Types of Door Latches
Latches are available in various materials as well as finishes and thicknesses in accordance with the engineering requirements. Engineers can choose a lock that is galvanized to avoid corrosion and ensure durability in harsh environments.
Other specifications include the degree of security needed for an application. For example, a hook lock latch is more secure than a hasp and might require the use padlocks.
Hook and Eye Latch
The hook and eye latch is an easy-to-install method of locking gates, doors, windows cabinets and sheds. It's also great for securing storm panels, porches and screens. The hook can be screwed into position by hand without the use of any fancy tools. The screw points are sharp and can be sunk into wood quickly and easily to provide stability and security.
To determine the right hook size, you must first determine the hook type. Crosby Group(c): Look for the type of hook and size embossed near the eye or the clevis on the hook. The size is displayed on both sides. The clevis grab hook has 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 wire rope or synthetics. Pewag(c): The hook type, size in millimeters and the grade of alloy is embossed on the lower part of the hook bowl. Columbus CMCO McKinnon(c): Look for "HA 800" or HA 800-1000" and the hook's size embossed on the lower part of the bowl, near the clevis.
The Keylab (c) sells the Cartec chain hook. It is easy to recognize as it has "Cartec" embossed on the bowl's bottom and safety orange or red. Gunnebo(c) and CMCO Columbus McKinnon both have their names embossed on the lower part of the hook bowl. In addition, Gunnebo has a swivel hook that's identified by an "ELD" mark mid-way across the bowl. The hook has a large eye that can spread round and web slings.
Clevis Latch
A clevis lock allows the user attach the clevis to an anchor and stops the hook from coming off during a transfer of loads. Clevis latches are available in different styles, including those with spring-loaded handles or those with safety locks. The safety lock is perfect for slip hooks as it guarantees that the load will not be removed unless a force is applied downwards. This feature makes slip hooks with clevis compatible with ASME B30.9 Slings standards and OSHA regulations.
A typical clevis lock consists of an clevis pin that has the tang at one end and a head that is formed at the other. The clevises are constructed from steel, which provides strength to the latch. To prevent corrosion, they're usually coated with chrome, zinc or silver. They can also be made harder.
These latches are utilized in a myriad of applications that range from connecting chains and rigging equipment to secure cargo in pickup trucks and on trailers. These latches are also employed in heavy-duty applications like securing cranes and machinery.
Certain clevises are molded with folded pieces while others are made from machined pieces. Their bases have a hole that's either threaded or unthreaded, and they can be attached to other components using a clevis bolt or a hanger for clevis.
The clevis pin is usually threaded, and can be inserted into a hole which is smooth or slotted. The pin is larger than a bolt and designed to withstand massive shearing forces and take an axial load.
Many clevis latches are hardened to withstand the stress and vibration of use in harsh environments. Some are even certified for overhead lifting, meaning they can support a greater amount of weight than the non-hardened versions. A latch that is hardened can be plated in a variety metals like silver or nickel to improve the resistance to corrosion. Paint or powder coatings can be used to enhance their appearance and give them the color.
Self-Closing Lock
The locking mechanism can be as complex or as simple as the overall design. The majority of these devices are built from metals for durability and strength. They may also be painted or powder coated to enhance the appearance of the latch. Regardless of the materials used in their manufacture, latches must be strong enough to withstand the bending, shearing and impact forces. The thickness of the barrels, backing plates and cams play a major role in determining if they are light-, medium-, or heavy-duty.
The type of latch you choose is dependent on your security requirements and the type of door or enclosure that it will be connected to. A lightweight garden gate, for example, can be secured with a hook latch. However, a robust shed requires the combination of a padlock and a hasp.
It doesn't matter whether you use an automatic latch or not. The most important thing is to ensure that it is closed properly. This reduces the risk of a mishap that could result in workplace injuries. If you're not sure what to look for to determine if a self-locking hook is ready for loading, look for locks with an internal stop mechanism or trigger mechanism that prevents it from opening.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the handiness. Certain types of rotary, bolt and slam latches are designed to be left-handed or right-handed. Left-handed latches are generally placed in the center of the latch on doors that face towards the interior. The right-handed designs are located on the outside of the door and are employed on doors that are facing outwards from the inside of the building.
There are also latch tools designed to get around the Adams Rite style commercial door locking latches that are found in a variety of bus and truck fleets. These tools are inserted through a cutout on the side of the commercial door adjacent to the latch. They reach up within the assembly to pull on the swing bar, which opens the latch to the open position. These tools are available online or at most hardware stores that sell Adams Rite latch products.
Keyed Latch
Latches are used to keep gates and doors closed. There are various types of latches. Each type is designed to serve a specific purpose. Common door latches include hook, clevis, cam, compression, and rotary latches. Some latches have locking mechanisms such as a panic bar or keyed lock. Latches are made from various materials, with the metals being the most sought-after. They may also undergo additional processes to enhance their surface qualities. Common finishes for latches include plating, polishing, powder coating, and painting.
A keyed latch is a latch with a cylinder that requires a key to unlock it. The pins and tumblers of the cylinders align with the key's cut to unlock the latch. Some locks have extra features, like anti-pick or anti-drill protection.
Another type of latch is the hasp made up of a metal strap and staple. The staple is attached using hinges to the other end of a strap with slots in it. Latches can also be made from other materials like rubbers and plastics however, metals are commonly utilized due to their formability, machinability, and strength.
Metal is the most popular material for door latches, however, there are a few exceptions. For instance certain latches are made from plastics in order to reduce the weight of doors or to meet other design specifications. Different types of latches are used for specialized applications such as latches designed to be activated by pressing a lever or handle, allowing emergency exits for buildings and other settings.
There are two types of door latches: knobs and levers. Levers are more popular on newer designs, while knobs are more common on older ones. Some latches are able to be opened from either side. This is useful for interior doors without windows. A"pawl lock" is a straightforward version of a cam-lock which can be unlocked by reverse the quarter-turn. It is typically employed in electronic enclosures, buses, trailers, trucks, and RVs.