Different Types of Latch Locks
A latch lock is commonly used to secure one surface (door) to another surface (frame) this is typically done usually with a padlock which engages once the latch has been shut, the part of the lock which moves is the metal panel (i.e. latch) and the fixed part of the mechanism is called the keeper or striking plate. a latch lock can range entirely in its form of complexity and how secure it is, the following are types of latch locks;
- One of the most common types is a spring-loaded bolt or metal bar, which is engaged when the door is shut this is achieved with a spring-loaded mechanism, to release the latch a thumb point is used to lift the latch and disengage the door from the lock.
- Dead Lock Type. this type of lock is used most commonly on office and residential exterior doors because the spring latch will engage the locking mechanism when the door is closed meaning that a handle entry is not possible from the outside without a key without having to fully lock the door from the inside.
- Cross bar Type. this is one of the most primitive and a relatively low security type of latch lock, the mechanism consists of a bar which is secured with fixing plates and slide across in front of the door opening into another fixing plate with a small handle to operate. a very primitive version of this lock is a wooden beam that is placed in front of the door fixed on with angled fixing plates preventing entry to the interior.
- Cabin Hook Type. this is one of the most common latch locks, which is used in conjunction with a padlock. a Latch is used which then hooks over a staple, the staple is attached to a fixing plate where the screws are hidden when the latch is in locking position and a padlock is added to prevent entry to the door. An alternative type of cabin hook is a staple attached small metal hook, which fits into an adjacent staple on the opposite surface meaning that entry from the exterior is difficult but not impossible without having the hook disengaged.
- Cam Type. this type of lock is used on lockers in places such as schools, colleges and universities. this is so that students can secure their lockers with the use of a padlock in some cases a small combination padlock ensuring that the person/s do not lose any keys. The cam type of this is very similar in mechanism to the cabin hook latch lock in where a padlock is placed over the latch cam lock when in the locked position to secure the device.
