Buyers Products Junior Flush Mount Rectangular Paddle Latch is a single-point latch built to handle the demands of daily use. The rectangular latch is designed to mount into a 2-3/4 in. by 3-3/4 in. recess and is available in rust-resistant steel (welded on) or stainless steel (bolted on). Locking and on-locking options available.
Specifications
| Handle Finish | Plain |
|---|---|
| Handle Material | Stainless Steel |
| Height (in.) | 4.75 |
| Housing Color | Silver |
| Housing Finish | Polished |
| Housing Material | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Latch Style | Paddle |
| Locking | No |
| Mount Height (in.) | 3.20 |
| Mount Type | Bolt-On |
| Mount Width (in.) | 3.00 |
| Width (in.) | 3.63 |
The Stainless Steel Junior Single Point Non-Locking Paddle Latch, featuring a Thru-Hole Mount, represents a robust and meticulously engineered access solution designed for demanding industrial, commercial, and vehicular applications. This product embodies a strategic balance of material science, ergonomic design, and secure mounting methodology, ensuring operational longevity and superior performance in diverse environments. Engineered to facilitate reliable access without requiring a locking mechanism, it serves applications where immediate entry is paramount or where security is managed through alternative means.
At the core of this latch's exceptional durability and resistance to environmental degradation is its construction from 304 Stainless Steel. This austenitic stainless steel grade is renowned for its outstanding corrosion resistance, particularly against oxidation and atmospheric conditions, making it an ideal choice for outdoor installations, marine-adjacent environments, and applications exposed to moisture or mild chemicals. The material’s composition, primarily consisting of chromium (approximately 18-20%) and nickel (approximately 8-10.5%), forms a passive oxide layer on the surface, which spontaneously repairs itself when damaged, providing inherent protection against rust and pitting. Furthermore, 304 Stainless Steel offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio and maintains its mechanical properties across a wide temperature range, resisting embrittlement at cryogenic temperatures and retaining strength at elevated temperatures, albeit with consideration for long-term exposure above 800°F (425°C). The polished finish of the housing not only contributes to a superior aesthetic appeal but also enhances corrosion resistance by creating a smoother surface that is less prone to harboring contaminants and easier to clean, further extending the operational lifespan and maintaining its visual integrity in challenging conditions.
The "Junior" designation of this paddle latch refers to its optimized dimensions, specifically designed for applications where space is a premium or where a smaller, yet equally robust, latching solution is required. With an overall height of 4.75 inches and a width of 3.63 inches, it provides substantial leverage for operation while maintaining a compact footprint. This size makes it particularly suitable for toolboxes, equipment access panels, utility vehicle compartments, and smaller industrial enclosures without compromising on the tactile feel or operational reliability typically associated with larger latch mechanisms. The flush mount design is a critical ergonomic and safety feature. By recessing the latch assembly into the panel, it eliminates protrusions that could snag clothing, equipment, or cause injury, thereby enhancing workplace safety. Additionally, the flush profile contributes to the aesthetic integration with the surrounding panel, creating a clean, streamlined appearance often desired in modern industrial design and vehicle manufacturing.
The operational mechanism is a "Single Point" design, which means the latch actuates a single point of engagement with a strike or keeper. This design is highly advantageous for its simplicity, reliability, and ease of adjustment. It minimizes the number of moving parts, reducing potential points of failure and simplifying maintenance. For doors and panels of moderate size and weight, a single-point latch provides ample security and sealing force, ensuring the enclosure remains closed even under vibration or dynamic loads. The "Paddle Latch" style itself is celebrated for its intuitive operation. The paddle handle presents a broad, easy-to-grasp surface, allowing for effortless activation, even when operators are wearing gloves. The mechanism typically involves a spring-loaded paddle that, when depressed, retracts the latching bolt, granting access. Upon release, the spring action returns the bolt to its extended, secured position, ensuring positive latching without manual intervention.
The specified "Non-Locking" functionality of this paddle latch dictates its suitability for applications where constant, unobstructed access is required, or where supplementary security measures are in place. Examples include emergency access panels, utility compartments on service vehicles that require quick tool retrieval, and internal cabinet doors within larger, secured environments. This design choice simplifies operation, eliminates the need for key management, and reduces the cost and complexity associated with locking mechanisms. It ensures that critical compartments or access points can be opened instantly, which is vital in scenarios where rapid response or frequent access is a operational necessity. The robust design, even without a locking cylinder, maintains a high level of operational integrity, resisting accidental opening due to vibration or external forces.
