A guide to toggle latches
Toggle latches are essential components in many industries, known for their secure fastening, ease of use, and durability. The more you know about these fastening solutions and their applications, the better you can choose the right one for your project. We’ve put together this guide to help you understand toggle latches, along with alternative industrial latches. We’ll cover:
Key industry applications: where are toggle latches used?
Alternatives to toggle latches
What are toggle latches?
They’re mechanical devices that securely attach two surfaces when closed. This can be panels, or even objects. When opened, the surfaces separate. Toggle latches, also known as draw latches, are commonly used in industrial environments such as for flaps, covers, or machine cladding.
Toggle latches are designed to withstand stresses, ensuring a secure and reliable fastening even in high-vibration environments. Some toggle latches even come with anti-vibration features, such as a sprung-loaded mechanism or locking mechanism, that help to absorb the shock and vibrations.
How do toggle latches work?
Toggle latches have locking mechanisms, or lever mechanisms that secures and opens the latch. They use a calibrated operating system of levers and pivots. The toggle action has an over-center lock point, which ensures sturdy locking when fully closed.
Tension is generated when the loop is hooked onto the catch plate and the lever is pressed down. Once the toggle reaches a certain point, it clamps down, creating a secure fastening. To release the latch, the lever is lifted and the tension is released, allowing the toggle to disengage from the hook.
Types of toggle latches
Understanding your options can help you choose the right toggle latch for your specific needs.
Adjustable draw latch – with keeper
Padlockable and non-padlockable options available.These adjustable latches offer versatile solutions for various applications, such as containers, packaging, and industrial cleaning equipment. Their adjustable gripping range, secured by a screwed catch, accommodates different object sizes. Available in
different materials and can be tailored to specific environmental
Draw latches
This over-center draw latch features a smooth surface for a sleek appearance and operates with a draw hook. They securely fasten two components together by pushing the latch over its centre. This draw latch is considered light-duty compared to wire latches and is ideal for small containers, metal boxes, and light industrial cleaning machines. Available in different materials.
Side spring draw latches with keeper
Draw latches, also known as tension latches, securely fasten two components together. The built-in spring provides an adjustable pull and a firm lock. Materials ensure that these draw latches can be used in a variety of applications.
Link lock with keeper
Link locks securely fasten two components together. Constructed from stainless steel, these locking mechanisms are easy to operate by hand, making them convenient industrial latches for various applications, including containers, packaging, and industrial cleaning machines.
Wire loop draw latch & strike
Loop draw latches and strikes feature a simple, user-friendly design suitable for a range of applications requiring a basic latch. The catch and strike components are sold separately and available in different materials.
Key industry applications: where are toggle latches used?
Toggle latches are widely used across various industries due to their versatility and secure fastening capabilities. Key applications include securing panels and enclosures in automotive and aerospace manufacturing, fastening doors and hatches in marine and industrial settings.
They also provide quick-release latch mechanisms in packaging and electronics. Their reliability makes many of them ideal as industrial latches for use in machinery, HVAC systems, and even consumer products like toolboxes and storage containers.
Examples of applications typically include:
● Industrial cabinets and machinery covers
● Engine panels and valve boxes
● Exhaust systems and ductwork
● Toolboxes and transport cases
● Flaps and container lids
● HVAC panels and enclosures
● Trade fair and exhibition construction materials
● Marine and transport industry applications
● Industrial doors and gates
If your application is furniture, you might find a more appropriate solution in our Guide to furniture and cabinet locks
Alternatives to toggle latches
Depending on your application, you might consider other types of latches. You can learn more in our Guide to latches. For now, here are alternatives to toggle latches:
Slide and swell latches
Slide latches and swell latches are mechanical fasteners used to secure doors, windows, or other objects. A slide latch, shown here, features a sliding mechanism that engages with a strike plate or catch, holding components together when closed. In contrast to these fastening solutions, a swell latch utilises a swelling or expanding mechanism activated by turning a knob or handle to firmly grip the strike plate or catch.
Rotary latches
Rotary latches offer a convenient push-to-close operation, making them ideal for applications that require secure yet easy access. They’re hand-actuated, allowing users to manually engage or release the latch without the need for additional tools.
For added security and functionality, a separate striker bolt is typically required, which ensures proper alignment and locking. These industrial latches are commonly used in automotive, industrial, and enclosure applications due to their reliability and ease of use.
To help you learn more, our experts have put together A guide to rotary latches.
Cam locks
Cam locks are locking levers commonly used in cabinet and furniture construction. Their locking mechanisms secure doors, lockers, safety boxes, office equipment, and many other applications. Our range includes compression cam latches, quarter-turn cam locks, and more.
Download free CADs and try before you buy
Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also request free samples to ensure the product you’ve chosen is exactly what you need.
If you’re not quite sure which solution will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.
Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast despatch. Request your free samples or download free CADs now.
Questions?
Email us at sales@essentracomponents.co.uk or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 0345 528 0474.