Door Latch Types

When it comes to internal door latch types, there’s more choice than you might think. Depending on the door, the room and how often it’s used, some latches are better suited than others. Common types of latches include tubular latches, mortice latches, night latches, rim latches and privacy latches.

What is a tubular latch?

A tubular latch is one of the most common internal door latch types. It’s a simple mechanism that fits inside the edge of the door and works with a handle or knob. When you turn the handle the latch retracts. And when you release it, the latch extends to keep the door shut.

Tubular latches are easier to install than some other types of latches, and they come in loads of different sizes. They’re an affordable, low-hassle option. They’re perfect for lightweight internal doors that need to stay closed, but don’t need to lock (like kids’ bedrooms).

What is a mortice latch?

A mortice latch is similar to a tubular latch, but it’s fitted differently. With a mortice latch a cavity (or mortice) is cut into the door, so the latch sits flush with the door’s edge. To operate a mortice latch you need to turn the handle or knob at the same time, which makes them more secure than some other door latch types.

Mortice latches are usually made from harder materials, like brass or steel, so you know they’ll last.

What is a night latch?

A night latch is what you might know as a Yale latch (but that’s a brand name, not the type of latch). It’s a little more secure than a standard latch, which is why it’s often used for external doors. A night latch locks automatically when you close the door, and you need a key to open it from the outside. From the inside, you can usually release the latch with a twist or turn knob.

As night latches lock as soon as you close the door behind you, there’s no risk of forgetting to lock up (but make sure you don’t forget your keys). Simple night latches aren’t secure enough on their own though, so use either a deadlocking night latch, or combine a regular night latch with a deadbolt.

What is a rim latch?

A rim latch is similar to a night latch, but without the locking feature. You’ll usually see them on traditional or older doors, especially inside the house.

They’re one of the simplest types of latches to use. Just turn the handle and the latch opens the door. There are no keys or complex mechanisms to worry about.

Like tubular latches, rim latches are great for internal doors where you don’t need much security, but want something to keep the door closed. The difference is that with a tubular latch, the mechanism sits inside the door, while with rim latches, the whole mechanism sits on the surface of the door. That makes them among the easier door latch types to fit.

What is a privacy latch?

Privacy latches are designed for use on internal doors only. You’ll normally see them in rooms where privacy is essential but full security isn’t, like bathrooms.

Privacy latches have a built-in lock that can be engaged from the inside, but they don’t require a key. You normally just turn the thumb lock to operate it.

They normally have an emergency release mechanism on the outside of the door, so you can unlock it from the outside if someone (a child, for example) doesn’t know how to operate the latch and gets trapped inside.

If you’ve got a garden gate, side gate or front entrance gate, you’ll need a gate latch. ​​There are different types of latches for gates, but they all do the same basic job: keeping your gate closed and allowing easy access when you need it. A gate latch usually has two parts: a latch or bolt attached to the gate, and a catch or plate on the gatepost or frame, where the latch locks into place. The type of gate latch that’s best for you will depend on the frequency and ease of access you need and the level of security you want. Metal latches have the edge when it comes to durability and security. They’re tough and can stand up to the elements. We’ll look at six of the main gate latch types, so you can decide on the right one for you.

What is a gravity latch?

A gravity latch is a simple but pretty effective type of gate latch. As the name suggests, the latch falls into place thanks to gravity when the gate closes, no extra effort required. These latches are easy to use, and great for gates where you need regular access, but not high levels of security.

You’ll often see gravity latches on garden gates or side gates, anywhere you want a quick, hands-free closure. They’re normally made from heavy duty metal, like galvanised or powder-coated steel, to help them resist rust and corrosion.
 

What is a spring-loaded latch?

​​A spring-loaded latch has a spring mechanism that engages the latch automatically when the gate is closed. The spring ensures the latch locks firmly into place, making it more secure than a gravity latch.

Spring-loaded latches are great for gates where you want more security and peace of mind, like a front gate. They can be used on wooden, metal or plastic gates.

What is a sliding bolt latch?

A sliding bolt latch is a traditional type of gate latch. It’s pretty straightforward to use. You slide a metal bolt across to lock the gate in place. Sliding bolt latches offer more control: as they don’t engage automatically, you need to manually slide the bolt across.

Sliding bolt latches are a good option for gates where you want extra security, like side gates. If you want even more protection you can add a padlock, too. Sliding bolt latches are usually of a solid construction, so they’re tough enough for frequent use and all types of weather.

What is an automatic catch latch?

An automatic catch latch is a simple, hands-free way to keep your gate securely closed. As the gate swings shut, the latch automatically locks into place. There’s no need to lift or slide anything manually. That makes it perfect for busy areas where you need quick, hassle-free access without worrying about whether people have remembered to close the gate.

You’ll often find automatic catch latches on garden gates, field gates and dog kennels. Use them anywhere a gate needs to stay shut but still be easy to open. Made from galvanised or stainless steel, they can stand up to both constant use and extremes of weather.

What is a ring latch?

Some gate latch types are design classics. Ring latches have stood the test of time for a reason: these simple latches look lovely on a traditional-style garden gate. A ring latch is a two-part mechanism. One side of the latch has a ring-shaped handle, which you turn to lift the latch on the other side. Ring latches are sturdy, easy to use, and can be operated from both sides of the gate.

What is a Suffolk gate latch?

A Suffolk gate latch is a traditional, thumb-operated latch often used on wooden garden and side gates. It uses a simple, sturdy design where pressing the thumb lever lifts the latch bar, allowing the gate to open. It’s a classic look that’s great for period properties or rustic-style gates. The downside? Unlike ring latches, Suffolk latches only work from one side (the one with the thumb lever). That’s not a problem on low gates, where you can just reach over. You’ll often see Suffolk latches on cottage-style gates, stable doors and garden gates. They’re usually made from wrought iron or black powder-coated steel, for durability and a classic look.

If reading about the different gate latch types has got you inspired, explore our range of gate latches.