Common Spring Latches

When it comes to securing doors, cabinets, or compartments, spring latches play an essential role, as these reliable fasteners offer simplicity and effectiveness in various applications. In this blog, we will explore the fundamentals of spring latches, discussing their types, components, and working principles.

Types of Spring Latches

Spring latches come in various types, and we will delve into some of the most common variations to provide you a better understanding of how each type suits specific needs:

Slam Latches: As the name suggests, slam latches are designed for quick and effortless closing, and they are commonly used in automotive applications, such as glove compartments and toolboxes. With their abilities, slam latches are often found in environments where speed and convenience matter.
Lever Latches: Lever latches are suitable for both light and heavy-duty applications, and they consist of a lever mechanism that can be easily manipulated to open or close the latch. These latches are commonly used in cases where a secure yet accessible closure is required, such as in industrial cabinets and enclosures.
Draw Latches: Draw latches are known for their secure and tight closure, and they are frequently used in transportation and aerospace industries to secure doors, hatches, and panels. The draw latch design ensures that the latch remains securely locked, preventing accidental openings.

Components of Spring Latches

To understand how spring latches work, it is essential to know their key components. Here are the main parts that make up a spring latch:

Latch Body: This is the main housing of the latch, typically made of metal or durable plastic. The latch body houses all the internal components and provides the structure for the latch.
Latch Bolt: The latch bolt is the part that engages with the strike plate or keeper to secure the door or compartment. It is often spring-loaded, allowing it to retract when the latch is opened and spring back into place when released.
Spring Mechanism: As the name implies, spring latches rely on springs for their operation, and these springs provide the necessary force to keep the latch bolt engaged with the strike plate. When the latch is released, the spring pushes the latch bolt outwards, allowing for easy opening.
Strike Plate/Keeper: The strike plate or keeper is the counterpart to the latch bolt, and it is typically attached to the doorframe or the surface that needs to be secured. When the latch bolt engages with the strike plate, it prevents the door or compartment from opening.

Working Principle of Spring Latches

Understanding the working principle of spring latches is essential for effective usage. Here is how these latches operate:

Engagement: When you close a door or compartment with a spring latch, the latch bolt on the body engages with the strike plate on the frame or surface. This engagement is what keeps the door securely closed.
Spring Force: Inside the latch body, a spring mechanism exerts force on the latch bolt. This force ensures that the latch bolt remains in the engaged position, preventing the door from opening unintentionally.
Opening: To open the door or compartment, you apply force to the latch, typically by pulling a lever, pushing a button, or turning a knob, depending on the latch type. This action compresses the spring mechanism, releasing the tension on the latch bolt.
Release: Once the spring tension is released, the latch bolt retracts from the strike plate, allowing you to open the door or compartment. The degree of force required to release the latch varies depending on the latch type and design.
Closing: To close the door or compartment again, you simply push it shut. The latch bolt automatically engages with the strike plate, securing the door in place.

Conclusion

In summary, spring latches are a versatile and reliable type of fastener used in various applications, coming in different types to accommodate specific requirements. For all the spring latches and other similar items you require for carrying out operations, look no further than Nascent Aero. We are one of the only independent distributors with a NO CHINA SOURCING pledge, meaning each purchase ships out alongside all relevant qualifying certifications and manufacturing trace documentation. If you are prepared to get started on procurement, do not hesitate to reach out to us today, that way we can help you seamlessly secure every part you desire.