Types of latches for interior doors. Door lock with latch: mortise and overhead devices Types of mortise elements

If a lock is a mandatory element of the fittings for an entrance door, it is installed quite rarely on interior structures. To make it possible to close the door and prevent access to the room, a latch is usually installed. Depending on the type of locking mechanism used, doors can only be locked in a closed position or locked and restrict access to the room. Such structures can be installed both on interior doors and on gates in office, industrial and other premises.

Design and purpose of a door latch

Modern latches differ in appearance, size and design. Despite this, they all have one purpose - to hold the door leaf in a closed but unlocked position. Some models of latches have a lock that allows you to lock the doors from the inside, after which access to the room from the outside will be impossible. Such devices are usually installed at the entrance to the bathroom or toilet, but they can be mounted on any other doors.

The door latch holds the door in the closed position

The latch allows you to securely fix the door leaf in the closed position. This is relevant, for example, when a door separates a heated and unheated room and you need to keep the house warm. Through tightly closed doors, extraneous noise will not penetrate into the room. If the room has an air conditioner, then for it to work effectively in the summer, it is also necessary that the door is closed.

If a draft occurs, the door leaf can suddenly open and injure a child or even an adult. The presence of a latch on it allows you to securely fix the doors, so this possibility will be completely excluded.

A quality door latch should have the following characteristics:

reliable fixation of the blade in the closed position. It should not open from a draft or a light touch to the door;
noiselessness. There should be no loud clicks when the locking device is operating;
uninterrupted operation. The mechanism must work reliably and not break, so you need to choose devices designed for the maximum number of working cycles.

Features of choice

There are different types of door latches. Depending on the model and type, they may consist of the following components:

Modern door latches are classified according to several criteria:

Mechanism type:
- magnetic, halyard or roller. Such valves are usually installed on interior doors;
- sliding - installed at the entrance to a house, apartment, office;
- electromechanical or electromagnetic - mounted on gates, entrances to the entrance of a house or on the doors of protected objects.
Installation method:
Availability of additional functions:

Among the advantages of door latches it should be noted:

simplicity of design;
Ease of use;
long service life;
reliable fixation of the door leaf in the closed position, which allows for heat and sound insulation of the room.

Such devices have practically no serious disadvantages. Its main disadvantages:

some models, when the tongue hits the mating part, make a loud click, which can create some inconvenience;
With prolonged use of such fittings, scratches and grooves remain on the strike plate, which spoils its appearance.

Types of door latches

Let's take a closer look at each type of door latch:

Fall ones. In order to close a door with a halyard latch, it is necessary to apply a certain force, at which the beveled tongue slides along the striker and snaps into place, fixing the door leaf. If such a device is installed correctly, the door can only be opened after pressing the handle or turning the key. Handles can be installed on only one side of the door or on both. Hale latches can be equipped with two locks: one is opened using a handle, and the second is independent and works like a latch. The handles of such mechanisms not only fulfill their direct purpose, but also decorate the doors, so they must match the interior of the room.
The halyard latch has a beveled tongue
Roller. In this case, a rotating roller or tongue, beveled on both sides, acts as a crossbar. Such a latch can be placed both on the door leaf and on the frame. When the door closes, a spring-loaded roller fits into the hole in the striker and secures the door in the closed position. The roller latch can be installed as a separate device or work as part of a lock on both swing and pendulum doors. It is not connected to the handle or other locking bolts on the lock. It will not be possible to fully close the door using a roller latch, since if you press on it with a certain force, it will open.
Roller latches usually have a rotating roller as a bolt
Magnetic. The operating principle of such devices is based on the property of a magnet to attract metal parts. Magnetic latches are often used in both residential premises and offices. They allow you to fix the sash in the closed position, and to open it requires little force. One part of such a device is fixed at the end of the leaf, and the other - on the door frame. After the door has closed, the magnet is attracted to the metal striker and the blade locks the door in the closed position. There are simple models that are similar to those installed on furniture, only they have a greater pulling force. Some modifications of magnetic latches have a bolt that is retracted into the hole on the mating part. This latch can only be opened using a rotary or push handle.
The operation of the magnetic latch is based on the property of a magnet to attract metal objects
Sliding. In this case, the developers combined the functions of a lock and latch in one device. Such devices do not have a handle, so they can be opened from the inside using a turntable or from the outside with a key. Almost all such models have a lock, which, if necessary, allows you to hide the spring-loaded bolt in the latch body. When it is hidden and locked, spontaneous closing of the mechanism is prevented, but in this case the door will not be locked in the closed position and can open at any time.
The latch can only be opened with a handle, some models can be opened with a key
Electromechanical and electromagnetic. Such devices allow you to remotely close and open doors, so they are usually installed on gates or at entrances to protected premises. For electromagnetic devices, it is necessary to additionally install autonomous power supply. This is due to the fact that in the absence of power supply they are in an open state. The following types of latches exist:
- normally open. When the power is turned off, these latches are in the open position. They are usually installed at emergency exits, as well as at entrance doors. In the event of an emergency when there is a power outage, people can safely leave the premises;
  When there is no power, the normally open latch is in the open state.
- normally closed. In the absence of electricity, such latches are in the closed position. This allows you to ensure the safety of the premises in the event of a power failure. In such cases, you can open the latch from the inside using a handle, and from the outside with a key;
  Without voltage supply, the latch is in the closed position
- with locking function. When voltage is applied, the latch unlocks and remains in this position until the door is opened once. After the tongue is pulled into the body, it is fixed there using special pins and can be held in place for any time until the door is used.

