The Ultimate Guide to the Different Door Latch Types

In the world of door hardware and locksmithing, understanding the different types of door latches is crucial to ensuring the right fit for your security needs. Whether you are securing a governmental facility, a high-end corporate office, or a residential property, selecting the correct door latch is paramount. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various door latches, their suitability for different door types and buildings, and our top recommendations for each application.

 

The Importance of High-Quality Door Latches 

Door latches play an important role in ensuring security and functionality. Whether you’re securing a residential home, managing a commercial property, or overseeing a government facility, selecting the proper latch is essential for both safety and ease of access. This guide explores different types of door latches, including spring latches, deadbolts, mortice latches, night latches, rim latches, keypad latches, and panic latches. Each type is suited to specific applications, offering unique features and benefits. From enhancing residential security with heavy-duty deadbolts to meeting safety codes in commercial buildings with panic latches, understanding these options helps you make informed decisions for your security needs.

 

Types of Door Latches 

 

1. Passage Latches
   A passage latch is a mechanism featuring a spring that, when pushed or pulled, compresses and allows the latch bolt to move when opening or closing the door. Once the door is open, the spring returns to its original state. It’s important to note here that passage latches do not have any locking capabilities.
2. Mortice Latches
   Mortice latches are your common door latch types, installed on the edge of the door and operated by turning the door handle or knob. When the door handle is turned, the latch retracts and opens the door. These are suitable for internal doors in residential and commercial properties. This latch mechanism can be paired with a variety of door handles and for added security are often installed alongside a secondary deadbolt.
3. Night Latches
   A night latch is a lock that automatically secures a door when it closes. This spring-loaded latch can be unlocked with a key or a handle from the inside. Installed on the doors’ surface, night latches are commonly used on services cupboards in commercial buildings.
4. Rim Latches
   A rim latch features a latch that can be unlocked from both sides of the door. Typically surface-mounted, it can be retracted from the inside using a handle or knob and from the outside using a key. Rim latches are commonly found on gates, sheds, and older residential homes. They offer low security since they can be easily broken with force and are often used alongside other locks, such as deadbolts.
5. Dead Latches
   Dead latches are the part that makes a self-latching lock secure. Not to be confused with a dead bolt, a dead latch will self lock when the door is closed. You will find a dead latch on most locking devices, including mortice locks, key in lever locks and rim latches.
6. Panic Latches
   A panic latch (also known as a panic bar) is a locking mechanism commonly found in commercial buildings, including public spaces, offices, and schools. Designed for quick and easy exits in emergencies, it has a stainless steel horizontal bar installed on interior doors. The door unlocks when force is applied to the bar, allowing immediate exit. Many commercial and residential buildings, such as apartment complexes, require this type of latch to comply with Australian standards.

 

Suitability for Different Doors and Buildings

 

Residential Doors 

Ideal for both internal and external doors in residential homes, mortice latches provide a secure and robust door lock operated by a key to keep your family safe. For additional security for your front door, consider pairing them with a deadbolt, making it difficult for intruders to enter your residence. Spring latches are also ideal for internal doors such as bathrooms and bedrooms as they are easily opened and closed by turning the door knob.

Commercial Buildings 

Various types of door locks can be used for commercial buildings, depending on the desired level of security. The most common and reliable latch mechanism is the mortice lock, which provides high security and has a wide array of functions. We recommend installing keypad locks for commercial properties needing a more robust and difficult-to-break lock. For customer-facing commercial buildings, roller bolt latches are ideal as they enable doors to be opened without turning a knob or lever, similar to the push or pull doors commonly seen in business fronts. They also ensure that doors remain securely shut when latched, offering both convenience and security.

Government Facilities 

High-security latches, such as keypad locks, magnetic latches, and electronic keypads, are ideal for government buildings. Keypad locks automatically lock, enhancing security by preventing unauthorised access. Electronic keypads allow for easy user addition and deletion, making it simple to track who enters the premises. These features ensure robust security and efficient access management, which is essential for safeguarding sensitive government facilities.

Construction Sites 

Construction sites require different types of locks to secure equipment and facilities effectively. For temporary needs like locking up machinery and tools, padlocks and heavy-duty chains are ideal as they are durable and provide high strength. Cable locks are also great for securing machinery due to their flexibility and ease of use, keeping your construction site goods safe and secure. 

Specialised Applications 

For specialised applications, panic latches are ideal for ensuring buildings meet safety codes and provide quick exits during emergencies. These latches are surface-mounted and perfect for fire escapes, emergency exits, and high-traffic areas, allowing for swift and easy evacuation. They also allow easy access from external doors while maintaining security. Panic latches help keep your building compliant with safety regulations and ensure that occupants can exit the premises efficiently in critical situations.

 

Expert Recommendations

 

Top Picks for Residential Security

Lockwood Deadbolts are an excellent choice for enhancing your home’s security. This durable door latch is perfect for front doors and is available in sleek stainless steel or polished chrome. It requires a key to unlock once the door is in a closed position, providing a high level of security. With this lock, you can have peace of mind, knowing you and your family are well-protected. Paired with a latching leverset, like the Lockwood Velocity Range, it is an ideal setup for your front door. 

For doors such as a sliding door to your backyard, our team at John Barnes & Co recommends the Lockwood Sliding Door Lockset. This lock is located on the door’s edge and connects to the door frame to secure it. It is created with durable materials that ensure the door stays in its closed position.

Best Options for Commercial Use

Roller bolt latches are ideal for doors that require a push or pull mechanism. This Heavy-Duty Roller Catch is perfect for businesses, allowing easy access for customers and clients during business hours while providing a robust, secure lock to keep your premises safe. 

The Lockwood Mechanical Digital Mortice Lock is ideal for construction sites that are looking for lock-up for security, but still need to be able to provide access to their contractors. There’s no need to worry about keys being lost to the site and codes are able to be changed at any time. As they are mechanical, there is no power or batteries required to run them. 

High-Security Latches for Government Use

For top-tier security, our experts recommend the Lockwood Secure Area Mortice Lock. This lock is available in a dealbolt, latching and electronic version and are perfect for facilities that have sensitive material and need a way to track those who enter and exit the premises. This latch uses the same mechanism as the Lockwood Mortice Lock.

For extra security, we recommend installing a Salto hardwired security system. Along with the mortice lock, this system can track and manage who enters the premises and when. To see if a Salto access control system could work for you, read about our work with Brisbane Bayside State College.

Versatile Solutions for Construction Sites

Construction sites require durable and reusable locking solutions. Metal and stainless steel padlocks and cable locks are commonly used in these environments. We recommend the Standard ABUS 83-45 Padlock with a 25mm shackle. This padlock is ideal for securing equipment, machinery, and tools, ensuring that trespassers can’t access or steal valuable items.

We recommend sliding bolt latches or flush bolts such as the ADI Block Lock for sheds and storage on construction sites. This extra level of security keeps all your tools and equipment safe and secure. 

 

Secure your Property with Confidence 

Choosing the correct door latch is crucial for maximising security and functionality. Whether you are after a deadbolt, keypad lock, or panic latch — each serves a specific purpose for various environments. Selecting the appropriate latch enhances safety, convenience, and compliance with regulations.

For tailored recommendations and expert advice, our team at John Barnes & Co is committed to providing top-notch solutions that meet your security requirements and ensure peace of mind.

Explore our services and browse our range today to ensure your property is secure and protected with John Barnes & Co.