How to Choose the Right Latch Bolt Based on Door Material?

How Much Do You Know About Door Materials?

The selection of door materials varies in different settings, such as fire doors in malls and buildings, metal doors in apartments, or glass or metal doors in school classrooms. But do you know the material of the doors in your home?

Different materials are used in different regions and for various purposes. Let’s take a look at some common door materials:

• Wooden Doors: Wooden doors are one of the most common types, widely used in homes and offices. Since wooden door frames and panels are usually lighter, latch bolts need to provide stable fixation and consider the thickness of the frame and panel.
• Metal Doors: Metal doors typically have high strength and are commonly used in places requiring robust anti-theft capabilities, such as factories and parking lots.
• Glass Doors: Glass doors are usually heavier and more fragile. When choosing a suitable latch bolt, the weight and structural characteristics of the door need to be considered. The latch bolt must not only support the weight of the glass door but also avoid damaging the door frame.
• PVC Doors: PVC doors are usually lighter but less durable. When choosing a latch bolt, factors such as durability and preventing excessive wear on the latch bolt should be considered.
• Fire Doors: Fire doors have fire-resistant functions, and the selection of latch bolts requires special attention to their high-temperature resistance. The latch bolt should have good sealing performance and remain stable under high temperatures.

Unparalleled Protection: The Impact of Door Materials on Latch Bolts

The material of the latch bolt significantly affects its performance. Common materials include "zinc alloy" and "stainless steel."

• Wooden Door Latch Bolts: Wooden doors are lightweight and suitable for sliding doors and drawer locks. They typically do not require overly robust latch bolts. Materials such as "stainless steel, copper, zinc alloy, iron, and aluminum" are suitable for wooden door latch bolts. When selecting, consider the thickness of the door and the structure of the frame.
• Steel Door Latch Bolts: Steel doors need to withstand greater external forces and have stronger anti-theft requirements(AL2001). When choosing latch bolts, focus on strength and stability. Steel doors are usually equipped with latch bolts made of "stainless steel" or other durable "metal materials" to effectively prevent forced entry.
• Glass Door Latch Bolts: Selection should balance aesthetics and functionality. Due to the heavy weight and fragile structure of glass doors, attention must be paid to the load-bearing capacity of the latch bolt. "Steel" or "zinc alloy" latch bolts are suitable for glass doors as these materials provide sufficient strength while avoiding damage to the glass door.
• Fire Door Latch Bolts: Must have high-temperature resistance and effectively maintain the door’s sealing performance to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Materials should include "non-flammable metals" (e.g., steel) or "special alloys."

The Rise of Electronic Locks: Why Traditional Latch Bolts Still Matter

With technological advancements, the demand for electronic locks has grown. However, not every door can be equipped with electronic locks.

Traditional hardware locks with latch bolts remain irreplaceable due to their excellent high-temperature resistance, especially for fire doors in malls that must block smoke and flames. While electronic locks offer quick locking and effective smoke prevention, their tolerance to high temperatures is relatively low, making traditional hardware latch bolts a better choice in such scenarios.

Additionally, glass doors often prioritize aesthetics and weather resistance. For such doors, rotating locks or fingerprint recognition locks provide convenient functionality but require more resources for maintenance, making traditional locks with lower maintenance costs a more practical option.

Understanding common types of latch bolts for door locks and choosing suitable materials can enhance anti-theft performance or extend the lifespan of locks. Properly matching latch bolts and materials effectively improves overall protection.