A tubular latch is a simple yet highly significant component that allows you to smoothly close your internal door - without a locking function - shutting perfectly with a satisfying *click*. This smaller, more modern upgrade to a classic Mortice lock is very easy to install into your door, but you need to know what sizes, finishes and features to choose before you finally click "buy".

A popular and easy to maintain door hardware essential; the tubular latch itself consists of a rectangular-shaped metal tube and a spring-loaded mechanism with a bolt end designed to fit into a strike plate mounted on the door frame. The tubular latch is screwed into a cavity cut into the door and aligned with the corresponding strike plate to allow for easy opening and reliable closure of the door. Turning the door knob or lever handle will retract the bolt to operate the latch.

Ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and almost all internal doors around your home, your tubular latches will receive a huge amount of use, and therefore, they need a few crucial characteristic to ensure they'll never let you down.

In our latest blog, Door Giant will give you our must-read buyer's guide to choosing the right tubular latch for your latest door installation project. We'll run through key factors, including functionality, build quality, fitting requirements, and even style and aesthetics, to guarantee your tubular latch looks great and works effortlessly every time.

Durability, Build Quality & Reliability

Although tubular latches aren't designed for highly demanding environments, they still need to be able to withstand constant everyday use. Inferior latches will be more subject to failure, breaking down and wearing out over the years.

In light of this, many of Door Giant's high quality tubular latches have been made from pressed steel, double-sprung, with a heavy-duty design and stainless steel finishes that resist rust, corrosion, scratches and general wear. You'll discover many latches that are CE and Certifire tested, while also being suitable for use in all domestic, industrial and commercial environments.

Atlantic Heavy Duty Bolt Through Tubular Latch

One of our most popular and best-selling tubular latches on the market. This Atlantic Heavy Duty Bolt Through Tubular Latch is a quality Architectural-Grade choice with an impressive 10-year mechanical guarantee. However, if you have more demanding requirements, you can browse our entire Door Latches & Locks range at Door Giant today.

Privacy & Security Considerations

Tubular latches can also offer privacy, but bear in mind, they're not usually designed to provide security, so more robust measures will need to be put in place to securely lock a door and prevent unwanted entry.

Bathrooms and bedrooms will require an added layer of privacy - so you'll need something a lot better than a cheap latch to give you peace of mind...

The Atlantic Bathroom Lock isn't primarily designed to offer any real security but will deliver much needed privacy in bathrooms or similar rooms around your home. It features a standard tubular latch, along with a locking bolt-through that slides across to prevent entry. Certified to BS EN 12209.

If you are looking to improve door security, we recommend purchasing a tubular latch with a longer backset. The backset refers to the distance from the door edge to the centre of the latch mechanism. The longer the backset, generally, the harder it is to tamper with. Strike plates need to be of high quality and incredibly durable. Fitting your strike plate with longer screws can also make it considerably harder for someone to kick in a door.

Choosing the Right Size: It’s All About Fit

Tubular latches are available in various sizes to suit different requirements related to specific door types, door hardware, aesthetics and leverage. To get the correctly sized latch, you'll need to measure the distance from the door edge to the door stile centre and then buy the latch that matches closest to these measurements.

A 3 inch latch is usually the best size for lever handles, while a 4 inch latch or larger, such as a 6 inch latch, is ideal for door knobs that require extra clearance from the edge of the door and entrance-way.

Style & Finish: Match Your Door’s Aesthetic

When it comes to the style of your tubular latch, you don't need to overdo it. Simply choose a finish that complements the rest of the room, and preferably, the other latches and strike plates around your home to create an attractive and coordinated look. At Door Giant, we offer a huge range of unique finishes to match any modern or traditional abode.

Atlantic 4 Inch Tubular Deadbolt

This tubular deadbolt comes in traditional finishes such as Polished Brass, Antique Brass and Raw Brass or Chrome, as well as modern finishes like Urban Bronze, Satin Nickel, Matt Black and Distressed Silver.


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