Tubular Latches & Deadbolts

What Is a Tubular Door Latch?

A tubular latch is a compact mortice fitting installed inside the edge of a door. Turning the door knob or lever rotates the spindle and retracts the latch bolt, allowing the door to open.

Tubular latches hold an internal door closed but do not lock it. If the room requires privacy or key-operated locking, additional or alternative locking hardware will be required.

Standard and Heavy-Duty Tubular Latches

The correct latch depends partly on whether the door handle or knob has its own return spring.

• Standard tubular latches are generally used with sprung lever handles and door knobs that provide their own return action.
• Heavy-duty tubular latches have a stronger, double-sprung mechanism designed to return compatible unsprung door knobs or lever handles to their resting position.

“Heavy duty” does not guarantee compatibility with every unsprung handle. Large, unusually heavy or poorly balanced hardware may require a specific latch strength, so check the handle manufacturer’s recommendation before ordering.

Bathroom Deadbolts

A bathroom deadbolt is recessed into the edge of the door and operated by a separate bathroom turn and release. Turning the thumbturn projects the bolt into the strike plate and provides privacy from inside the room.

The external release allows the bolt to be unlocked in an emergency, usually with a coin or similar flat object. Bathroom deadbolts can also be used on bedrooms, home offices and other internal rooms where privacy is required.

A bathroom deadbolt should not be confused with a key-operated mortice deadlock. It is intended for internal privacy and is not an appropriate primary security lock for an external door.

Choosing the Correct Latch Length

This collection includes fittings in nominal lengths such as 2.5, 3 and 4 inches, depending on the product. Heavy-duty tubular latches are available in selected longer sizes, while bathroom deadbolts are offered in multiple lengths.

The quoted length normally refers to the overall latch case, not the distance from the door edge to the spindle centre. The spindle-centre measurement is known as the backset.

A longer backset positions the knob or handle farther from the door frame. This is especially helpful with round door knobs because your hand needs sufficient clearance to grip and turn the knob comfortably.

Measurements to Check

Before ordering, compare:

• The overall latch or deadbolt case length
• The backset from the faceplate to the spindle centre
• The faceplate dimensions
• The door thickness and available mortice depth
• The spindle size required by the handle or knob
• Whether the handle is sprung or unsprung
• Existing holes and cut-outs when replacing a latch

Use the technical drawing on the individual product page rather than choosing solely by the nominal inch size.

Reversible Latches

Selected tubular latches have a reversible latch bolt so they can be configured for left- or right-opening doors. Follow the product instructions when reversing the bolt and confirm that the sloping face points towards the strike plate.

Coordinating Latch Finishes

The visible faceplate and strike plate are available in a broad selection of finishes, including antique brass, polished brass, satin brass, polished chrome, satin chrome, matt black, matt bronze, gunmetal, nickel and other contemporary tones.

Finish availability varies between latch lengths and designs. Where coordination matters, match the named finish with your door knobs, handles, hinges, escutcheons and bathroom turns rather than assuming that similar colour names will be identical.

Fixings, Fire Doors and Certification

The latches and deadbolts are supplied with the relevant faceplate, strike plate and fixings unless the individual listing states otherwise.

Selected heavy-duty tubular latches carry mechanical and fire-performance certification. Certification is product-specific: do not assume every latch in the collection is approved for a fire door. The latch, hinges, door, frame and installation must all meet the requirements of the complete tested doorset.

Choosing the Right Lock or Latch

For further guidance, read Which Lock or Latch Do You Need? and What Is a Mortice Lock or Latch?.

For keyed locks and other door-security options, browse our wider Latches and Locks collection.