Slam Latches

Slam Latches

Slam latches, like all latches, are a type of mechanical hardware used to close and secure doors, gates or windows. This specific type of latch is spring activated, which enables the mechanism to fasten without manually securing it. Pushing the door shut or allowing it to shut is the only action needed to engage the latch and secure the door, though the latch must be opened manually. Common uses for the slam latch include utility boxes and sliding doors. Due to the force with which this latch is most often used, they are manufactured out of durable materials. Common materials include steel, zinc and sturdy plastic, all of which are often coated for further protection. A particularly rugged type of latch, the slam latch is well suited for industrial, agricultural, construction, transportation industries and other venues for which long life and continued performance are essential.

The versatility of the slam latch is reflected in the many different types available. Push button, single point, multi-point, rotary, slam bolts and paddle rotaries are among the most commonly used. The type of slam latch employed often depends on the application. The push button slam latch, for example, is designed for top opening lids. Slam latches are manufactured by molding metal or plastic into the main body of the latch and additional pivot pins. The body, pins and spring are then assembled. The basic design of a slam latch involves one enclosed spring mechanism with a sliding pin as well as a separate component with a notch or curve into which the engaged pin is pushed by the spring. Either the notch or the pin is curved in such a manner that the spring activated pin can slide only in one direction. The force of the door slamming or shutting pushes the pin into the curve or notch. Once in place, the angle of the curve prevents it from retracting, thus activating the latch and securing the door. Slam latches either have a knob or lever which recoils the spring, allowing the pin to be removed and the door opened.