Types of latches for interior doors. Interior door latch: magnetic, with a lock, silent Latch for the front door without a key

A door latch is a mechanism designed to hold the door leaf in a closed position without using a key. There are many design varieties of these devices; they are used on both external and interior doors.

The valve can be either an independent separate structure or part of a rotary mechanism. Some devices have a quick lock feature. This kind of latch on an interior door can be installed in a bathroom, bedroom or office.

Latches for interior doors can be combined with lever, cylinder, electric or combination type locks. The latches are not mounted together with rack and pinion locks.

Latches are:

1. With metal tongue. The most popular type of latches.
2. With plastic tongue. Same design as metal, but less noisy.
3. Roller or ball. The door is held in place by a round ball, which is pressed by a spring.
4. Magnetic. The canvas is fixed by exposure to a magnet.
5. Electromechanical. Used to implement remote or contactless access control to premises. An RFID card or key fob can be used as a key.

False

These are automatic door latches that tend to slam shut spontaneously. Fixation occurs using a spring-loaded, pointed tongue. When closing, it slides along the back bar, and then enters the socket under the influence of a spring, which acts on compression, fixing the blade.

When the handle is pressed, the valve is released. On some lock models, you can hide the latch tongue with an additional turn of the key.

With lock

The device is equipped with a latch that securely holds the door latch tongue inside the structure. It locks in the closed position.

The latch prevents spontaneous slamming. Rotary handles serve not only to open the mechanism, they can also act as a decorative part of the door leaf. Devices with plastic reeds make much less noise than those with metal ones.

Roller

In this version of the latch mechanism, the latch is a spring-loaded rotating roller, which, when closed, falls into a special groove. To open the door, you need to apply a little force.

The groove is shaped in such a way that when moving, the ball is pressed into the door body, releasing it. A roller is an independent structural element that is not rigidly attached to locking bolts, springs or handle.

The ball system serves to secure the door structure when closing, but cannot be used for locking. It is best to use such products in double-sided swing door structures.

Magnetic

A simple magnetic door latch is not much different in design from the latch on the facades of furniture cabinets. The main element of the latch is located on the door frame, and a metal plate is attached to the door leaf. When closed, the magnet attracts the metal strips to itself, fixing the door. This system is functionally similar to roller locks.

More complex devices use a rotating magnetic bolt, which, when closed, is retracted into a socket cut into the opening. The mechanism is always opened using rotary handles. The advantage of such designs is absolute noiselessness during use.

Primary requirements

In our age, there are more and more burglars, so increasingly stringent requirements are placed on latches, even though this is simple protection for interior structures.

Basic requirements:

• Reliable fixation of the door in the closed position, because no one wants the door to open due to a draft or even a simple touch.
• Silent operation of the mechanism when opening and closing the structure. A constant clicking sound will not add comfort to our lives.
• Uninterrupted operation of the mechanism. Agree, this point is very important, since the inability to leave the room can greatly interfere with everyday life.

Classification of latches by installation method

The interior latch can be installed:

1. Inside the door. The latch has a nice appearance since most of the device is hidden behind the panel. Installation of the mechanism is difficult.
2. On the door. The locks are attached directly to the surface of the door leaf, which negatively affects the interior of the room. But installing such latches does not require much effort or a wide range of tools.

Latch Add-ons

The valves can be supplemented with:

• Fasteners. Such latches are installed in the bathroom or bedroom, as they not only allow you to secure the door, but also prevent unwanted entry into the room.
• Locks for interior doors. Add-ons are intended for installation on the doors of office premises or personal offices.

Installation

To install locks and latches, it is better to use a specialist who specializes in their installation and production; finding a specialist will not take much time.

If desired, you can install the latch yourself. Installing overhead latches on interior doors will not cause any difficulties, since they are fixed directly to the door leaf using bolts. Installation is carried out as follows:

1. Using a pencil, we make markings for the future pen. When applying it, we indicate the location of the locking mechanism, the area of ​​fastening the door handle and the strip with the socket. It is important that the valve is raised at least one meter from the floor.
2. Drill a hole to install the product. We make a hole for the locking mechanism using a feather drill, and for the handle using a crown.
3. At the end of the door we make a niche for the latch strip.
4. We place the device in the finished hole. We fasten the end plate with bolts.
5. Attach the handle.
6. We install a strike plate on the opening that grips the latch tongue. Before fastening, we excavate the wood, forming a groove.

By repeating these steps in reverse order, you can disassemble and remove the latch for repair. A correctly dismantled latch can be reinstalled in another or the same door after repairs.

