3 Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Toggle Latch

Toggle latches are a popular hardware choice for containers that need to be easy to open, easy to close, and easy to keep closed. Their reliable design helps ensure that lids and doors stay perfectly in place once shut, making them an ideal selection for designers who are hoping to create a secure, dependable enclosure.

In order for a toggle latch to be truly effective, however, the hardware itself needs to be fail-proof. When searching for toggle latches to spec into your design, consider the implications of these characteristics as they apply to your container:

ADDED SECURITY OPTIONS

Toggle latches are designed to provide reliable security once they’re closed and fastened into place. If, however, you feel that the latch’s capabilities may be compromised by external factors, consider choosing one that offers additional options that could protect the latch from coming loose or being opened. Many toggle latches feature a hole where a padlock could be inserted, preventing the latch from being opened by anyone or anything that can’t open the lock.

Consider prioritizing additional security features in your toggle latch selection if your enclosure is likely to experience any of the following:

• Long periods of storage in which it remains unopened
• Frequent transportation or other scenarios in which it may be jostled around
• Handling by individuals unauthorized to access the contents within
• Containment of fragile or sensitive materials

Adding additional locking options on an already secure latch can increase the protection value of your design.

EASE OF USE

A large part of the appeal of toggle latches is how easy they are to tighten and loosen. The latch you choose should be:

• Easy to adjust when your container is open
• Quick to tighten when your container is closed
• Secure and immovable when tightened

Acquiring your toggle latches from a reputable distributor is the first step toward making sure the toggle latches you choose meet this requirement, but when doing your own research, make sure that your hardware is the right material to provide the accessibility and security you require.

Avoiding corrosion and rust on both the surface and within the hardware (especially where moving parts connect) is crucial to an accessible latch. Make sure that the latch you select is made from corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel, to ensure that it can withstand prolonged exposure to moisture or other potentially damaging elements. Zinc galvanization can also provide added protection to steel, iron, and other metals. The durability of stainless steel can also keep your latch from being damaged from physical force if it’s slammed against another hard surface during transport.

RELIABLE MOUNTING

Like any lock or latch, toggle latches are only as reliable as their mounting. This means ensuring that not only the latch itself is secure, but also the catch plate. Over time, the tension the latch places on the catch plate can loosen or even break it, especially if outside factors such as moisture, extreme temperatures, or physical force affect its structural integrity.

Should you need to select an alternative or replacement catch plate for your toggle latch, make sure that it, too, is built with corrosion resistance in mind. Pay special attention as well to the mounting techniques and tools used to secure both the catch plate and the mounting; a rusty screw could cause the latch to fail or make it harder to remove if it needs to be replaced.

CLOSING IN ON A BETTER LATCH

Designing a top-quality enclosure requires speccing in top-quality toggle latches. Choosing a latch that offers personalized security, easy accessibility, and reliable mounting can give your design the value and reliability it needs to stand out from the competition.

Contact us today to learn more about how the right toggle latch can improve the quality of your design.