Types of Door Latches
Latches are available in various materials, finishes, and thicknesses depending on the engineering requirements. Engineers can pick a lock that is galvanized to avoid corrosion and ensure durability in harsh environments.
Other specifications include the security level required for the application. For example, a hook lock latch is more secure than a hasp lock and could require the use of padlocks.
Hook and Eye Latch
The hook and eye latch is a simple way to secure windows, gates cabinets, sheds, and gates. It's also perfect for locking storm panels, porches and screens. No fancy tools are required and the hook can be screwed in manually in a matter of minutes. The sharp screw points bite into wood easily and efficiently for added security and stability.
To determine the right hook size, first determine the hook type. Crosby Group (c): Take a look near the eye or clevis for the type of hook embossed and size. The size is displayed on both sides. The clevis grabber hook comes with the ability to connect directly to chain while the eye rigging features a large, angled eye to use with synthetics or wire rope. Pewag(c) is the hook type, size (in mm) and grade of the alloy are embossed in the lower part of the bowl of the hook. Columbus CMCO McKinnon(c): Look for "HA 800" or HA 800-1000" and the hook size embossed on the lower part of the bowl close to the clevis.
Laclede(c) is the marketer of the Cartec chain hook. It is easy to recognize as it has "Cartec" embossed on the bowl's bottom and safety red or orange. Gunnebo (c) and CMCO Columbus McKinnon have their names embossed on the lower portion of the hook bowl. Gunnebo also has a swivel sling hook, which is identified by an "ELD" midway across the bowl. This hook has a wide eye that can distribute webs and round slings.
hook locks for doors allows the user to attach the hook of a clevis to an anchor point, and also helps to prevent the hook from slipping loose during a load transfer. Clevis latches are available in different styles, like those with spring-loaded handles, or those equipped with safety locks. This is ideal for use with slip hooks because they ensure that the load doesn't fall off the hook unless an upward force is applied. This makes clevis slip hooks compatible with ASME B30.9 Slings standards and OSHA regulations.
A typical clevis latch has the clevis pin as well as tang on one end and a head that is formed on the other. These clevises, usually made of steel to provide strength for the latch, are often plated with zinc, silver or chromium. To prevent corrosion, they're typically coated with chrome, zinc or silver. They can be hardened.
These latches are used in a myriad of applications which range from connecting chains and rigging equipment, to securing cargo in pickup trucks and on trailers. These latches are also employed in heavy-duty applications such as the securement of cranes and machinery.
Certain clevises have been made using folded pieces, whereas others are constructed from machined pieces. They have a base with a hole, either threaded of unthreaded. They can be welded to other parts using the clevis bolt.
The clevis pin is threaded and fitted into a slotted or smooth hole. The pin is larger in diameter than a bolt, and it's designed to support huge shearing stress and support an axial load.
Many clevis latches have been hardened to withstand the stress and vibration of use in harsh environments. Some are rated for overhead lifting. This means they can support more weight than models that are not hardened. A latch that is made of hardened material can be plated in a variety metals, including nickel or silver to increase the resistance to corrosion. They can be painted or powder coated to add color and enhance their appearance.
Self-Closing Lock
The latch's locking mechanisms can be as simple or complicated as the overall design. Most often, the latches are constructed from metals to ensure durability and strength. The use of painted or powder-coated latches can also enhance their appearance. Regardless of the materials used in their manufacture the latches have to be strong enough to withstand being bent, sheared and impacts. The thickness of the latches' barrels, backing plates and cams are the primary factors in determining whether they are medium-, light or heavy-duty.
The kind of latch you select should be dependent on your security requirements and the kind of enclosure or door it will be connected to. A gate for the garden that is lightweight, for example, can be secured using hook latches. However, a robust shed requires the use of a padlock and hasp.

If you have a self-closing latch, or not the most important thing is to make sure that it is properly closed. This reduces the chance of accidental disengagement, which can result in workplace accidents. If you are not sure whether the hook is able to be loaded, search for a lock with an internal trigger or stop mechanism.
Another important consideration is the hands. Certain designs of rotary, bolt and slam latches are specifically made to be either left-handed or right-handed. Left-handed models are usually located in the middle of the latch and are typically used on doors that face inward toward the inside of the building. The right-handed models are positioned on the outside of doors and are designed for doors that face away from the inside.
There are also tools that work around the Adams Rite style commercial door locking latches on many truck and buses. These tools enter the assembly through a cutout in the door's side close to the latch. They then pull on the swing bar to pull the latch back. These tools are available online or at many hardware stores that stock Adams Rite latches.
Keyed Latch
Latches are used to close doors and gates. There are a variety of latches and each has a particular purpose. The most common latches for doors include hook cam, clevis and hook latches, compression latches, and those that rotate. Some latches include locking mechanisms, like a keyed lock or panic bar. Latches are made from various materials, with the metals being the most sought-after. They can also undergo secondary processes to enhance their appearance. The finishes available for latches include painting, powder coating and polishing.
A keyed latch is a latch that has a cylinder and requires a special key to unlock it. The pins and tumblers in the cylinders are aligned with the key's cut to unlock the latch. Some locks have extra features, such as anti-pick or anti-drill security.
A hasp is a type of latch made of a metal band and a staple. The strap has a punched slot at one end which fits over the staple and is attached to the other end of the strap using hinges that allow it to swing. Latches can be made from other materials including rubbers and plastics however metals are commonly utilized due to their formability as well as their machinability and strength.
Door latches are usually made out of metals, however there are some exceptions. Some latches, for instance made of plastic, are designed to help reduce weight or to meet other design specifications. Other kinds of latches can be used for specialized applications, such as latches designed to be activated by pressing a lever or handle, which allows emergency exits from buildings and other environments.
There are two main types of door latches, which are levers and knobs. Levers are more popular on modern designs, whereas knobs are more common on older ones. Some latches are reversible meaning that they can be opened from either side, which is particularly beneficial for doors that are inside and there are no windows. A Pawl lock is a basic version of a cam-lock that can be opened by turning a quarter-turn. It is commonly used in electronic enclosures buses, trailers, RVs, and trucks.