Door Latches Buying Guide

A tubular latch is a simple door latch commonly used with internal doors where a lock is unnecessary – or if the lock is a separate mechanism. It is operated with a handle or door knob, which releases the tapered ‘tongue’ of the latch from the door frame when the handle is pulled down or the knob is rotated. The latch is installed with the tapered tongue facing the strike plate in the door frame to ensure a smooth closure. 

Tubular latches are easy to use and are widely available at a range of price points and styles. The tapered side of the latch means there’s no need to use the handle to close the door, and tubular latches can be used alongside door closers. 

However, if you’re installing a tubular latch for the first time, you’ll need to cut a mortice into the door, which can be more challenging than installing a surface-mounted latch. Also, occasional maintenance is required to prevent potential stiffness in the latch.

A deadbolt latch combines a lock and latch into a single unit, featuring a simple rectangular tongue that fits inside the strike plate in the door frame. It is commonly used in bathroom doors and can be operated with a thumbturn cylinder. Some deadbolt latches with a BS3621 rating are suitable for front doors, adding an extra layer of security and privacy.

Deadbolt latches enhance security and privacy where it’s needed, such as bathroom doors. They also have a simple design that can be used alongside thumbturn cylinders or keys. 

However, deadbolt latches won’t keep a door closed unless it's locked, unlike tubular latches. Also, you’ll need to keep up with occasional maintenance to remove dust and debris which could cause the latch to get stiff. Make sure to check your deadbolt latch is BS3621 rated if you plan to use a deadbolt latch for home security.

A cabin hook latch has a simple design where a metal hook is attached to one surface, and an 'eye' is attached to the other. The hook simply slots into the eye to keep it closed. This latch can be installed in different ways – parallel to keep doors closed, or in an opposite position to keep doors or windows open. While they’re mostly used for garden gates and sheds, they can also be used inside, such as for bathroom doors or to keep doors open.

Cabin hook latches are cost effective and easy to install. They’re also versatile, as you can use them to keep doors closed or opened – depending on how they’re installed.

However, cabin hook latches cannot be relied on as a security measure as they’re simply unhooked if you want to open the door. If securing a shed, you should combine them with a lock to keep thieves at bay. Also, cabin hook latches cannot be opened from the inside.

A sliding bolt latch is a common type of latch with a straightforward design – a sliding bolt moves across the door and slots into the holder on the door frame. They can be used indoors or outdoors depending on the material and properties, and are commonly used on bathroom doors, shed doors and gates.

Sliding bolt latches are easy to install and use. They are also widespread, so you’ll easily find a range of sizes, materials and styles – no matter your budget.  

However, sliding bolt latches are not a type of robust security measure; their primary purpose is to keep doors closed and offer privacy. Also, over time, without proper maintenance or perfect installation, the bolt may become stiff or challenging to use. To avoid this, keep them clean and free from dust and debris.

A chain latch allows the door to be opened slightly, allowing users to communicate while maintaining a layer of security. The design is simple – a chain is fitted to the door frame which slots into a holder on the back of the door. The chain allows a couple of inches of room for the door to open but cannot be unhooked from outside. They’re commonly used on front doors as an extra security measure, and can also prevent young children from fully opening the door.

The main advantage of chain latches is the extra layer of security they can provide – which is especially ideal for the elderly and the vulnerable. They’re also easy to install. 

However, chain latches should not be relied upon as an alternative to a door lock, as it serves as a second layer of protection only.

Typically mounted on the inside of gates, gravity latches consist of a ‘bolt’ that permanently sits across the gate and frame, and a hook that is lifted to free the bolt. You’ll find gravity latches are self-latching so you don’t need to ensure they close – the bolt simply lifts the hook up when the gate is closing and traps itself. 

The main advantage of a gravity latch is that they’re self-latching, and they’re very easy to use – simply lift the latch to free the bolt. 

However, users should be aware that it cannot be opened from the outside unless it is installed on a short gate that you can reach over. Also, if the gate is forced while the latch is closed, it could potentially cause damage to the gate and the latch, as the timber may snap or bend. Without proper installation, or if the gate doesn't sit perfectly in the frame, the gravity latch may not work as effectively.

A gate latch uses a rectangular 'bolt' which is lifted up and down using a handle or ring to sit in a 'catch.' When lifted, the gate can be opened, and when let down, it is held in place, ensuring the gate remains closed.

Gate latches are simple to use and install, and provide a straightforward way of keeping a gate closed securely. They’ll withstand extreme weather so you won’t need to worry about your gate flying open in the middle of the night and causing damage.  

Similar to gravity latches, they cannot be opened from the outside unless they’re installed on a short gate. You’ll also find that improper installation may lead to stiffness or reduced effectiveness – make sure the gate latch is level and the gate fits perfectly in the frame.

Also known as a Yale lock, a Night Latch is a type of lock with its locking mechanism installed on the surface of the door. The 'catch' or door jamb holds a tapered ‘tongue’ when the door is closed. Cupboard latches share the same design but are smaller and used for keeping cupboards closed.

Night latches and cupboard latches are ideal if you want a layer of security included with your latch. They are designed to self-latch, which ensures the door shuts securely behind you. The snib can also lock it in an open position when needed.

Night latches should only be used as supplementary security – they are not suitable for protecting against intruders on their own.

A spring latch uses a spring to hold a bolt in position and keep a door or gate closed. They automatically spring back to the closed/locked position, resembling a pinball machine. Spring latches are commonly used outside on gates or shed doors.

Spring latches are easy to use and have a robust design, especially compared to some other gate latch alternatives. 

However, dust and debris can accumulate in the spring which may reduce its effectiveness, and make the latch stiff. Keep the lock clean and free from debris to keep it working well. Also, as the spring is open and on display, it could be at risk of damage compared to latches that keep the mechanism housed inside a unit.

A magnetic catch uses magnetic connection to keep doors closed. One half is installed on the door frame, while the other is installed on the door itself. As the door is closed, the magnetic field pulls them together, keeping the doors in position. Magnetic catches are most commonly used on cupboard doors.

Magnetic catches are easy to use and do not need a separate handle to operate – simply open and close the door. They are inexpensive, easy to install, and have a durable design with no moving parts that can become stiff. Magnetic catches also have a sleek, hidden design which makes them perfect for cabinet doors.

Make sure to choose a magnetic catch that is suitable for the weight of the door. Heavier doors will need stronger catches to keep them closed, as the weight from the door can overwhelm the magnetic field.

Loft latches are used by pushing the loft hatch upwards, which releases the latch from the catch and allows the door to open. To close the loft hatch, simply push it upwards again until the latch engages. Loft latches, as the name suggests, are most commonly used in lofts – but they’re versatile and can also be used in cupboards.

The touch mechanism makes loft latches easy to use without the need for knobs and handles – making them ideal if you’re after a sleek design.

However, over time, dust, debris, and natural shifting of the latch could cause it to become loose or stiff. Regularly maintaining the loft latch can prevent these issues.

Roller bolt catches use a ball that slides into the striking plate rather than a tapered 'tongue’ like a tubular latch. Instead of a lever handle, it requires a firm pull to open, making it suitable for cupboards, especially airing cupboards.

Roller bolt catches provide a secure hold and are easy to use. They only need a pull handle rather than a lever handle to operate, which offers greater flexibility. 

However, roller bolt catches may get stiff or loose over time because timber doors may be affected by different conditions such as humidity or low temperatures. The timber can expand and contract which may stiffen or loosen the roller bolt in the striking plate. Also, roller bolt catches, like tubular latches, need to be installed in a mortice in the door.