Required Tools

Tools you will need to install locks include:

• tape measure and pencil to mark;
• drill and set of drills;
• chisel;
• hammer;
• screwdriver;
• several screws.

The lock and latch are installed using the same tools.

As a conclusion

Door latches are quite popular these days. Their choice in terms of type, functionality, purpose, reliability, and so on is huge. Therefore, if you decide to install such a mechanism on a door, then you should carefully consider the characteristics, take into account where the door structure will be installed, and how reliable the locking mechanism should be. By paying attention to even the little things when choosing, you can save yourself from some problems in the future.

Door lock components

Security is a fundamental human need, which translates into strong doors and secure locks. Today, requirements for the safety of premises place high demands on the production of locking mechanisms for entrance doors.

Therefore, the design of a door lock is constantly undergoing evolutionary development, because it is this device that is responsible for the emergence and fencing of each person’s personal property. But how to choose a truly high-quality and reliable lock? What types exist and what are their main differences? Let's look at different designs of devices with handles and latches.

Nowadays, if necessary, it is not as easy to choose a door lock as it might seem, since there are a huge number of different models on the shelves in stores. Over the past 10 years, the range of such products has expanded significantly, but the basis has not changed; according to the design of the door lock, the following types are distinguished:

• mortise;
• invoices;
• hanging or barn;
• level;
• coded.

The greatest demand is for overhead and mortise locks, and all other devices are non-standard solutions; their market share is no more than 7%. Thus, we will consider the structure of the door mechanism of two main categories.

Design of the attachment

The simplest locking door designs that do not cause harm to the door during assembly and installation are considered to be overhead locks with a latch. Such mechanisms are installed on the inside of the door directly on the leaf, so the massiveness of the door also plays an important role in the level of protection.

The rim lock is designed so that it can be opened with a key or from the inside using a special rotary element. To increase the reliability of the mechanism, additional elements such as a safety valve or wedge latch are often used. Like any similar lock, overhead locking mechanisms with a latch are characterized by the following indicators:

• secrecy;
• reliability;
• resistance to burglary.

These are the main criteria that you should focus on when choosing and purchasing a good lock for an interior or entrance door. To get acquainted with the locking escutcheon mechanism in more detail, let’s consider the design of the lock, which contains the following elements:

• housing with a locking mechanism (latch);
• drive lever;
• face plate;
• reply part.

The structure of mortise and overhead locking devices differs little from each other, but there are still differences in the types of security mechanism, design and the presence of a latch or handle. Therefore, for comparison, we will consider another type of design.

Structural features of the mortise device

Another popular model is mortise locks with handle. These are practical, ergonomic and easy-to-use devices. There are lever and cylinder types of such mechanisms.

Door lock design

This type of lock is also good because its design is inconspicuous, so it will not spoil the appearance of the door, but at the same time will be able to protect the room from unwanted entry. When choosing such a device with a handle, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

• secrecy;
• design;
• material of manufacture;
• manufacturer.

The entire structure can fit inside the door leaf, leaving only handles and keyholes on the surface on both sides, which complicates the task of intruders. The mortise device has the following components (see photo):

• face plate;
• latch mechanism bolt;
• frame;
• drive lever;
• main bolt

This device is well suited for almost any door. The body of a mortise lock with a locking mechanism is installed in a niche of the door leaf, and a side bar with a handle is attached to both sides.

The door is fixed in the closed position by means of bolts pulled out from the body - latches. Moreover, the greater the number of the latter elements, the more reliable the protection of the room. A mortise lock is relatively easy to install - you can install it yourself, without the involvement of specialists.

False handles: purpose and characteristics

Latch handles differ from other types of door hardware in that they are push-type and must be equipped with a latch that allows the door to be secured in the closed position.

Without door handles, using the door will be very inconvenient, or even impossible: it will not be possible to open it. When choosing door handles, you need to carefully study the differences between models and their features. The following types of door handles are distinguished:

• staples (the simplest and most uncomplicated option; such products have no connection with the locking mechanism and only help to open the door);
• latch handles: push products are distinguished (can also be called halyard handles (press); by far the most common type.

Pressing devices, also called halyards, are used for installation in both interior and entrance doors of various types (wooden, plastic, metal, profile, right or left opening). The latch handle is usually connected to a locking mechanism or latch, so the product can guarantee reliable and tight locking of the door leaf.

Foley handles have the following advantages and features:

• ergonomics (this type of fittings is extremely convenient to use);
• ease of installation and use (to open the door you just need to lightly press the handle);
• reliability and long service life (at least 250 thousand opening-closing cycles, which is ten years of uninterrupted operation).

