A guide to compression latches & locks
Designed to enhance security, provide effective sealing, and ensure durability in demanding environments, compression latches and locks cater to the varied requirements of different industries. This guide will help you understand the various types, advantages, and applications of compression locks and latches, helping you identify the most suitable solutions for your needs. We’ll cover:
What are compression latches and locks?
What are the main differences between compression latches and cam locks?
Benefits of using locks and latches with compression features
Applications of different types of compression locks and latches
What are compression latches and locks?
Compression locks and latches use a gasket to create a tight seal between the latch and the mating surface. When the latch is engaged, the cam lever compresses the gasket, forming a secure seal that helps prevent dust, moisture, and other contaminants from entering the enclosure. They’re also used where vibration, noise, or weather resistance is critical.
View our range of compression latches – cam locks
Our experts help you learn more about your options in A guide to latches.
Types of compression latches
Our range of compression latches offers reliable and efficient solutions for different applications, including doors, cabinets, panels, and enclosures. Designed to provide a secure, tight seal while minimising noise and vibration, these latches are available in various styles, materials, and finishes for your specific needs.
Adjustable compression latch
These compression latches offer versatile performance with a wide grip range and an adjustable screw for precise compression. They provide excellent sealing under vibration and shock conditions while dampening noise. Features a quarter-turn cam operation and are available in both locking and non-locking configurations.
Cams and driver keys sold separately. Die-cast zinc alloy. Also available as a stainless compression latch. Different finish options. Left- and right-hand mounting.
Fixed compression cam latches
Rated IP65 for protection against water and dust. Provides both good compression and noise isolation. Made of black powder-coated die-cast zinc for durability and corrosion resistance. These compression cam latches feature a quarter-turn cam operation. When the key is turned 90 degrees, the cam moves to the locking position. A full 180-degree rotation positions the cam for securing the latch. Various head styles and grip ranges available.
Flush compression lever latches
Featuring an offset trigger design, this flush compression lever latch ensures optimal gasket compression. It provides a secure and reliable seal for doors, cabinets, and panels. The offset trigger mechanism allows for easy operation, even in tight spaces, while the flush design ensures a sleek appearance with no protruding parts. Ideal for applications requiring both durability and ease of use, these compression lever latches offer superior sealing against dust and moisture ingress.
Adjustable T-Handle with compression
Fixed and adjustable T-Handle compression latches provide up to 6mm of pre-set compression, ensuring a secure and tight seal—especially ideal for cabinets exposed to vibration. The compression helps maintain consistent pressure, preventing loosening or rattling, while improving the sealing performance to protect against dust and moisture.
The adjustable compression latch version features a quarter-turn cam operation and an adjustable nut for a wide grip range, allowing fine-tuning for various applications. Cams sold separately.
Mini-adjustable compression latches
Provides 4mm of compression for a secure and tight seal, making them ideal for tight spaces and applications needing enhanced sealing. With an IP65 rating, these latches offer excellent protection against dust and water ingress. The simple grip range adjustment feature allows for easy customization, ensuring a precise fit across different applications. Each latch comes with a sealing gasket for improved sealing performance. Compatible keys are sold separately.
Quarter-turn compression latches – finger grip
Features a durable construction made from black powder-coated die-cast zinc, designed to withstand wear and provide a sleek appearance. These quarter-turn compression latches offer 6mm of compression for a tight and secure seal, ideal for applications that need effective sealing against dust, moisture, or vibration. The compression also helps minimize noise, making them perfect where noise isolation matters.
The latch operates with a quarter-turn mechanism: turning the key 90 degrees moves the cam into the locking position, securing the door or panel. A full 180-degree turn shifts the cam into the fixing position, where compression is applied.
View our range of quarter-turn compression latches – finger grip
What are the main differences between compression latches and cam locks?
How do compression latches work compared to cam locks? The main difference between the two lies in their function and mechanism. Compression latches are primarily designed to provide a tight, sealed closure. They use a cam mechanism to compress a gasket, ensuring a secure seal that prevents dust, moisture, and contaminants from entering an enclosure. These latches are ideal for applications where vibration, weather resistance, or noise reduction is critical.
Cam locks, on the other hand, are mainly used to secure doors or panels, offering protection against unauthorised access. When the key is turned, the cam rotates to lock or unlock the mechanism, without necessarily creating a seal like a compression latch.
Both use a cam mechanism to secure a door or panel, and many compression latches incorporate locking features. The primary function of compression latches is to provide a sealing function, while cam locks are focused solely on locking.
Benefits of using locks and latches with compression features
Compression locks and latches offer several advantages that enhance both performance and functionality.
1. Enhanced sealing: Compression locks and latches create a tight seal, protecting against dust, moisture, and other contaminants. This makes them ideal for outdoor enclosures, electrical panels, and other sensitive equipment.
2. Vibration resistance: The compression action prevents loosening or rattling, even in high-vibration environments such as vehicles, machinery, or industrial settings, ensuring the latch remains securely fastened.
3. Improved noise reduction: The firm closure reduces noise by eliminating movement or friction between components, making them suitable for applications where noise control is critical.
4. Increased durability: Compression latches reduce wear and tear on components by maintaining consistent pressure, contributing to longer-lasting performance under demanding conditions.
5. Customizable grip and fit: Some compression latches offer adjustable grip ranges, allowing for a more tailored fit to accommodate varying door thicknesses or gasket sizes, enhancing their versatility.
6. Enhanced security: Compression locks provide a tighter, more secure closure, which adds an extra layer of protection against tampering or unauthorised access.
These features make compression locks and latches especially valuable in industries where durability, sealing, and stability are crucial, such as in automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, and manufacturing applications.
Applications of different types of compression locks and latches
From marine compression latches to compression door latches, let’s look at typical applications.
| Types | Applications |
|---|---|
|
Adjustable compression latches Ideal for applications exposed to noise, vibration and shock |
– Automotive and transportation (vehicle doors, storage compartments) – Industrial machinery (equipment enclosures) – Telecommunications cabinets |
|
Fixed compression cam latches – IP65 Especially beneficial for locations exposed to moisture, ensuring a tight seal and corrosion resistance |
– Outdoor enclosures (electrical cabinets, HVAC units) – Marine equipment – Utility boxes |
|
Flush compression lever latches Used where durability, secure sealing, and streamlined appearance are critical |
– Aerospace and automotive interiors – Cabinets or panels in confined spaces – Furniture |
|
Adjustable T-Handle with compression Their adjustable nature ensures a flexible grip range and a tight seal, preventing loosening over time |
– Heavy-duty industrial machinery – Storage cabinets in transportation sectors – Off-road vehicles |
|
Mini-adjustable compression latches – IP65 Ideal for compact spaces or applications requiring a tight seal. Their IP65 rating makes them useful for outdoor or wet environments where space is limited. |
– Small enclosures – Control panels – Consumer electronics housings |
|
Quarter-turn compression latches – finger grip Used in applications requiring quick access with noise isolation and effective sealing – Electrical panels |
– Electrical panels – Telecom cabinets – Server racks |
Download free CADs
Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. If you’re not quite sure which compression cam latches and locks will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.
You might even decide another latch type is right for you. Check out our Guide to rotary latches.
Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast dispatch.
Questions?
Email us at sales@essentracomponents.com or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 800-847-0486.