A paramount feature of this specific model is its "Thru-Hole Mount" or "Bolt-On" mounting type. This method involves securing the latch assembly to the panel using bolts that pass through pre-drilled holes in both the latch housing and the mounting surface, secured typically by nuts on the interior side. This mounting approach offers several significant advantages. Firstly, it provides an exceptionally strong and stable connection, capable of withstanding considerable operational stresses, vibrations, and impacts, which are common in heavy-duty commercial vehicle and industrial machinery applications. Secondly, bolt-on installation is generally simpler and quicker than welding, requiring only drilling and fastening, making it highly adaptable for field installation, maintenance, or retrofit projects. The defined mounting dimensions, a recess of 2-3/4 inches by 3-3/4 inches, along with a mount height of 3.20 inches and a mount width of 3.00 inches, provide precise specifications for panel preparation, ensuring a snug and secure fit. For optimal performance and corrosion resistance, it is highly recommended to use stainless steel fasteners (e.g., 304 or 316 grade) in conjunction with this latch, to prevent galvanic corrosion that could occur if dissimilar metals are used in a corrosive environment.
The design of the paddle latch necessitates precise panel preparation. The required rectangular recess of 2-3/4 inches by 3-3/4 inches must be accurately cut to ensure the flush mounting feature is fully realized and to prevent any undue stress on the latch housing. Modern fabrication techniques, such as laser cutting, plasma cutting, or CNC machining, are ideal for achieving the necessary dimensional accuracy and repeatability for batch production. Careful attention to edge finishing of the cutout is also recommended to prevent stress concentrations and provide a clean aesthetic. The thru-hole mounting pattern typically involves four fastening points, optimally distributing the load and securing the latch rigidly against the panel, preventing rotation or dislodgement under dynamic operating conditions. For environments requiring ingress protection, such as those exposed to water or dust, the installation should incorporate appropriate gasketing or sealing materials between the latch flange and the panel surface. While not explicitly specified as included with this particular latch, integrating a closed-cell foam or rubber gasket is a standard practice to achieve environmental sealing, complementing the inherent corrosion resistance of the 304 Stainless Steel.
In terms of typical applications, this Stainless Steel Junior Single Point Non-Locking Paddle Latch is exceptionally versatile. It is extensively used in the fabrication of commercial truck bodies, trailer toolboxes, and service vehicle compartments where durability and resistance to road salt, grime, and weather elements are critical. Within industrial settings, it finds use on access doors for electrical enclosures, control panels, generator housings, and various types of machinery covers, particularly in chemical processing plants, food and beverage facilities (where 304 SS is preferred for hygiene and corrosion resistance), and outdoor utility cabinets. Its robust construction makes it suitable for agricultural equipment, construction machinery, and specialized off-highway vehicles where components are subjected to rigorous operational demands and harsh environmental exposure. The non-locking feature is particularly beneficial in scenarios where rapid entry for maintenance or operational adjustments is routinely required, streamlining workflow and reducing potential delays.
Performance validation for such industrial hardware components often involves rigorous testing protocols. While specific certifications might vary by manufacturer, products of this caliber are generally subjected to cycle testing to ensure mechanical endurance over thousands of actuations, salt spray testing to confirm corrosion resistance (e.g., ASTM B117), and vibration testing to simulate operational environments. The choice of 304 Stainless Steel coupled with a polished finish and robust thru-hole mounting contributes significantly to the latch's ability to withstand these tests and perform reliably in the field. Its intrinsic material properties ensure consistent operation across a broad temperature spectrum, from extreme cold to moderate heat, without significant degradation of function or structural integrity. The simple, single-point mechanism also contributes to its inherent reliability, as there are fewer complex parts to wear out or misalign over time, ensuring a longer service life and reduced total cost of ownership.
In conclusion, the Stainless Steel Junior Single Point Non-Locking Paddle Latch with a Thru-Hole Mount stands as an exemplary product in its category, offering a compelling blend of material excellence, thoughtful design, and practical functionality. Its 304 Stainless Steel construction provides unparalleled corrosion resistance and strength, making it suitable for the most challenging environments. The junior size and flush mount design ensure a compact, safe, and aesthetically integrated solution, while the non-locking single-point paddle mechanism offers reliable, immediate access with intuitive operation. The thru-hole bolt-on mounting guarantees a secure and durable attachment to various panel types, simplifying installation and ensuring long-term stability. This latch is not merely a component; it is a critical investment in the reliability, safety, and operational efficiency of commercial vehicles, industrial machinery, and specialized enclosures that demand uncompromising performance without the complexity of a locking system.