Video: review of magnetic latches

Installing door latches

If you have basic carpentry skills, even a beginner will not have problems installing a latch on an interior door. To install such a device, you will need the following tools:

The process of installing a mortise latch consists of the following steps:

Selecting the installation height. For ease of use and to ensure good fixation of the door leaf, it is recommended to install door latches at a height of 80 to 110 cm - it all depends on the height of the residents.
Marking the door leaf. At the previously determined height, mark the location of the latch, after which they apply it to the end of the door and trace it with a pencil. If the device has a handle, then on both sides of the canvas mark the places where it will be installed.
A latch is applied to the end of the door and the location of its installation is marked.
Preparing holes. At the end of the door, inside the marked contour, holes of the required depth are drilled using a drill. After this, level it using a chisel and hammer. They also make a hole for attaching the handle. If you have a router, then this work is done easier and faster. To prevent chipping, holes for the handle are drilled on both sides of the door so that the drill reaches approximately half the thickness of the leaf.
Drill holes to install the latch and handle
Preparing the site for the latch strip. Check whether the mechanism fits into the prepared hole. If not, then widen the niche a little with a hammer and chisel. After this, insert the latch into the prepared groove and trace its overlay with a pencil. Pull out the device and make a small indentation so that the latch bar is level with the end of the door.
Using a chisel and hammer, make recesses for mounting the latch strip
Latch installation. Install the latch in the prepared place and secure it with self-tapping screws. To make the self-tapping screws easier to screw in and prevent their heads from licking, experts recommend first making holes for them with a thin drill. If the latch has a handle, then insert a tetrahedral pin, put handles on it and fix them, after which decorative trims are mounted.
The latch is fixed using self-tapping screws, having previously made holes for them with a thin drill
Installation of the response part. To accurately determine the location of the striker on the door frame, you need to lubricate the tongue with toothpaste and close the doors. A mark will remain on the frame, to which the mating part is applied and the place of its attachment is marked. Using a hammer and chisel, prepare a recess for the tongue on the frame and fix the striker.
The strike plate is mounted on the frame opposite the latch

Installation of the overhead latch is much easier and faster:

Video: installing a door latch

Features of installation on doors made of various materials

Depending on the material and design of the door, the latch can be installed in different ways:

Video: ball latch on a metal gate

How to disassemble a door latch

Sometimes it becomes necessary to disassemble the door latch. This may be required when:

creaking or jamming appeared during operation of the mechanism;
it is necessary to lubricate and clean the locking device;
it is necessary to replace failed parts;
The decision was made to completely replace the latch.

