What is a Tubular Latch? How to Choose the Correct Tubular Latch

At T.H. Wiggans Ironmongery Ltd, based in Kendal, the gateway to the Lake District, we have proudly supplied tradespeople and the general public since 1976. We offer a comprehensive range of architectural ironmongery, doors, fixings, and more. Our extensive selection includes over 1000 door handles and 40 internal doors on display, making us the top choice for those looking to upgrade their homes. This guide is designed to help you understand What is a Tubular Latch? How to choose the correct Tubular Latch . Whether you’re a professional joiner, builder, architect, or DIY enthusiast, this guide will provide you with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions for your projects.

A tubular latch is a crucial piece of ironmongery that is morticed into a door, allowing it to be opened and closed via a door handle or knob. The term 'latching' refers to the mechanism that keeps the door closed. Tubular latches are typically rectangular steel tubes containing a spring-loaded follower and latch bolt, or 'tongue,' which retracts to open the door and springs back to close and latch it shut.

Tubular latches are popular due to their simple installation process, requiring only a single drilled hole, which eliminates the need for extensive joinery work. This simplicity makes them a favourite among joiners and DIY enthusiasts alike. Tubular latches come in various sizes, shapes, finishes, and quality levels, so it's essential to choose the right one for your needs.

Tubular latches are the most common type of door latch on the market today due to several factors:

1. Ease of Installation: The tubular design allows for quick and straightforward installation, requiring only basic tools and minimal joinery work. This is particularly beneficial for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

2. Versatility: Available in a wide range of sizes, finishes, and quality levels, tubular latches can be used in various settings, from budget projects to high-end applications. This versatility makes them suitable for a broad range of doors and handles.

3. Cost-Effective: Tubular latches are generally more affordable than other types of latches, making them a cost-effective solution for many projects.

4. Reliability: With a robust design and fewer moving parts, tubular latches offer reliable performance and a long lifespan, especially when higher-quality versions are chosen.

5. Aesthetic Appeal: Tubular latches are designed to be discreet, with only the latch bolt and faceplate visible when the door is closed. This clean look is preferred for both modern and traditional interiors.

In summary, the tubular latch's popularity stems from its ease of installation, versatility, cost-effectiveness, reliability, and aesthetic appeal. These factors contribute to its widespread use in both residential and commercial settings.

Choosing the right tubular latch depends on the specific requirements of your project. Here are the main types of tubular latches available:

• Dust-Box: Helps to tidy up the chisel marks behind the receiver keep plate.
• Secondary Removable Fore-End: Easily removed when the door is painted.
• Hardened Steel Follower: Provides durability and reliable performance.
• Precision-Guided Latchbolt: Ensures smooth operation and secure latching.

Heavy sprung tubular latches are designed to handle unsprung or particularly heavy handles, offering enhanced strength to ensure the handle always returns to a horizontal position. These latches are suitable for both lever handles and door knobs and are available in lengths up to 150mm. They are an excellent choice for high-usage doors and applications where reliable performance and durability are essential.

Measuring for a door latch involves determining the backset, which is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the spindle follower. Here’s how to measure accurately:

1. Measure the width of your door stile (the vertical rails on a panelled door).
2. Halve this measurement to find the backset.
3. Choose a latch size that matches or slightly exceeds this backset to ensure the handle or knob is centrally positioned on the door stile.

The correct size of a tubular latch depends on whether you're using lever handles or door knobs.

For lever handles, a 64mm or 76mm tubular latch is typically recommended. A 76mm latch provides a backset of 56mm, which usually positions the lever handle nicely in the center of the door stile, offering better aesthetics and usability.

Door knobs require a longer latch, at least 102mm (4 inches), to ensure there is enough space between the knob and the door frame, preventing scraped knuckles. A backset of 82mm or more is ideal, ensuring comfortable operation and a better aesthetic appearance.

The placement height of a tubular latch varies depending on the type of handle or knob used:

1. Lever Handles: Typically placed one meter from the floor for ergonomic use.
2. Door Knobs: Should be positioned on the door's mid rail, also known as the lock rail, regardless of its height from the floor. This placement allows for a longer latch and better operation.

While tubular latches are the most common choice for many doors, there are other types of latches that may be better suited for specific applications. Understanding these alternatives can help you select the best hardware for your needs.

The flat upright latch, also known as a flat latch, is housed in a rectangular casing rather than a tubular one. This design requires more extensive joinery work during installation compared to tubular latches. The flat upright latch was more commonly used in the 1970s and 1980s, but it has become less popular due to the simpler installation process of tubular latches. However, it is still used in certain doorset manufacturing processes where uniformity and specific design requirements are necessary.

