A latch is a type of mechanical fastener that is used to join two (or more) objects or surfaces together while allowing for the regular or eventual separation of the objects or surfaces.

A latch typically engages another piece of hardware on the other mounting surface. Depending upon the type and design of the latch, this engaged bit of hardware may be known as a strike or keeper.

Note that a latch is not the same as the locking mechanism of a door or window, although often they are found together in the same product.

How it Operates

Tension latches are a safe locking system for industrial applications.They can take high tensile loads. Lateral forces must be kept off the tension latch by the design of the parts linked with each other.

Via lever action, the panels connected with the tension latch and the strike are pulled together. If necessary, a stop must be provided.

Positive lock is achieved when drawhook center is beyond the common center line of the base and strike.

For unlocking, the secondary lock is operated, and the handle lifted. For locking, the secondary lock automatically engages.

Most of the tension latches can be adjusted by a draw hook. For fixed series, a spring-steel draw hook serves for tolerance compensation.