What Is a Door Catch?
A door catch is a type of metal fitting that is attached to various open/close plates, including doors. It serves a similar purpose and function to a built-in door latch, such as those installed on front doors. However, in terms of form, it is a simple and retrofit-friendly component used for fastening doors.
In recent years, door catches have become essential in the construction of flat wall interiors and built-in storage solutions without handles or knobs, which are in high demand. The door catch mechanism is commonly seen, and it is often a standard specification in car dashboard accessory storage.
Uses of Door Catches
Door catches have a wide range of applications, including storage units, cupboards, car interiors, tool storage, and furniture. They are particularly common in luggage cabinets of vehicles and airliners. An example of a widely seen small door catch component is the magnetic opening and closing mechanism used in smartphone and tablet covers. These covers open like a book and stay securely closed, even when placed in a bag or backpack.
The term “door catches” can also refer to “doorstop brackets” installed on the top of doors or walls. These brackets slow down the impact of the door plate when the door is opened or closed. Additionally, floor parts that prevent an open door from swinging further open are also referred to as door catches and are widely available.
Principle of Door Catches
Door catches are used as fasteners for simple doors, cupboards, and more. They typically work in pairs, with one component on the door side and the other on the fixed side.
Door catches can be made from various materials, including plastic, steel, tinplate, alloys, titanium, copper, and others. Metal door catches are preferred for cupboard doors due to their durability. Magnetic types are often used for products that are frequently opened and closed, such as smartphone and tablet holders.
One type of door catch is the “magnet clutch type,” which features a spring clasp with both a magnet and a clutch element. It opens with a simple push and is commonly used in luggage cabinets on luxury passenger aircraft, long-distance buses, and sleeper express trains.
Other types of door catches include the pole type and roller catch type, often used for furniture doors. These catches are fastened by pushing the strike into the spring of the catch on the receiving side. The roller type is known for its strong gripping force.
Plastic door catches are frequently used in magnetic door catches and lightweight push-in door catches.