Locks & Latches

Door Latch Terminology

When specifying door latches it can be helpful to know some common terminology:

Internal passage door - an internal hinged door that does not lock.
Internal privacy door - an internal hinged door that is locked with a thumb turn & emergency release.
External door - a door to the outside that is locked with a key.
Latch - the mechanism that holds the door closed.
Mortice latch - a latch installed in a rectangular hole in the door edge.
Lock - a lockable latch.
Privacy lock - a lock operated by a privacy thumb-turn from the inside and an emergency release on the outside.
Euro latch lock - the key-operated euro cylinder locking mechanism is fitted separately into the latch.
Backset - the distance back from the door edge to the handle or privacy shaft.
Stile - the vertical edge board on a panelled door.
Reversible Latch - the latch tongue can be reversed to suit either a right or left opening door.
Forend - the plate that goes over the side edge of the lock.
Strike plate - the plate fitted into the door frame.

Door Latch Availability

Our door latches and locks are specifically designed to be used in conjunction with Joseph Giles architectural door hardware, and for that reason, are only available when purchased with our Joseph Giles door knobs and handles.

How Do I Specify a Door Latch?

Once you have selected your door and your door handle hardware, it is time to choose the appropriate latch. At The English Tapware Company, we find it helpful to start by asking: How thick is your door? How wide is the stile? Is the latch for a door knob or lever handle? Other helpful information includes the type and material of the door and your locking requirements, if any. It can seem daunting at first, but our friendly team are here to guide you every step of the way.

Door Latches by Door Thickness

New interior doors are available in standard 35mm or 40mm while some doors, particulary older doors, can be up to 60mm thick. We have door latches to suit all door thicknesses.

Door Latches for Panelled & Plain Doors

The stile is the vertical edge board on a panelled door. It looks best to have the handle and privacy in the centre of the stile so a 90mm wide stile requires a 45mm handle backset. For a flat or flush door it is usual to have a 60mm backset from the edge of the door to the handle.

Door Latches for Knobs vs Lever Handles?

If you are fitting a knob to a door, the latch within the door requires light springing to return the knob to its original position once rotated. A lever handle however needs to be supported in a horizontal position, and the heavier the handle, the stronger the spring mechanism required to fully support it.

Euro Latch Locks

An advantage of a euro latch lock lies in the replacable euro cylinder which makes it easier and less expensive to change your locks when required.

What is an Orange Door Latch?

Joseph Giles Orange latches and locks are the absolute essence of top-quality British engineering with every component engineered from the highest quality brass and steel. They are carefully hand-assembled to ensure the inner workings dovetail perfectly together to provide seamless operation and a latch that will last a lifetime.

What is a Yellow Door Latch?

Joseph Giles Yellow latches and locks are the sliding door equivalent of Orange Latches. Every internal component and cog in Yellow pocket sliding door end pulls is engineered from the highest quality steel and brass to the tightest of tolerances.

Sliding Door Latches

Sliding doors, also known as pocket doors, require their own specially designed latches and locks. Instead of a tongue, sliding doors are secured with a hook or claw mechanism.

Fire Resistant Door Latches

Many of our latches and locks are also available with a fireproof intumescent sleeve. During a fire, the intumescent sleeve undergoes a chemical reaction causing the sleeve to expand, forming a barrier that fills the gap between the latch and the door frame, preventing the passage of fire and smoke.

Full Guide to Specifying Door Latches

At The English Tapware Company, we are happy to work with you to help specify the correct door lock or latch to suit your needs. If we need more information, it may be helpful for us to speak directly with your architect or builder. For more detailed information about specifying door latches, we've put together two helpful guides.

DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDE TO SPECIFYING LOCKS, LATCHES & HINGES

DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDE OPENING THE DOOR ON HARDWARE