Depending on the type of latch installed, the sequence of work may differ slightly. The procedure for disassembling a mechanism equipped with a push or turn handle will be as follows:

After this, the reasons that led to the failure of the latch are established:

They have several design varieties, but they have one functional task - holding the door in the closed position without using a key. They are used everywhere on entrance and interior doors of premises for any purpose.

Basic requirements

The following requirements are traditionally imposed on a door latch:

reliable fixation of the door, preventing its opening from an accidental gust of draft or light touch;
silent operation - constant loud clicks do not add comfort to our lives;
uninterrupted operation - no one wants to become a “hostage” of a jammed door latch in the bathroom, shower or bedroom.

Structural varieties

The door latch can be a stand-alone device or part of the main lock.

Some latches have the function of quickly locking closed doors (locking the door from the inside). Such devices are justified in those rooms where there is a need to lock yourself: a bathroom, a bathroom, a bedroom, an office.
When combining a latch with a door lock, various types of locks are used: lever, cylinder, electromechanical, combined. The exception is rack-type locks - they do not use a latch.

***
Attention! If the door latch is activated not by a manual rotary latch, but by a key, then there is a risk of leaving the room and slamming the doors behind you, forgetting the keys at home.
Therefore, it is better to choose locking systems in which the door latch is controlled by double-sided handles, and complete locking of the door is ensured by the lock bolt.
***

Types of door latches:

with classic metal tongue– the most common design;
latches with plastic tongue– a classic-shaped latch, but made of plastic, significantly reduces the noise level;
roller or ball– the door is fixed by a spring-loaded rotating roller (ball);
magnetic– a type of door locking mechanism in which the door is held closed using a magnet;
electromechanical- implement the function of remote or electronic control of access to the premises (key fobs, RFID cards, other identifiers).

Let's take a closer look at the types of latches.

Hale latches

An automatic door latch is known for its ability to automatically slam shut when the door is closed. Fixation is ensured by a spring-loaded beveled tongue. When closing the door, it comes into contact with the return bar, in a sliding movement along it it enters (“hides”) into the latch body, and when it reaches the socket, under the action of an expanding spring, it enters it, fixing the door leaf.

To release the latch, rotary knobs are used, which, when pressed, release the latch. Some locks provide the ability to hide the latch tongue with an additional turn of the key.
The latch may have a latch that holds the tab firmly inside its body. That is, when the door is closed, you block it, and when open, you can temporarily “disable” the latch to avoid the door slamming spontaneously.
The rotary handles used to open the latches are not only a mechanism, but also a decorative element.
A special advantage is provided by latches that use a plastic tongue - they are low-noise.
In locks with an electromagnetic drive, the bolt is the latch - a tongue with a beveled surface, driven by an electromagnet.

Roller latches

When the door is closed, a spring-loaded rotating roller or ball falls into the socket of the strike plate, fixing the door.
To open it, you need to apply a slight force to the door by pulling the door towards you or pushing it. The socket is shaped in such a way that when the door moves, the roller is pressed inside the latch body, releasing the door from engagement with the door frame.

The roller is completely independent - it is not connected to other locking bolts, door latches and handle. Its function is to fix the door leaf when it is closed. It is not designed to lock the door
This version of the door locking mechanism can be used on double-sided (pendulum) swing door structures.

Magnetic latches

The simplest one resembles a magnet on a cabinet door. That is, the main part of the magnetic retainer is located on the door frame, and on the door leaf there is a plate made of a ferromagnetic alloy. In the closed position, the magnet holds the plate, locking the door in the closed position. This is the same functionality as a roller latch.

More complex mortise magnetic latches use a rotating magnetic bolt, which, when the door is closed, is drawn by the magnetic field of the strike plate (magnet in it) into its socket. To open such a latch, it is necessary to have rotary handles.
The main advantage of magnetic latches is their complete noiselessness.

Electromechanical latches

This type of latches could previously be seen mainly on the entrance doors of industrial, service or office premises. But the intensive development of video intercom technology has led to their widespread use not only in private cottages (opening gates, gates, garages), but also in apartments. Now, simply by pressing a button on the intercom, you open the front door to your visitors.
A functional limitation on the use of electromagnetic latches is a temporary (emergency) lack of power supply. In such a situation, 2 options for latching configurations are possible:

normally open - has a disadvantage: if there is no power, your doors will be unlocked, although from the point of view of fire safety this is a good property;
normally closed - you will not be able to leave the room if there is no power supply.