• Installation: Requires precise morticing and is typically more time-consuming to fit.
• Usage: Used in specific doorset assemblies and occasionally in restoration projects where historical accuracy is needed.
• Benefits: Provides a strong and secure latching mechanism with a traditional look.

A sashlock combines both a latch and a lock within a single rectangular casing, making it a versatile option for doors that require secure locking mechanisms. Sashlocks are commonly used on both internal and external doors, offering various levels of security and functionality.

• Quality Grades: Available in different quality grades, from basic models for interior doors to high-security versions for external use.
• Key Profiles: Can accommodate different key profiles, including lever keys, cylinder keys, and thumbturns for bathroom locks.
• Applications: Suitable for use on front doors, back doors, and internal doors where privacy is required.
• Benefits: Provides a comprehensive locking solution with the convenience of a latch and lock in one unit.

Rim locks or rim latches are surface-mounted on the door, rather than being morticed inside it. This traditional piece of ironmongery has been used for hundreds of years and is commonly seen in older homes and restoration projects.

• Installation: Easier to fit compared to morticed latches, as they are mounted on the door surface.
• Aesthetics: Often used in period properties for their historical accuracy and decorative appeal.
• Security: Offers a basic level of security, suitable for internal doors or secondary locks on external doors.
• Applications: Ideal for restoration projects, Georgian and Victorian homes, and any setting requiring a vintage look.

DIN latches adhere to the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) standards, featuring a long casing that allows for greater distance between the follower and keyhole cutout. This design is common in European doorsets.

• Standardization: The DIN standard ensures consistency and compatibility across various doors and locks.
• Usage: Frequently used in commercial buildings and modern residential developments across Europe.
• Benefits: Provides a consistent and standardized solution that simplifies the selection and installation process.
• Applications: Ideal for doorsets that require standardized dimensions and functionality, commonly found in new builds and commercial properties.

Night latches are typically used on front doors and feature an automatic locking mechanism that secures the door when it is closed. They can be left 'on the latch' to remain unlocked when needed.

• Automatic Locking: This provides the convenience of automatically locking the door upon closing, enhancing security without the need for a key to lock the door.
• Versatility: Can be used in conjunction with a secondary deadlock for added security, especially on external doors.
• Applications: Ideal for front doors, providing quick and easy locking while ensuring the door can be kept unlocked when necessary.
• Security Considerations: While convenient, night latches alone may not provide sufficient security. It is often recommended to use them alongside a British Standard security deadlock for optimal protection.

Each type of tubular latch offers unique features and benefits:

• Economy Latches: Cost-effective for low-usage applications.
• Standard Latches: Improved build quality, suitable for larger projects.
• Double Sprung Latches: Smooth operation and longevity, ideal for most applications.
• Heavy Sprung Latches: Enhanced strength for heavy or unsprung handles.

To ensure proper installation of tubular latches, follow these tips:

1. Measure accurately to determine the correct backset.
2. Drill a precise hole for the latch to avoid misalignment.
3. Ensure the latch is flush with the door edge to allow smooth operation.
4. Secure the latch with screws provided, avoiding over-tightening.

Avoid these common mistakes when choosing and installing tubular latches:

1. Incorrect Sizing: Choosing a latch that is too short or too long can affect the handle’s functionality and appearance.
2. Improper Placement: Incorrect height placement can lead to ergonomic issues and aesthetic problems.
3. Over-Tightening Screws: This can damage the latch mechanism and affect its operation.

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and smooth operation of tubular latches:

1. Lubricate the latch mechanism periodically with a suitable lubricant.
2. Tighten any loose screws to maintain secure fixing.
3. Clean the latch and surrounding area to prevent dirt buildup.

Common issues with tubular latches and their solutions include:

• Sticking Latch: Lubricate the mechanism or check for misalignment.
• Loose Handle: Tighten the screws or check the spindle for wear.
• Misaligned Latch: Adjust the latch position to ensure it aligns with the strike plate.

Investing in high-quality tubular latches offers several advantages:

1. Durability: Higher quality latches last longer and perform better.
2. Smooth Operation: Ensures effortless opening and closing of doors.
3. Aesthetics: Better quality latches offer a cleaner, more professional finish.

Understanding What is a Tubular Latch? How to choose the correct Tubular Latch is essential for any project involving doors. At T.H. Wiggans Ironmongery Ltd, we offer a wide range of tubular latches to suit all needs, from economy options to high-quality, heavy-sprung latches. Our expert team is here to help you select the right latch for your project, ensuring both functionality and aesthetics.

For more information or assistance, contact us at T.H. Wiggans Ironmongery Ltd, Unit 10 Lake District Business Park, Mint Bridge Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6NH. Tel: 01539 727188 or Email: info@thwltd.co.uk .