In the manufacture of latch handles, only high-quality and durable materials are used: Tsamak alloy (zinc, copper, magnesium and aluminum), they are also made from brass and regular or stainless steel. Stainless steel products are characterized by a long service life and resistance to external factors.

Foley handles are additionally coated with a special galvanic composition, which increases resistance to corrosion, and undergo various tests and inspections to ensure compliance with standards. You can buy halyard handles in the following modifications: with a lock, with a lock key or without a lock. Latch handles are available in different colors, so you can choose a product to match the interior of the room: metallic bronze, gold, copper, chrome, nickel (there are also matte color options).

Even a beginner in this matter can install a halyard handle: the product comes with installation instructions, a template, fasteners and a strike plate. The thickness of the door leaf should be approximately 35-45 mm, otherwise the fittings will be impossible to install.

Sections of the article:

Most often, locks are installed only on entrance door blocks. In other cases, latches are used for interior doors. Locking mechanisms with key cylinders are more often used in office premises. A lock with a lock is mostly relevant in the bathroom. Therefore, it is necessary to select the most suitable products for interior door panels.

Types of latches

For use in interior doors, latches without a latch are installed, allowing the door to be held closed without locking it, or products containing a latch and limiting the possibility of opening the door from the outside.

There are these types of latches:

• Hazel, having a mechanical tongue element;
• With a lock;
• Roller;
• Magnetic.

Hale latches

A design feature of such mechanisms is the presence of a beveled tongue. When closing, the tongue falls into a special hole with grooves that prevent the door leaf from spontaneously opening. At the moment the grooves pass and the tongue hits the mating side, a characteristic click is heard.

The door leaf is opened by turning the handle, which drives the internal spring mechanism. As a result of this action, the internal spring is compressed and the reed element, being pulled inward, is released from the grooves.

This type of latch for interior doors is quite popular and is mounted on push and turn type products. Rotary handles in most cases have the shape of a circle or oval. Such products are called knob handles.

Door handles with a lock

Based on the principle of operation, such latches are very similar to locks. A special feature of the design is the use of a lock with a special twist as a key. The product can be installed either on the door handle bar itself or at a short distance from it.

Thanks to this fixing element, opening the interior door leaf becomes impossible. However, there is an exception. In the so-called plumbing latches for interior doors, it is possible to open the door from the outside. This feature is created for security purposes.

Roller

In most cases, such latches are used in interior door leaves mounted on hinge mechanisms with springs inside. During the process of closing the door leaf, the roller element falls into a special recess on the strike plate. Thanks to this, the door is fixed in the closed position. Returning the blade to the “open” state with such a latch mechanism is quite simple. To do this, the canvas is pulled towards itself with little effort.

Due to their properties, such devices are perfect for installation in the doors of children's rooms. Also, such fittings will be the best solution for pendulum-type door leaves, as it will make it easy to open and close the door in both directions.

Magnetic

These products are almost silent. Instead of a tongue or ball, they have a special magnetic element. The strike plate also contains a magnetic insert. Closing of the canvas is carried out due to the physical properties of the product to be polarly attracted.

The advantage of this design is that the quality of the latch does not depend on the accuracy of the blade installation. Even if the door is significantly skewed, closing will be quite effective. Silent latches, installed for various types of interior doors, have a fairly simple appearance and principle of operation. However, there are products with the function of extending magnets. Such devices are similar in principle to latches that have a retractable tongue.

Product selection

In most cases, the choice of mechanism is based on visual preferences and based on the functional features of the product. However, in addition to this, you should pay attention to the reliability of the design and the manufacturer. Having a manufacturer's warranty is also an advantage.

Installation procedure

To carry out installation, you need to prepare a number of tools. So, you will definitely need:

• Drill with drills;
• Screwdriver;
• Small chisels or fraser;
• Hammer;
• Carpenter's knife.

In addition, to make markings you need a pencil and a ruler, a square or a protractor.

The latch is installed at a height of 1 m from the floor. The choice of such a distance for installation is due to the presence of a stiffening beam installed by most manufacturers in the interior door in this place. For precision drilling of the hole for the mechanism, double-sided markings of the blade are made on the end part using a pencil and ruler. After this, the mechanism itself is applied to the canvas and a mark is made for the future location of the handle. The standard size of the latch mechanism is 6 and 7 cm.

Taking into account the advice of builders, it is best to start the process of drilling a hole at the end of the canvas. And when a through hole is drilled in the door using a 5 cm crown, the chips will freely exit through the existing gap and not get clogged into the drill.

