Types of Door Latches
Latches can be made in a variety of materials, finishes, and thicknesses in accordance with the engineering requirements. For instance, engineers can select a galvanized latch to prevent corrosion and maintain durability in harsh environments.
Other specifications include the degree of security needed for the application. For instance hook lock latches is more secure than a hasp lock and could require the use of padlocks.
Hook and Eye Latch
The hook and eye latches can easily be used to secure windows, gates cabinets, sheds, and gates. It's also great for securing porches, screens and storm panels. There aren't any fancy tools needed and the hook can be screwed into place by hand in minutes. The sharp screw points bite into wood easily and efficiently to increase security and stability.
To determine the right hook size, you must first determine the hook type. Crosby Group(c) Find the hook's type and size embossed near the eye or the clevis of the hook. The size is shown on both sides. The clevis grabber hook comes with a clevis to attach directly to chain while the eye rigging features an eye that is large and angled to use with synthetics or wire rope. Pewag(c) hook type, size (in mm) and grade of alloy are engraved in the lower portion of the hook bowl. CMCO Columbus McKinnon(c): Look for "HA 800" or HA 800-1000" and the size of the hook embossed on the lower part of the bowl near the clevis.
van hook locks fitted (c) is the brand that markets the Cartec chainhook. It's easy to recognize since it has an elevated "Cartec" embossed at the bottom of the bowl and is available in safety orange or red. Gunnebo(c) and CMCO Columbus McKinnon both have their names embossed on the lower portion of the hook bowl. Additionally, Gunnebo has a swivel hook that is identified by an "ELD" mark that is located midway up the hook bowl. This hook features a wide eye that is able to distribute webs and round slings.
Clevis Latch
A clevis latch enables the user to attach the hook of a clevis to an anchor point and also helps to prevent the hook from slipping loose during loading transfer. Clevis latches are available in different styles, including ones with spring-loaded handles or ones equipped with safety locks. This latter is perfect for slip hooks since they ensure that the load will not fall off the hook until an inward force is applied. This feature makes slip hooks with clevis compatible with ASME B30.9 Slings standards and OSHA regulations.

A typical clevis latch comes with a clevis pin and tang on one side and a formed head on the other. These clevises are typically made from steel, which provides strength to the latch. They're often plated with silver, zinc or chromium to prevent corrosion. They can be made harder.
These latches are utilized in a myriad of applications, ranging from connecting chains and rigging equipment, to securing cargo in pickup trucks and on trailers. They are also used in heavy duty applications like securing machinery and cranes.
Some clevises have been molded using folded pieces, whereas others are constructed from machined pieces. They have a base with a hole, either threaded or not. They can be connected to other components using a clevis bolt.
The clevis pin is usually threaded, and it can be fitted into a hole that's either smooth or slotted. The pin is larger than a bolt and is designed to withstand large shearing forces and take an axial load.
A lot of clevis latches are made to withstand the stress and vibrations that are common in harsh environments. Some are designed for overhead lifting. This means they are able to support more weight than models that are not hardened. In addition, a latch that is hardened can be plated with a variety metals including silver, nickel, and chromium, to improve its resistance to corrosion. They can be powder coated or painted to add color and enhance their appearance.
Self-closing Lock
The locking mechanism can be as complex or as simple as the overall design. Most often, these devices are made of metals to ensure durability and strength. They may also be powder coated or painted to enhance the latch's appearance. Whatever the material used to manufacture them, latches must be strong enough to withstand being bent, sheared and impact forces. The thickness of the barrels, backing plates, and cams play a major role in determining if they are medium-, light-, or heavy-duty.
The kind of latch you select must be dependent on your security requirements and the kind of door or enclosure that it will be attached to. For example, a lightweight garden gate can be secured by hook latches, while an imposing shed door requires a padlock and hasp combination.
If you are using a self-closing latch or not, the most important thing is to ensure that it is properly closed. This reduces the risk of a mishap that could cause injuries on the job site. If you're not sure whether the hook is ready to be loaded, look for a lock that has an internal stop mechanism or trigger.
Another important consideration is handedness. Certain designs of rotary, bolt, and slam locks are made to be either left-handed or right-handed. The left-handed models are typically positioned in the middle of the latch and are utilized on doors that face inward toward the interior of the building. The right-handed models are positioned on the outside of doors and are utilized to open doors away from the interior.
There are also specialized latch tools designed to bypass the Adams Rite-style commercial door locking latches that are found on a lot of bus and truck fleets. These devices are inserted through a cutout on the side of the commercial door next to the latch. They reach up within the assembly to pull on a swing bar that will retract the latch back into the open position. These tools are available on the internet or in most hardware stores that stock Adams Rite latch products.
Keyed Latch
Latches are utilized to close doors and gates. There are various types of latches. Each has a specific function. The most common latches for doors include hook cam, clevis and hook latches and compression latches as well as rotary ones. Some latches also include locking mechanisms, such as a keyed lock or panic bar. Latches can be made of various materials, with metals being the most popular. They can also undergo secondary processes to enhance their surface qualities. The most common finishes for latches are 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 are aligned with the cut on the key to unlock the latch. Some locks include extra features like antipick or antidrill protection.
Another type of latch is the hasp, consisting of a steel strap and staple. The staple is attached by a hinge to the other end of the strap with slots in it. Other materials like plastic and rubber are utilized to create latches but metals tend to be preferred due to their shapeability, machinability, and the strength.
Metal is the most commonly used material used in door latches but there are some exceptions. For instance some latches are constructed from plastics to reduce the weight of a door or to meet other design requirements. Other latches have specialized uses for instance, latches that are designed to be activated using handles or levers. This permits emergency exits to be made in buildings as well as other settings.
There are two primary kinds of door latches, namely knobs and levers. Levers are more popular on modern designs, whereas knobs are typically found on older designs. Some latches are reversible, meaning they can be opened from either side, which is beneficial for doors that are inside and there are no windows. A"pawl lock" is a straightforward version of a cam lock that can be unlocked by reversing one quarter-turn. It is commonly employed on electronic enclosures as well as in RVs, trailers, buses and trucks.