Purchasing any new product for the first time can be daunting, and a draw bolt latch is no exception. You may know what you need such a product to do, but you may not know what it’s called, the existing types, and how they work. We’ll attempt to provide you with all that information and more below.

Draw bolt latches, or draw latches, are stainless steel, brass-plated, zinc-plated, or even antique brass latches that you can purchase for residential, commercial, or industrial use in various industries. They pull two items together with tension and hold them closed using an assembly consisting of a blade known as a wire-formed loop or hooked plate, a keeper, and a hinge. You may see such mechanisms featured on flight cases as case latches, small boxes, and even storage trunks.

Whether you buy a heavy-duty steel latch, a high-quality plastic one, or any other material, the tension is formed when you hook the blade onto the keeper and clamp it down. The pressure is released when you swivel the latch into the vertical position.

Before purchasing new latches, it’s helpful to understand how drawbolt latches work to know whether they’re a suitable part for you.

Draw bolt latches consist of two main components, with an arm on one side clasping to the other. When the latch draw closes, the pivoting levers and drawbars catch onto the surface to pull the two components together. If you use a gasket between the frame and the surface, this results in a tight seal. 

Well-known manufacturers and suppliers with excellent customer reviews like Southco and Reid Supply stock various drawbolt locks and latches within an extensive catalog for your convenience. Here are some of the most common draw bolt latch types that may suit your unique needs:

Over center latches are preferred for providing adequate tension without requiring significant force to release that tension. They get their name from the center lock point.

Under center latches are surface mount-friendly latches that are strong, secure, and accommodate misalignment better than many other options on the market. They also have adjustable grip and a concealed style.

Many latches fall under the category of twist latches, such as butterfly latch, link lock, and wing latch. These all have extra flexibility and swivel capabilities for use as flat or corner latches with fold-down handles for secure grip.

A T-handle latch is the ideal addition to any storage hatch, gun boxes, vehicle hood, or battery box with a convenient and comfortable grip handle. They are available in various materials like plastic, metal, and rubber.

A hood latch is a draw bolt latch with a cable and a release lever that slightly pivots when you move it. By pulling the lever, you release the safety latch from the hood to allow it to open.

Living hinge latches are ideal fixtures for complete flexibility. They consist of plastic and have parts that can bend up to 180 degrees. They have dual-hinge points in the latch body to allow for over-center latching in one continuous motion.

Learn more about fasteners, clamps, hasps, and new products on our website. Our resources provide product descriptions and product details to help you make an informed purchasing decision. All that’s left to do now is add them to your shopping cart and enjoy a convenient credit card checkout process.