A Guide to Find the Perfect Door Latch Types

A Guide to Find the Perfect Door Latch Types
Whether you’re replacing a broken part or upgrading your door hardware, choosing the right latch can be confusing.
This guide demystifies every common latch type with clear visuals, measurements, and decision tips so you can identify and select the exact part you need—fast.

Latch vs. Lock: What’s the Difference?
A latch keeps the door closed with a spring loaded bolt; a lock secures the door against entry (often a separate deadbolt).
KEY DIFFERENCES
Latch: a spring-loaded, angled bolt held in by a knob/lever’s return spring. It “clicks” into the strike to keep the door shut.
Lock: a security device (e.g., deadbolt) that cannot be retracted without a key/turn. Entry doors usually use both a latch (with a deadlatch feature) and a separate deadbolt.

What Measurements Do You Need Before Buying a Latch?
Measure three things—backset, door thickness, and bore hole diameter. These determine fit more than the latch “type” alone.
1) Backset (most important)
• What it is: Distance from the door edge to the center of the knob/lever bore.
• Standards: 2 3/8″ (60 mm) or 2 3/4″ (70 mm). Many modern latches are adjustable.
• How to measure: From the edge of the door to the center of the large bore (or spindle).
2) Door Thickness
• Common sizes: 1 3/8″ (interior) and 1 3/4″ (exterior). Others exist for specialty doors.
• Why it matters: Determines spindle length, latch body depth, and faceplate fit.
3) Bore Hole Diameter
• Common size: 2 1/8″ for the main bore; 1″ for the edge bore (latch face).
• Why it matters: Ensures the latch body and faceplate sit correctly.
 Pro tip:
• Also note faceplate style (drive in vs. faceplate) and faceplate size (often 1″ × 2 1/4″) to ensure a clean retrofit.

How Do Different Door Latch Mechanisms Work?
Most interior doors use a spring latch; entry sets should use a deadlatch. Mortise latches are box type assemblies, and magnetic latches offer silent modern operation.
Spring Latch
• What it is: Standard angled latch for passage/privacy sets; retracts with handle.
• Use: Interior hall/closet (passage) and bed/bath (privacy with push pin/turn).
Deadlatch (Deadlocking Latch)
• What it is: Spring latch with a small side plunger. The strike depresses the plunger when the door closes, thereby preventing credit card bypass.
• Use: Any keyed entry knob/lever; improves security on latch sets.
Mortise Latch
• What it is: A large rectangular box installed into a deep door pocket; it often integrates a latch and deadbolt with a single trim set.
• Use: This latch is suitable for older homes, premium residential properties, and commercial doors; it requires precise mortising.
Magnetic Latch
• What it is: Uses magnets to hold the door shut; no angled latch “tongue.”
• Use: Modern interiors needing quiet, soft closure, and clean aesthetics.

Which Latch Do You Need by Application?

Match function to room and security. Passage/privacy latches inside; deadlatch on entries; specialty surface latches for gates/sheds; roller/ball catches for cabinet/closet doors without knobs.
Interior Latches
• Passage: No lock function; spring latch only.
• Privacy: Bed/bath with inside pin/turn; emergency release outside.
Exterior Latches
• Entry doorknob/lever: Should use a deadlatch at minimum.
• Add a separate deadbolt for true security.
Gate & Shed Latches
• Types: Surface mounted thumb latches, ring latches, and barrel/slide bolts.
• Notes: Weather rated materials (galvanized/stainless).
Cabinet & Closet Latches
• Types: Roller catch, ball catch, magnetic catch.
• Use: Hold doors closed without a conventional knob/lever.

Quick Selector: Latch Type by Scenario
• Interior bedroom/bath: Privacy spring latch (with emergency release).
• Interior hall/closet: Passage spring latch.
• Front/side/back entry: Deadlatch plus separate deadbolt.
• Historic/commercial: Mortise lockset compatible latch/bolt.
• Ultra quiet interior: Magnetic latch.
• Gate/shed: Surface mount latch or bolt in stainless/galvanized.

What’s the difference between a spring latch and a deadlatch?
A deadlatch adds a side plunger that prevents “loiding” (credit card bypass) when properly aligned with the strike—recommended for entry knobs/levers.

Please choose Mornwin Hardware Door Latch right now.

https://www.mornwin.com/Door-Latches.html