🗄️ Cabinet Latches, Catches & Sliding Bolts — Complete Information Sheet

📌 Quick Definitions

• Catch — Simple device that holds a door closed until pulled open (magnetic, spring-roller, ball). No active locking/release mechanism.
• Latch — Actively engages & releases; often requires turning, pushing, or lifting to open/close. Provides positive locking.
• Sliding Bolt / Barrel Bolt — Surface-mounted sliding rod that slides into a keeper; provides mechanical security, no key needed.

🔩 PART 1 — CATCHES (Hold-Closed Devices)

1. Magnetic Catches

• How they work: Magnet + steel strike plate holds door closed; pull to open
• Sizes: Mini (20–30mm), Standard (40–50mm), Heavy-Duty (60–80mm)
• Materials: Plastic housing (budget), Zinc alloy, Stainless Steel, Brass (premium); Ferrite or Neodymium magnets
• Best For: ✅ Light–medium cabinet doors, kitchen/bathroom, handle-less designs, double doors (use 2)
• Price Range: $1–3 (plastic) → $4–8 (SS/zinc) → $10–20 (brass/neodymium)
• Pros/Cons: ✅ Invisible, silent, easy install ❌ Weakens with gaps/thick paint; not for heavy doors

2. Roller Catches

• How they work: Spring-loaded nylon/metal roller snaps into strike plate; "click" when closed
• Sizes: 30mm, 40mm, 50mm body; adjustable tension screw
• Materials: Nylon roller, Steel/Brass housing, Zinc plate
• Best For: ✅ Traditional kitchens, heavy doors, high-use cupboards, uneven frames (more forgiving)
• Price Range: $2–5 (zinc/plastic) → $6–12 (brass/stainless) or above for niche items
• Pros/Cons: ✅ Positive click, strong hold, adjustable ❌ Visible, spring can fatigue

3. Ball Catches

• How they work: Spring-loaded steel ball engages a cup strike; compact & neat
• Sizes: 16mm, 20mm, 25mm diameter; common door thickness 16–22mm
• Materials: Steel ball, Brass/Chrome housing
• Best For: ✅ Light–medium cupboard doors, concealed look, traditional furniture
• Price Range: $6-20 (brass)
• Pros/Cons: ✅ Very compact, neat finish ❌ Less forgiving of misalignment

4. Touch / Push-to-Open Catches

• How they work: Spring-loaded mechanism — push door to latch, push again to pop open; no handles needed
• Sizes: Compact (30mm), Standard (50mm), Heavy-Duty (70mm)
• Materials: Plastic/Nylon, Steel spring, Zinc body
• Best For: ✅ Modern handle-less cabinetry, sleek minimalist designs
• Price Range: $5–12
• Pros/Cons: ✅ Clean look, no handles ❌ Needs precise clearance, finicky on misaligned doors

🔐 PART 2 — LATCHES (Active Locking & Release)

1. Spring / Turn Latches (Swing Latches)

• How they work: Metal loop swings over a strike plate; turn knob to release — classic rustic look
• Sizes: Faceplate: 25×50mm, 38×65mm, 50×75mm
• Materials: Cast Iron (rustic), Wrought Iron (hand-forged), Brass, Zinc alloy
• Best For: ✅ Farmhouse, vintage, colonial, antique-style cabinets & chests
• Price Range: $4–8 (zinc/steel) → $12–25 (cast iron) → $25–45 (solid brass/hand-forged)
• Pros/Cons: ✅ Highly decorative, authentic vintage feel ❌ Surface-mounted, visible hardware

2. Toggle / Hasp Latches

• How they work: Lever snaps over a loop; many have padlock hole for security
• Sizes: Mini (25mm), Standard (40–50mm), Heavy-Duty (65–80mm)
• Materials: Iron/Steel, Brass, Stainless Steel 304/316 (marine)
• Best For: ✅ Toolboxes, jewelry boxes, lockers, chests, security-cupboards
• Price Range: $3–7 (zinc/iron) → $8–15 (stainless) → $15–30 (brass/marine-grade)
• Pros/Cons: ✅ Secure, padlock-ready, strong ❌ Bulky, very visible

3. Cupboard / Barrel Latches (Mortise)

• How they work: Fitted inside door — turn knob extends a bolt into frame; semi-concealed
• Sizes: 16–22mm door thickness common; cylinder Ø12–16mm
• Materials: Brass, Zinc, Steel
• Best For: ✅ Period furniture, antique restoration, traditional cabinetry
• Price Range: $8–15 (zinc) → $18–35 (solid brass)
• Pros/Cons: ✅ Clean front, secure ❌ Requires drilling, more complex install

🧩 PART 3 — SLIDING BOLTS (Barrel / Surface Bolts)

Types & Sizes

Materials & Price Tiers

Best For

• ✅ Cabinets, wardrobes, lockers, under-bench storage, barn & shed doors, RVs/boats
• ✅ Extra security — many have padlock hole for added protection
• ❌ Requires two hands to operate; not ideal for high-traffic kitchen doors

📋 MATERIAL COMPARISON

🛒 QUICK SELECTION GUIDE — What to Choose?

💡 Vintique Tip for NZ: For coastal & high-humidity areas (Auckland, Coromandel, Wellington, South Island West Coast), avoid zinc/plated steel — it will rust fast. Choose stainless steel 304+, solid brass, or sealed cast iron for long life.