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They were common from the 17th century to around 1825, and their lack of a back plate made them different from the later, and neighbouring Norfolk latch (introduced 1800–1820). They have recently come back into favour, particularly on garden gates and sheds. The Suffolk latch originated in the English county of Suffolk in the 16th century and stayed in common use until the 19th century. Introduced around 1800–1820, Norfolk latches, originating in the English county of the same name, differ from the older Suffolk latch, which lacked a back plate to which the thumbpiece is attached.Ī Suffolk latch is a type of latch incorporating a simple thumb-actuated lever and commonly used to hold wooden gates and doors closed. In a Norfolk latch, the handle is fitted to a backplate independently of the thumb piece.
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A slam latch is rugged and ideal for industrial, agricultural and construction applications.Ī Norfolk latch is a type of latch incorporating a simple thumb-actuated lever and commonly used to hold wooden gates and doors closed. The slam latch derives its name from its ability to slam doors and drawers shut without damaging the latch. Like all latches, a slam latch is a mechanism to hold a door closed. Spring bolt lock (or night latch): A locking mechanism used with a latchboltĪ slam latch uses a spring and is activated by the shutting or slamming of a door.Doesn't need to be fully closed to secure both halves. Frequently used on tool boxes, chests, crates and windows. Draw Latch is a two part latch where one side has an arm that can clasp to the other half, and as it closes the clasp pulls the two parts together.This arrangement prevents the latchbolt from being depressed through the use of a credit card or some other tool, which would lead to unauthorized entry. The strike plate, however, holds the guardbolt in its depressed position: a mechanism within the lockset holds the latchbolt in the projected position. When the door is closed, the latchbolt and guardbolt are retracted together, and the door closes normally, with the latchbolt entering the strike plate. Deadlocking latchbolt ( deadlatch) is an elaboration on the latchbolt which includes a guardbolt to prevent “shimming” or “jimmying” of the latch bolt.The latchbolt is disengaged (retracted) typically when the user turns the door handle, which via the lockset's mechanism, manually retracts the latchbolt, allowing the door to open. Once the door is fully closed, the bolt automatically extends into the strike plate, holding the door closed. When the door is pushed closed, the angled edge of the latchbolt engages with the lip of the strike plate a spring allows the bolt to retract. Latchbolt or Latch bolt An extremely common latch type, typically part of a lockset, it is a spring-loaded bolt with an angled edge.The locking mechanism typically prevents the bolt from being retracted by force. The bolt can be engaged in its strike plate only after the door is closed.
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