Door handles are functional only if all of their parts are well maintained. If you are replacing a door handle and still opt to use the old door latch, it might not be a good idea. This is because the return springs on the door handles and the latch springs work in sync with each other, which means that the failure of the latch springs will ultimately result in early failure of the door handle. Also read about door handle parts names.
This article is the best buying guide if you are wondering how to select door latches for your newly installed door handle. It will list some tips that should keep in mind when buying them from the market. The durability and functionality of the door handle depend on the latch. Thus, special care should be given when buying them.
So, let's jump right into this article and learn how the right latch can increase the durability and aesthetics of a door handle and how to choose one among thousands of others.
3 Different Types Of Latches
With so many options and designs available in the market related to door latches. Following are some of the types that are the most used and functional among the others:
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Spring Latch
This is the most common type of door latch, usually used in combination with door levers. It uses a spring to extend a bolt into the door frame, which is used for closing and opening the door. It is mostly used in interior and standard residential doors.
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Deadbolt Latch
It is a more secure kind of door latch that uses a deadbolt that is extended into the door frame by turning a key or thumb turn. It doesn't use any spring and is pretty durable. The extended bolt cannot be pushed back easily like the spring latches, which is why they are used in front doors or lockers.
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Slide Bolt Latch
This is not a common type of door latch, and it is not considered secure. It is because it contains a sliding bolt that is manually pushed into the catch or a frame to lock the door. It is operated from on side of the door, and it is sometimes found in the bathroom doors, gates or even sheds.
How To Select Door Latches? 5 Tips
Installing the old latches in the newly installed door handles is not suitable as they are worn out and would reduce their useful life. Therefore, it is always better to choose a new latch. Following are some of the tips for choosing the right one from the market:
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Notice The Spring Strength
There are many door handles that are unsprung, it is important to note as you have to buy the latch accordingly. If it is unsprung, then you would need a heavy-duty latch because all the return force needs to come from the latch itself.
On the other hand, sprung door handles are the most common and require the standard sprung latches. If these are unsprung, it would be mentioned on the website where you buy them. If it is not mentioned, then it is totally reasonable to assume that they are sprung door handles.
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Surface Finish
Once you have determined what type of latch you need for the door handle, it is time to look for the latch's finish that matches the house's aesthetics. The face and the receiver plate should match their finishes to provide a cleaner look to the house.
Most of the time, you would not be able to get the exact match, but the one that is almost similar to your handle finish. If you have installed the chrome-finished door handle or knobs, then it is fine to install the latches that have a silvery finish in case you are unable to find the exact one.
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Size Of The Latch
The door latch sizes are also an important factor to consider. Thus, there is a need to measure the backset, which is the distance between the face plate and the centre of the square spindle hole. It determines how far the handle will be positioned from the door edge. However, the most common latch size is around 2.1/2'' or 63mm, with a backset that is around 44mm.
But if you are not using the lever or door handles, and leaning towards the door knobs, then the latch size of 3'' or 75mm that has a backset of around 60mm would be the best to use. If your house has wide doors, then don't worry; there are many larger and wider latches that can be used on them to provide an overall good appearance.
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Check If Bolt Fixing Is Required.
Another thing that you should look for in the latches when buying them is to check if they require bolt fixing through the holes. There are two cases. The first one is when you are using the door knobs, in which the fixings that pass through the door are more suitable for stronger installation.
On the other hand, the second case requires holes in the latch where the fixings pass through. Both of these requirements should be noted before the purchase so there is no mistake in the installation process. Both of these kinds of latches are easily found in the market at affordable prices.
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Fixing Requirements
The last thing is to check the door latch measurements and fixing requirements. In most cases, the face and receiver plate are the same size as the latch. Thus, if you are replacing the old latches, it would be a consideration to check the sizes of both of them. Even if their dimensions don't match and are a bit bigger, don't worry; it will cover the fixing area.
Also, after the latch is installed, fit the door handle (How to fit door handles) properly so that there is no hindrance in the way, and the body is safe. All the moving parts should be clear from the timber to ensure smooth movements. The installation process for the latch is pretty easy, and more guidance can be read from the installation guide that comes with most of them.
Conclusion
So, how to select door latches for your door handles? We are pretty sure that you have the answer to this now. The door latches should be of the right size with a finish that matches not only the door handle but also the home's aesthetics. The ideal size of door latches is 21. /2'' with a backset of around 44mm. You can easily install them by reading the instruction manual that comes along with it.
FAQs
What is a tubular latch?
This is the most common type of latch out there that has a cylindrical shape. The best thing about this kind of latch is that it is very easy to install and requires the drilling of a single hole through the door. The best way to choose the right tubular latch is to measure the door width, noting the design and finish and then choose the one that matches all the requirements.
What size of latch should I get for my door handle?
If you are wondering how to measure a tubular latch then you should know that the size of the latches depends on the door handles that you are installing. If you have installed the lever door handles, then it is best to use a 76mm tubular latch. On the other hand, the 64mm latch could be used for the backplate, and the 75mm latch is suitable to use with the door knobs.
Which latch is the most secure?
Deadbolt latch is the most secure kind of door latch that you will find in the market. It extends a strong bolt into the door frame with the help of turning a key. It is pretty secure as the bolt can not be pushed with ease like the spring latches.