Initial drilling is carried out using a feather-type drill at a distance equal to half of its blade. Subsequently, leveling is performed using a conventional drill and a framer, or a chisel of a suitable size. A strip of the latch mechanism is applied to the end of the door for marking. The edges of the part are outlined with a sharp knife to determine where to remove the decorative door covering. Using a chisel, the site for future installation of the strip is trimmed to such an extent that after installing the lining, the end part is absolutely flat along its entire length.

After this, holes for the door handles are drilled. It is worth considering that in the process of making a through hole, the veneer surface can easily be damaged by one-sided impact. Therefore, as soon as the tip of the drill appears on the opposite side during work, the drill must be turned off and work continued on the opposite part of the door leaf.

When all the holes are drilled, they are aligned using a chisel. After this procedure, the product can be inserted into the finished niche. A strip is applied to the end part, which is fixed in place using self-tapping screws of a suitable size. To install the handle itself, it must be disassembled. This is done by completely unscrewing one of the locking screws. The second screw is easy to loosen.

After inserting the door handle, the loose fasteners are tightened. Such actions are necessary to keep the central pin in the correct position during installation. Then the second door handle is fitted on the opposite side and the locking screw is screwed back into place. After this, the handles are secured to the surface of the canvas using self-tapping nails and decorative elements are put on.

The final stage of installing a latch for an interior door is installing a “return” limiting plate on the frame. For proper installation, the door is covered until it touches the tongue or other element of the frame leaf used in the latch. After that, using a simple pencil, the place of movement of the part along the end part of the structure is marked.

Using a ruler, calculate the distance from the front side of the canvas to the middle of the latch mechanism. Based on the data obtained, the exact position of the tongue on the door frame is marked at the moment it is completely closed. At this point, a hole of a width and depth suitable for the tongue is drilled.

It is imperative to cramp the location of the striker itself. It, like the latch cover, must form a single, flat plane with the surface of the frame. After preparing the box, the return limiting plate is fixed to it using self-tapping screws.

In some models, door latches are supplied with special plastic linings for installation in the frame of interior doors. This cell allows you to protect the inside of the latch mechanism from possible chips coming from the reed hole of the frame during use.

Finishing work on apartment renovations includes the installation of interior doors, often with a magnetic mechanism. Their kit includes a door leaf and racks from which the frame is assembled. Doors installed between rooms do not include fittings, so they must be purchased separately. A magnetic latch for interior doors is one such element.

Interior door latch device

This is a simple product with a lock that is built into the handle or installed separately. The device is necessary for simpler and more convenient opening/closing of the valves, while at the same time they are characterized by an attractive appearance. The mechanism ensures that the door leaf closes tightly. Thus, the room remains warm, and noise does not spread throughout the rest of the room.

The likelihood of injury is also minimal. For example, due to a draft, a door that is not equipped with a latch may slam shut abruptly, hitting the owner. There are several types, the differences between which are in the design and working mechanism.

Types of door latches for interior doors

To satisfy the needs of the buyer, manufacturers offer several options for latches. Below are the most popular latches for interior doors.

Latch with handle

Another name for them is push-on. When you press the handle, the latch moves, which securely holds the interior door in the closed position. Due to its wide distribution, this model can be found both on interior and entrance panels. Often this type is supplemented with a locking mechanism.

There are two subtypes of this design:

• with a fifth base (with point fastening);
• with an oblong bar that allows you to change the position of the keyhole.

Magnetic interior door latch

A magnetic device with almost silent operation - when closing the door leaf, you will not hear a click, as happens with the halyard mechanism. The main difference is simple installation. There is no need to carefully adjust the interior door to the frame, since the magnetic product can work perfectly, even if the door leaf is slightly skewed.

As for the design, it is quite simple, because it consists of only two elements: a metal plate and a magnetic block. There are also more complex mechanisms of magnetic latches. For example, a locking device has a moving magnet in its design.

Latch for interior doors with lock

Hitch latches, unlike magnetic ones, are equipped with a mechanical tongue. The purpose of the beveled tongue is to prevent the door from opening arbitrarily. To do this, it must fall into a specially shaped groove. If everything is correct, a click will be heard. To open such interior doors, just turn the handle: the mechanism is activated, compresses the spring and releases the tongue.

This design has become widespread, so it can be found on most push and turn handles. Rotary products are made in the shape of a ball or oval (sometimes a cylinder), and they are called knob handles.

The latch itself can be push-button or lever. Its task is to limit functionality on one side of the canvas. Such locks are most often installed on the doors of a bedroom, office or bathroom.