To prevent such force majeure events, an alternative backup power supply for locking systems is provided.

Nuances of choice

When choosing door latches, it is necessary to analyze their functional load, that is, the list of functions that the latch must perform.
To simplify this task, contact professionals who are familiar with the huge range of door latches available on the market.
When choosing, you should not focus only on the price factor - you can lose more in the event of an early breakdown of an unreliable product.

In residential premises, latches are installed on interior doors that allow them to be locked in the closed position. Interior latch comes in various types, which makes it difficult for the average consumer to choose. You can learn how to select a device yourself and install it without the help of specialists from this article.

Types of door latches

The main criterion for choosing latches for interior doors is the type of device. Latches are classified according to the following parameters:

type of locking mechanism;
installation method;
presence/absence of additional functions.

Types of latches

Currently in production:

mechanical latches;
magnetic latches.

A mechanical latch is a device that operates using a spring mechanism.

A mechanical door latch can be:

halve. The latch handle is a device equipped with a locking tongue with an oblique cut. When acted upon, the tongue moves back, and the spring returns it to its original state. To fix the locking tab on the door frame, a special strip is installed. Depending on the method of influencing the locking mechanism, there are:
- rotary handles, that is, the tongue is activated when the handle is rotated;

push handles, that is, the locking element responds to pressing on the handle of the device;

roller The locking mechanism of the device is a roller, which, when the door is closed, falls into a special groove.

Roller latches are mainly installed on children's room doors, as they open and close easily and cannot be fixed.

The most famous manufacturers of mechanical latches are the following companies:

Apecs;
A magnetic latch is a device based on a magnet that attracts a metal bar.

This device is different:

quiet and smooth operation. When closing the door, you do not hear a click from the locking element falling into the groove;
durability. The latch can be used for a long time without additional maintenance, as it consists of simple elements.

The most popular manufacturer of magnetic latches is Palladium. What device should be installed on the interior door? It is up to each user to decide for themselves.

Classification of latches by installation method

The latch can be installed:

inside the door leaf. The mortise latch has a more pleasant appearance, since the main mechanism is located inside the door. However, the installation of such a device is more complicated;

onto the surface of the door leaf. The overhead type latch device is located on the door, which somewhat spoils the design of the room, but installing the latch is quite simple.

Mortise latches of various types are more popular among consumers.

Additional abilities

The standard latch can be supplemented with:

retainer. A latch with a lock is mainly installed on the door of a bathroom or toilet room, as it allows not only to keep the door in the closed position, but also to protect the room from penetration;

lock. Latches with key-operated locks are designed for low-security office spaces.

Latch installation process

How to install a latch on an interior door yourself? Overhead latches do not cause problems during installation, as they are attached to the door with mounting bolts. To install the mortise latch, you will need the following tools:

marker and tape measure for marking;
a drill, complete with a set of drills and a wood crown;
chisel;
hammer;
screwdriver (set of screwdrivers).

Installation of the interior latch is carried out in the following way:

At the first stage, it is necessary to apply markings to the door leaf for installation of the device. When applying markings, the following are noted:
- area where the locking mechanism is installed;
- door handle mounting area;
- area where the bar is located;
- device mounting locations;

Markings can be applied more accurately if you use a template.

at the second stage, holes are drilled for mounting the device elements. The hole for the locking mechanism is drilled with a pen drill of the appropriate diameter, and the hole for the handle is drilled with a crown;

a niche is formed at the end of the door for mounting the latch strip;

False handles: purpose and characteristics

Latch handles differ from other types of door hardware in that they are push-type and must be equipped with a latch that allows the door to be secured in the closed position.

Without door handles, using the door will be very inconvenient, or even impossible: it will not be possible to open it. When choosing door handles, you need to carefully study the differences between models and their features. The following types of door handles are distinguished:

staples (the simplest and most uncomplicated option; such products have no connection with the locking mechanism and only help to open the door);
latch handles: push products are distinguished (can also be called halyard handles (press); by far the most common type.

