Slam latches are great locks for the self-closing door since they basically require very little effort to operate. While their size usually matches the size of the door they're mounted on; slam latches aren't considered heavy-duty door hardware. When you need a heavy-duty latch, you can opt for a paddle latch. This product guide will discuss paddle latches, how they compare to slam latches, what different types there are, and their advantages.

Paddle latches and locks are recessed release paddle handles usually mounted on the enclosure door and panel access, keeping their contents inside. Externally, the latch is flush-mount on the enclosure door, made of various materials, and in several finishes. Depending on your application needs, they may also be key locking or non-locking paddle latches.

Internally, paddle latches feature a similar mechanism to slam latches. However, paddle latches usually can't be slammed closed due to the heavy-duty construction of the latching mechanism. In fact, its pin, or deadbolt, is always under a constant load from the spring, disabling the slam function, with a few exceptions.

Similar to slam latches, an enclosed spring-loaded latch attaches to a latch bar mounted on the inside of the enclosure's panel wall. However, unlike slam latches, paddle latches have a much stronger spring that doesn't allow the deadbolt to glide or move easily. In fact, the spring is so strong that you have to operate the paddle to open and close the latch door.

Paddle latches often have paddle-shaped levers that actuate the spring that controls the pin/deadbolt. Unfortunately, this makes them highly unlikely to close if the panel door is pushed or even slammed.

Like compression latches, paddle handle latches can be mounted on the entry door of enclosures, with a gasket between the door and the panel. However, this isn't their primary function, and they can't really provide the same amount of compression as compression latches can.

Installing a thinner gasket will keep the dust and slight drizzle outside of your enclosures. It could also eliminate vibration noise produced by the door and the panel.

Many different varieties of paddle latches are available on the market that satisfy a consumers' need for added security or different applications:
 

Single-point paddle latch — Single point paddle latches are the simplest by design. The pin is encased in the latch housing, with an actuation paddle on one side, allowing you to operate the latch. These are incredibly easy to install and usually don't require cutting a mounting hole or using mounting brackets.
 

Multi-point — Multi-point paddle latches are indistinguishable from the single-point ones on the outside. However, it's the insides that make all the difference. Unlike their single-point counterparts, multi-point door latches have several pins/deadbolts that latch onto several different points on the panel. This makes them more complex to install and more complex to tamper with.
 

Rotary paddle latches — If you want to prevent unauthorized access to your cabinet or an enclosure, opt for a locking paddle latch. However, if you need quick access to the cabinet's contents, you might want to stick with the non-locking latches. Rotary paddle latches can be of single-point or multi-point latch variety.
 

Special purpose paddle latches — Special purpose paddle latches are external latches mostly used on boats to prevent cabinets' doors from opening. They're not as commercially available as other types.

You might want to check out CAD files on each and every type of paddle latch you’re interested in. These files will provide you with insight into all the details and measurements surrounding individual items.

Paddle latches and slam latches are incredibly similar in some regards. Both types of door hardware are typically flush-mounted components that don't require a cut-out hole. Instead, they're mounted by using threaded fasteners, eliminating the need for any type of mounting brackets.

Yet, there are some notable differences between the two types. For example, the interlocking elements of slam latches are fantastic for use on both hinged and sliding doors. The same could be said for paddle latches; just take a look at any van with a sliding side door.

However, mounting them on the sliding door makes their operation a bit trickier due to the conflicting sliding and pulling movement. As a result, paddle latches are better suited for hinged doors rather than sliding ones.

Another significant difference is the actuation mechanism. Slam latches feature curved pins (or notches) that allow the pin to press against the notch with the curved side and glide over. Once in place, the spring pushes the pin out, and the notch prevents the door from opening.

On the other hand, paddle latches may or may not feature a curved pin, depending on the type. For example, a single-point paddle latch with a hook-type deadbolt could be used on sliding doors to provide some self-locking options. In those cases, the door could be slammed shut.

Hinged-door applications usually don't feature curved or hook-type pins and bolts, and as such, can't provide self-closing options. Instead, they require manual actuation of the spring, which retracts the bolt, to allow the door to close.

There are numerous benefits of using paddle latches as your cabinet or enclosure door locks. For example, unlike slam latches, paddle latches won't automatically close on you. Instead, they're like draw latches since they require manual operation.

Safety

As we've previously described, single- and multi-point paddle latches might have access restriction features depending on their specifications. Key-locking latches are usually opened by a regular flat key and are great for preventing unauthorized access.

Mounting

Paddle locks come in various styles and sizes, making them suitable for a variety of applications. In addition, since they're almost exclusively flush-mount components, paddle latches do not require hole cut-outs for mounting. As such, they can accommodate various door thicknesses while keeping any mounting hardware from sight, apart from a few mounting threaded fasteners or rivets.

While on the subject of mounting, paddle latches are attached directly to the door, without any mounting brackets. For wooden or plastic doors, threaded screws are the best possible solution. On the other hand, if the cabinet or enclosure door is made of sheet metal, rivets seem like a good option. There's also a weld-on option for a thicker metal door.

​Materials and finishes

Paddle locks also come in various materials, ranging from stainless steel to zinc plated metal and plastics. They also come in multiple finishes to suit different applications, including black powder coating, brushed, polished, or even chrome finish.

Paddle latches are fantastic for use in more heavy-duty applications in which you need to ensure that the latch can't be actuated without applying force. If you're looking to purchase paddle latches for your home or work, Reid Supply offers an extensive engineer resource guide and other tech literature that might point towards the industrial hardware you need for your projects.