11 Common Door Latch Types and How They Work

Door latches are mechanical devices that join the door to a recess in the doorframe, ensuring that they’re securely connected. Of all the parts of a door, latches are ranked high in importance in terms of safety. There are plenty of door latch types that vary based on design, material, and more. Here are 11 types of door latches to choose between for your home, including bolt, spring, swinging, chain, flat, hook and eye, and magnetic latches. 

Stop Guessing: It’s Time to Call In a Professional

When taking on this project, expect questions only a pro can answer. With our network of local pros, you'll get the job done and your questions answered—without the hassle and stress of doing it yourself. 

What Are Door Latches? 

Door latches, or door locks, secure a door in its closed position. They’re recessed into the door and engage with a strike plate in the doorframe. Some latches aren’t recessed and are faster and easier to install on the door and doorframe, but they aren’t as secure. The type of door latch you choose will depend on the level of security you need and where you’re installing it.

1. Bolt Latch

A bolt latch—also known as a latch bolt—is a simple type of door latch that consists of a single-throw bolt. When a door with a bolt latch is fully closed, only then can the bolt extend into the strike plate—a metal plate that is screwed into the doorframe and fits the bolt of a lock—and hold the door closed. 

What Is a Bolt Latch Best For?

A bolt latch is often used in both residential and commercial properties. It can be used for doors, gates, and windows and is often used for latching doors in public bathroom stalls. When speaking with door installers near you, consider asking which latch type they recommend so you can decide if a bolt latch suits your needs.

2. Spring Latch

A spring latch is similar to a bolt latch, except it has a spring. Spring latches consist of a spring-loaded bolt with an angled edge. When a door with a spring latch is fully closed, the bolt automatically extends into the strike plate and holds the door closed. The bolt on a spring latch can be straight or L-shaped, but each functions the same.

What Is a Spring Latch Best For? 

A spring latch is used in various settings. While it can be used for doors, gates, and windows in your home, it is especially useful in agricultural and industrial settings as it’s quick to open and close and locks automatically. Additionally, it can be useful for cabinet doors that are frequently opened.

3. Deadlatch

While the name sounds similar to dead bolt, a dead bolt is different from a deadlatch. A deadlatch is sort of like a spring latch in that it includes a spring and locks automatically. But in this case, the deadlatch uses a bolt to rest against the metal strike plate to block the door from opening and closing.

What Is a Deadlatch Best For?

A deadlatch is best for exterior doors, like your front door, as it adds an extra layer of security for your home’s immediate entry point. It’s compatible with different types of door locks, so you can use it in addition to what you already have.

4. Swinging Latch

A swinging latch is a push-to-close style latch that automatically locks when the door is shut. It has a spring mechanism that keeps the bolt in an extended position to keep the door secure. A swinging latch can come in the form of a bar latch or hook latch, depending on your preference.

What Is a Swinging Latch Best For?

Of all the door latch types, a swinging latch is ideal if you have a wooden or metal swinging door. Many add a rustic aesthetic, so using it on a door that fits that style might be worth trying.

5. Chain Latch

A chain latch uses a chain to keep a door securely closed. For this type of door latch, one side of the chain is attached to the door, and the other is attached to the strike plate. When the door is closed, the chain tightens. A chain latch allows you to open the door slightly even when the chain is engaged, should you want to answer the door but have an extra layer of protection.

What Is a Chain Latch Best For?

A chain latch is best for an exterior door. It adds an extra layer of protection to an entry point and allows for a buffer between unlocking and opening a door.

6. Gravity Latch

A gravity latch works with a metal plate or bar that attaches to a doorframe and lands within the corresponding strike plate via the force of gravity—hence the name. This latch includes a mechanism that allows it to be released when pressure is applied, making it easy to open and close.

What Is a Gravity Latch Best For?

A gravity latch is best for places where a traditional handle, such as a doorknob, doesn’t fit. It’s often used for outdoor gate latches, barn doors, or doors in commercial settings where hygiene is prioritized, given that it limits the need to touch door handles.

7. Tubular Latch

A tubular latch is the most common type and is likely the mechanism your interior doors use to open, close, and lock. Tubular latches slide through the hole cut into the edge of the door—called the cross bore—that meets the hole in the door where the doorknob will go—called the bore hole. The latch is spring-loaded and when it hits the strike plate mounted on the doorframe, it retracts before securing itself in the frame.

What Is a Tubular Latch Best For? 

Because this is a standard type of door latch, it’s frequently used as the main mechanism for opening, closing, and locking interior and exterior doors.

8. Flat Latch

A flat latch functions like a tubular latch and is also recessed into the door, but the mechanism is encased in a box and has a spring action. These latches are more durable than tubular latches, so they’re used on interior doors, especially if they’re frequently used. 

What Is a Flat Latch Best For?

This type of door latch is best for internal doors that see a high level of traffic. It’s also a good choice for heavy-duty doors that need a more durable latch.

9. Rim Latch

A rim latch is installed on the exterior of a door with a strike plate installed on the adjacent doorframe. This type of latch engages when it comes into contact with the strike plate, and it’s operated with a key or a smaller knob.

What Is a Rim Latch Best For?

A rim latch is best when you need to install a door lock quickly, as it doesn’t require creating a recess in the door like a tubular or flat latch.

10. Hook and Eye Latch

A hook and eye latch consists of an eye on the doorframe and a hook on the door itself. This latch is often used on barn doors or gates. It’s not intended for strong security but keeps a door or gate closed without installing a more complicated door latch.

What Is a Hook and Eye Latch Best For?

This type of door latch is best for keeping doors closed or adding a modest layer of security to a bedroom or bathroom door. It’s also a good solution for keeping a gate or outdoor door closed.

11. Magnetic Door Latch

Magnetic door latches are used in commercial applications, though they also work on residential doors. They work via a magnetic connection that locks the door. The magnet can be attached to the top of the door or the edge of the door, and when it comes into contact with a metal piece attached to an adjacent surface, it will lock when the magnetic field is activated. 

What Is a Magnetic Door Latch Best For?

High-security buildings or commercial buildings often use magnetic door latches for additional protection. They work well on doors that need to be locked and unlocked automatically, such as security gates or automatic doors.

Cost to Install a Door Latch

Door hardware installation, including a door latch, can range anywhere from $80 to $480, depending on the complexity of the latch you choose. For example, you'll pay on the lower end for a simple swinging latch, while a spring latch will cost more.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

Expect your local door repair pro to charge between $50 and $200 to install or replace hardware like a door latch. You can save on labor by installing the latch yourself since many only require basic tools like a screwdriver or electric drill. For example, you'll pay as little as $40 for the hardware needed for a dead bolt.

However, you should hire a pro to install an electronic latch or smart lock. Professional installation will ensure it works properly and remains covered by your warranty.