Pressing devices, also called halyards, are used for installation in both interior and entrance doors of various types (wooden, plastic, metal, profile, right or left opening). The latch handle is usually connected to a locking mechanism or latch, so the product can guarantee reliable and tight locking of the door leaf.

Foley handles have the following advantages and features:

ergonomics (this type of fittings is extremely convenient to use);
ease of installation and use (to open the door you just need to lightly press the handle);
reliability and long service life (at least 250 thousand opening-closing cycles, which is ten years of uninterrupted operation).

In the manufacture of latch handles, only high-quality and durable materials are used: Tsamak alloy (zinc, copper, magnesium and aluminum), they are also made from brass and regular or stainless steel. Stainless steel products are characterized by a long service life and resistance to external factors.

Foley handles are additionally coated with a special galvanic composition, which increases resistance to corrosion, and undergo various tests and inspections to ensure compliance with standards. You can buy halyard handles in the following modifications: with a lock, with a lock key or without a lock. Latch handles are available in different colors, so you can choose a product to match the interior of the room: metallic bronze, gold, copper, chrome, nickel (there are also matte color options).

Even a beginner in this matter can install a halyard handle: the product comes with installation instructions, a template, fasteners and a strike plate. The thickness of the door leaf should be approximately 35-45 mm, otherwise the fittings will be impossible to install.

Finishing work on apartment renovations includes the installation of interior doors, often with a magnetic mechanism. Their kit includes a door leaf and racks from which the frame is assembled. Doors installed between rooms do not include fittings, so they must be purchased separately. A magnetic latch for interior doors is one such element.

Interior door latch device

This is a simple product with a lock that is built into the handle or installed separately. The device is necessary for simpler and more convenient opening/closing of the valves, while at the same time they are characterized by an attractive appearance. The mechanism ensures that the door leaf closes tightly. Thus, the room remains warm, and noise does not spread throughout the rest of the room.

The likelihood of injury is also minimal. For example, due to a draft, a door that is not equipped with a latch may slam shut abruptly, hitting the owner. There are several types, the differences between which are in the design and working mechanism.

Types of door latches for interior doors

To satisfy the needs of the buyer, manufacturers offer several options for latches. Below are the most popular latches for interior doors.

Latch with handle

Another name for them is push-on. When you press the handle, the latch moves, which securely holds the interior door in the closed position. Due to its wide distribution, this model can be found both on interior and entrance panels. Often this type is supplemented with a locking mechanism.

There are two subtypes of this design:

with a fifth base (with point fastening);
with an oblong bar that allows you to change the position of the keyhole.

Magnetic interior door latch

A magnetic device with almost silent operation - when closing the door leaf, you will not hear a click, as happens with the halyard mechanism. The main difference is simple installation. There is no need to carefully adjust the interior door to the frame, since the magnetic product can work perfectly, even if the door leaf is slightly skewed.

As for the design, it is quite simple, because it consists of only two elements: a metal plate and a magnetic block. There are also more complex mechanisms of magnetic latches. For example, a locking device has a moving magnet in its design.

Latch for interior doors with lock

Hitch latches, unlike magnetic ones, are equipped with a mechanical tongue. The purpose of the beveled tongue is to prevent the door from opening arbitrarily. To do this, it must fall into a specially shaped groove. If everything is correct, a click will be heard. To open such interior doors, just turn the handle: the mechanism is activated, compresses the spring and releases the tongue.

This design has become widespread, so it can be found on most push and turn handles. Rotary products are made in the shape of a ball or oval (sometimes a cylinder), and they are called knob handles.

The latch itself can be push-button or lever. Its task is to limit functionality on one side of the canvas. Such locks are most often installed on the doors of a bedroom, office or bathroom.

Advantages of latches with a lock:

simplicity;
easy installation of a latch into an interior door with your own hands;
range.

But there are also disadvantages. For example, the weak point of an interior door latch with a latch is the locking mechanism itself, which has low resistance to damage.

