Stainless Steel Latches
Stainless steel latches offer a very durable type of mechanical fastener that secures two ordinarily separated surfaces. Stainless steel latches are especially useful for industrial, construction and agricultural latches. These latches receive tremendous wear and require the additional strength and security stainless steel latches offer. Gate latches, for example, are often used with great frequency. Additionally, most gate latches are outdoors and exposed to the weather. Stainless steel is corrosion resistant making its use essential for outdoor hardware. The microstructure of stainless steel allows it to withstand elevated and below freezing temperatures as well, rendering it heat and fire resistant. Stainless steel is easily cleaned and is sanitary grade. This attribute, in addition to its tolerance for hot and cold temperatures, makes stainless steel latches integral to most hospital, kitchen and food preparation areas. Examples of latches in these environments include cabinet latches, refrigeration latches, and utility box latches.
The properties of stainless steel suit virtually every type of latch. An important quality of stainless steel is that it is significantly stronger than conventional grades and therefore material thickness is reduced while still maintaining strength. This attribute can cut costs for latch manufacturing. The intricate designs of many latches necessitate a material that can be cut, stamped, welded, die cast or any combination. The lightweight durability of stainless steel lends itself to the many processes involved in latch manufacturing. Although stainless steel products are sometimes more expensive than plain steel, the resilience of stainless steel means latches made from it tend to last longer and prove to be a less expensive long term choice.