Advantages of latches with a lock:

• simplicity;
• easy installation of a latch into an interior door with your own hands;
• range.

But there are also disadvantages. For example, the weak point of an interior door latch with a latch is the locking mechanism itself, which has low resistance to damage.

Silent latch for interior doors

Silent latches make the consumer's life a little more comfortable, especially options with a magnetic base.

• devices with a tongue and a plastic internal mechanism;
• magnetic latches.

Both options are progressive when compared with traditional mechanisms, which is why they are being purchased more and more often. Magnetic types are now actively produced by the Chinese market, but products with plastic are less common due to their price.

Dimensions of interior door latch

When choosing door hardware (especially magnetic), you should pay attention to its size. The main parameters include:

• length is of no small importance, especially if the canvas is decorated with glass or other decorative elements;
• width - should be less than the canvas itself;
• length and width of the fixing strip (located at the end of the door).

The dimensions of the interior door latch are individual for each product.

How to choose the right interior door latch

There are several points based on which you can choose the appropriate mechanism:

• the latch must be of high quality and reliable (without chips, scratches, with a durable color);
• if the choice falls on magnetic fittings, then you need to check the magnet itself;
• It’s worth assessing how comfortable it is to hold onto the door handle, since you will have to interact with it every day;
• door fittings must match the interior and decoration;

  Important! The handle is chosen in the same color as the hinges with the lock.

• the location of the rooms and their functional purpose are taken into account: the same models are often chosen for adjacent rooms, but if the interior doors are located at a distance from each other, then different options can be considered;
• degree of load on the handle - if you install flimsy magnetic fittings on a powerful massive door, it will quickly become unusable;
• When coming up with original solutions, you shouldn’t overdo it; an elaborate model will look ridiculous in an apartment with a regular renovation, but a simple one with a magnetic element will suit any interior.

Handles are made from different materials; the consumer’s choice often stops at the following options:

1. M metal Such products are the most durable and wear-resistant. By applying different coatings, you can get a new solution in terms of color and texture. The most popular models are made of brass; they combine quality and price. The main disadvantages of metal products are that the surface always remains cold, and budget options quickly lose their attractiveness.
2. Tree. Best suited for canvases made of similar materials (solid or veneered). For their manufacture, wood of various species is used, including valuable ones. Decorative inserts, inlay or carving can serve as decoration. This solution is not suitable for kitchens and bathrooms due to low resistance to high humidity.
3. Glass. These products will be a wonderful decoration for any interior. But they are fragile and expensive.
4. Plastic. Such accessories are the cheapest and short-lived. They are installed in rooms such as utility rooms. Disadvantages: low quality, unpresentable appearance.

How to install a latch on an interior door

The installation procedure is as follows:

1. To make it more convenient to work, the canvas is removed from its hinges and secured to a stand.
2. Next, markings are applied to the canvas. The optimal height from the bottom of the door is 95 – 100 cm. At the same stage, mark the installation locations of the handle and latch. To make the work easier, use a template (often it comes complete with a latch).
3. For the latch, a hole is drilled from the end, and for the handle - from the front side. Experts advise starting from the front side.
   
   
4. On the sides of the hole prepared for the latch (magnetic or simple), there will be a niche where the mounting plate is inserted.
   
   
5. Install the lock and secure it using the mounting bolts included in the kit.
6. Attach the handle of the fixing element. Each device is supplied with the correct installation diagram. As a rule, the handle is first disassembled, after which its individual elements are attached.
   
   
7. The final stage is the installation of the striker plate, where the fixing tongue will go. To do this, make a niche opposite the castle and install a bar there.
   
   

Important! If the latch is installed correctly, it will not touch elements or make creaking sounds during operation.

You need to know how to use a magnetic lock correctly - only in this case will it serve for a long time and reliably. Here are some simple rules:

• the magnetic element and the strike plate must be cleaned of adhering debris and metal dust;
• To ensure the downforce declared by the manufacturer, it is better to follow the instructions during installation. The recommended gap size is important - if you “deviate” from the parameters even by a couple of millimeters, the holding force will decrease, this also applies to the magnetic latch;
• to prevent oxidation of the magnetic mechanism, all elements are wiped from moisture;
• check the fastenings of the lock, magnetic block and mating part; if necessary, tighten the screws.

A properly installed magnetic lock can last for many years.

Conclusion

A magnetic latch for interior doors is a reliable product with a simple design, designed for a considerable service life. They are also popular due to their simple installation, which even a beginner can do.