Cabinet Latches
One would be amazed that the number of varieties that a mundane item like cabinet latches has. Latches range from child safety cabinet latch to cabinet door earthquake safety latch. They are also available in antique styles of intricately carved ones to more contemporary and simple designs. Latches are simple addition that adds beauty to cabinets and they come in antique copper and brass finishes. Cabinet latches are highly recommended for kitchen drawers and bathroom cupboards. Latches are simple to install and all that is required is a drill and a screwdriver. Cabinet latches are fixed to prevent kids from opening the cabinets and at the same time it should be easily accessible to adults. Traditionally, latches were used to hold doors in closed position but now they are used to lock the cabinet doors.
Why install latches?
One reason to install latches is to keep the important files and papers under lock. Kitchen cabinets have latches to keep the garbage bin, glass and silver wares, foodstuff, pesticide locked so it is not only clean and neat but also prevents toddlers and children with meddling with contents inside the cabinets. Latches are recommended in bathroom cabinets also as medicines and cleaning items and lotions are stored and it has to be kept away from children.
Different types of cabinet latches
- Earthquake safety latches are specifically designed for child safety and earth quake safety. These latches are made of tempered stainless steel. They are strong and last for years without wear and tear.
- There are latches to lock the cabinets with glass doors. It is adjustable latch and mainly used to lock bookshelves.
- Sliding spring latch is a two-piece spring latch that acts as a closure device for a load center cabinet. This type of latch includes a sliding latch body with a sunken top surface for facilitating engagement of the latch body.
Latches are made of stainless steel, plastic, and cast iron. Copper and brass latches are also available to give an antique and rustic appearance to the cabinet. Today the material of the latch is related to the function of the latch. Latches made from rubber and elastomers are available in the market. Latches vary in design and styles. Some commonly available latches are draw latch that is used to hold two panels together, spring latches use spring mechanism to shut the door whereas the rotary latches have rotating components that secure the cabinet doors. The safety latches are used to put the sharp objects and other cleaning chemicals under lock and away from the reach of the children.