can result in workplace accidents. If you are not sure whether the hook is able to be loaded, look for a lock with an internal trigger or stop mechanism.
Another factor to consider is the handedness. Some bolt, rotary and slam designs have been designed specifically for people who are left-handed or right-handed. The left-handed versions are typically placed in the middle of the latch and are utilized on doors that face inward toward the inside of the building. The right-handed models are placed on the outside of the door and are employed on doors that face outward away from the interior of the building.
There are also specialized latch tools designed to get around the Adams Rite style commercial door locking latches that are found on many truck and bus fleets. These devices enter the assembly through a cutout in the door's side adjacent to the latch. They then pull on the swing bar to retract the latch. These tools are available online or at many hardware stores that stock Adams Rite latches.
Keyed Latch
Latches are used to keep gates and doors closed. There are a variety of latches. Each one is designed to serve a specific purpose. Common latches used for doors include hook cam, clevis and hook latches, compression latches, and those that rotate. Some latches are also equipped with locking mechanisms, for example keys for locks or a panic bar. Latches can be made of various materials, with the metals being the most popular. They can also be subjected to secondary procedures to enhance the quality of their surface. Typical finishes for latches include plating, polishing, painting, and coating with powder.
Keyed latches are latch with a cylinder that requires a specific key to unlock it. The pins and tumblers of the cylinders align with the key's cut to unlock the latch. Some locks are equipped with extra features, like anti-pick or anti-drill security.
A hasp is a latch comprised of a steel band and a staple. The staple is attached by hinges to the other end of the strap that has an opening inside it. Other materials like plastic and rubber can be used to create latches, however, metals are more popular due their ability to form, machinability and durability.
Door latches are usually made from metals, however there are exceptions. For instance, some latches are crafted using plastics to lessen the weight of a door or to meet other design requirements. Other kinds of latches can be used for specialized applications like latches designed to be activated by pushing an lever or a handle, allowing emergency exits for buildings and other settings.
There are two kinds of door latches: levers and knobs. Knobs are typically used on older doors, while levers are more prevalent in the latest designs. Some latches can be opened on either side. This is a great option for doors that do not have windows. A the pawl latch is a straightforward form of a cam latch that can be locked with one quarter-turn, or unlocked using a reverse quarter-turn. It is commonly used on electronic enclosures and in buses, trailers RVs and trucks.