A door latch is a mechanical device used to secure a door by holding it closed. It typically consists of a bolt that extends from the edge of the door into the door frame or door jamb. When the door is closed, the bolt engages with a strike plate or keeper mounted on the door frame, preventing the door from being opened from the outside.
There are various types of door latches, including:
Flat Mortice Latch: This type of latch is recessed into the edge of the door and requires a corresponding cavity (mortice) in the door frame to function properly. Mortice latches are found on most internal doors.
Tubular Latch: Tubular latches are cylindrical in shape and are commonly used in residential doors. They are installed into a bored hole in the door edge and are easier to install than mortice latches.
Roller Latch: A roller catch, also known simply as a roller latch, is a type of door fastener used to keep doors closed. It typically consists of two components: a housing mounted on the door frame or jamb and a roller mechanism mounted on the edge of the door. The roller mechanism usually consists of a cylindrical roller attached to a spring-loaded mechanism inside the housing. When the door is closed, the roller rolls into a recess in the strike plate on the door frame, holding the door securely closed. To open the door, you simply push or pull it, causing the roller to disengage from the strike plate.
Door latches are an essential component of door hardware, providing security and privacy for homes, businesses, and other spaces.