Silent latch for interior doors

Silent latches make the consumer's life a little more comfortable, especially options with a magnetic base.

devices with a tongue and a plastic internal mechanism;
magnetic latches.

Both options are progressive when compared with traditional mechanisms, which is why they are being purchased more and more often. Magnetic types are now actively produced by the Chinese market, but products with plastic are less common due to their price.

Dimensions of interior door latch

When choosing door hardware (especially magnetic), you should pay attention to its size. The main parameters include:

length is of no small importance, especially if the canvas is decorated with glass or other decorative elements;
width - should be less than the canvas itself;
length and width of the fixing strip (located at the end of the door).

The dimensions of the interior door latch are individual for each product.

How to choose the right interior door latch

There are several points based on which you can choose the appropriate mechanism:

the latch must be of high quality and reliable (without chips, scratches, with a durable color);
if the choice falls on magnetic fittings, then you need to check the magnet itself;
It’s worth assessing how comfortable it is to hold onto the door handle, since you will have to interact with it every day;
door fittings must match the interior and decoration;
Important! The handle is chosen in the same color as the hinges with the lock.
the location of the rooms and their functional purpose are taken into account: the same models are often chosen for adjacent rooms, but if the interior doors are located at a distance from each other, then different options can be considered;
degree of load on the handle - if you install flimsy magnetic fittings on a powerful massive door, it will quickly become unusable;
When coming up with original solutions, you shouldn’t overdo it; an elaborate model will look ridiculous in an apartment with a regular renovation, but a simple one with a magnetic element will suit any interior.

Handles are made from different materials; the consumer’s choice often stops at the following options:

M metal Such products are the most durable and wear-resistant. By applying different coatings, you can get a new solution in terms of color and texture. The most popular models are made of brass; they combine quality and price. The main disadvantages of metal products are that the surface always remains cold, and budget options quickly lose their attractiveness.
Tree. Best suited for canvases made of similar materials (solid or veneered). For their manufacture, wood of various species is used, including valuable ones. Decorative inserts, inlay or carving can serve as decoration. This solution is not suitable for kitchens and bathrooms due to low resistance to high humidity.
Glass. These products will be a wonderful decoration for any interior. But they are fragile and expensive.
Plastic. Such accessories are the cheapest and short-lived. They are installed in rooms such as utility rooms. Disadvantages: low quality, unpresentable appearance.

How to install a latch on an interior door

The installation procedure is as follows:

To make it more convenient to work, the canvas is removed from its hinges and secured to a stand.
Next, markings are applied to the canvas. The optimal height from the bottom of the door is 95 – 100 cm. At the same stage, mark the installation locations of the handle and latch. To make the work easier, use a template (often it comes complete with a latch).
For the latch, a hole is drilled from the end, and for the handle - from the front side. Experts advise starting from the front side.
On the sides of the hole prepared for the latch (magnetic or simple), there will be a niche where the mounting plate is inserted.
Install the lock and secure it using the mounting bolts included in the kit.
Attach the handle of the fixing element. Each device is supplied with the correct installation diagram. As a rule, the handle is first disassembled, after which its individual elements are attached.
The final stage is the installation of the striker plate, where the fixing tongue will go. To do this, make a niche opposite the castle and install a bar there.

Important! If the latch is installed correctly, it will not touch elements or make creaking sounds during operation.

You need to know how to use a magnetic lock correctly - only in this case will it serve for a long time and reliably. Here are some simple rules:

the magnetic element and the strike plate must be cleaned of adhering debris and metal dust;
To ensure the downforce declared by the manufacturer, it is better to follow the instructions during installation. The recommended gap size is important - if you “deviate” from the parameters even by a couple of millimeters, the holding force will decrease, this also applies to the magnetic latch;
to prevent oxidation of the magnetic mechanism, all elements are wiped from moisture;
check the fastenings of the lock, magnetic block and mating part; if necessary, tighten the screws.

A properly installed magnetic lock can last for many years.

Conclusion

A magnetic latch for interior doors is a reliable product with a simple design, designed for a considerable service life. They are also popular due to their simple installation, which even a beginner can do.