What are Cabinet Latches?

A cabinet latch may seem like a strictly functional piece of hardware, but you'd be surprised at the wide range of cabinet latch varieties to choose from. There are child safety cabinet latches and there are also cabinet door earthquake safety latches. Some styles, particularly the intricately carved ones, are also made to complement antique cabinets.

Cabinet latches are relatively easy to install. If you are a do-it-yourself homeowner, you only need a drill and a screwdriver to install these cabinet latches that not only prevent accidents at home but also add a fashionable twist to your otherwise sedate cabinets.

The purpose of cabinet latches

One of the purposes of cabinet latches is to keep important files and papers secure. Another very good use for cabinet latches is to keep dangerous materials away from toddlers who are already able to open unsecured cabinets. The kitchen, for instance, has several cabinets and drawers (e.g., garage bin, glass and silverware storage spaces, cutlery cabinets and storage areas for pesticides and other toxic cleaning materials) that should never be accessed by children. Medicine cabinets in bathrooms should also have cabinet latches, as well as sink cabinets, which usually contain the cleaning materials.

Kinds of cabinet latches

1.A sliding spring latch is a two-piece latch that serves as a shutting device for a load center cabinet. This is made of a sliding latch body with a depressed top surface to aid in engaging the latch body.

2.Glass-door cabinet latches, mainly used for bookshelves and display cabinets, are adjustable. They can be of the hook-type made of metal and are user-friendly.

3.Earthquake safety latches, also known as "positive-locking" latches, are easily opened manually by a pushing or pulling action. However, since they remain closed unless a deliberate push or pull is made, these latches are also called "seismic-resistant" latches. These cabinet latches keep the cabinet doors closed despite the occurrences of mild earthquakes. They are made of tempered stainless steel, are very durable, and have been known to last for years.

The materials used for cabinet latches include cast iron, plastic or steel. These days, the cabinet latch material chosen is closely related to the function of the cabinet latch. To give a rustic and antique appearance to your cabinet, go with brass and copper latches. Cabinet latches manufactured with elastomer or rubber are available in the market.

A few types of cabinet latches you'll find in hardware stores are: draw latches, which are often made of steel and sometimes have a slide safety lever for opening; spring latches, which use a spring mechanism to keep the door shut; and rotary latches, with a new model of this type featuring a convenient push-to-close operation. Spring latches are suitable for storage compartment doors or for industrial enclosure doors. The regular safety cabinet latches are necessary to keep sharp objects and other toxic household cleaners away from the reach of children.