Door Bolt & Latch Buying Guide: Types, Dimensions & RFQ Checklist
Door bolts and latches that look similar can differ in mounting method, bolt travel, keeper geometry, operating direction and intended application. Select from the door or gate construction first.
1. Choose the hardware family by function
| Family | Typical arrangement | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Surface or barrel bolt | Body and keeper mounted on the face of a door, gate or frame | Bolt direction, throw/travel, body size, keeper style and available mounting space |
| Flush bolt | Recessed into the edge or face of a door, often on an inactive leaf | Required recess, faceplate dimensions, rod/bolt travel, keeper and installation machining |
| Cane or drop bolt | Long vertical bolt engaging the floor or another receiver | Rod length, projection, guide arrangement, floor receiver and ground clearance |
| Cabin hook | Hook-and-eye arrangement used to retain a door, shutter or panel | Hook length, eye geometry, swing path and whether the use is hold-open or closed retention |
| Padlockable bolt or hasp-type latch | Closure includes an eye or geometry intended to accept a padlock | Padlock clearance, shackle diameter range, alignment and required security/testing standard |
A product name is not a security rating. If the project requires forced-entry resistance, fire-door compatibility or another regulated performance, state the applicable standard and request documentation for the complete door system.
2. Describe the door, gate and frame
Send the door/gate material, thickness, opening direction, frame or second-leaf detail and the surfaces available for mounting. For double doors, identify the active and inactive leaves. For sliding doors, show the closing overlap and direction of travel. A front photo alone may hide the offset between the bolt and keeper.
3. Dimension the bolt and keeper together
- Body or faceplate: overall length, width and thickness.
- Bolt or rod: diameter/section, projection and operating travel.
- Keeper: type, opening size, offset and installation surface.
- Hole pattern: hole diameter, centres, countersink and edge distance.
- Operating clearance: room for the handle, knob, chain or padlock.
Replacement work should use an approved drawing or measured sample. Nominal length alone does not confirm that the old holes or keeper will align.
4. Confirm orientation and operation
State whether the bolt moves horizontally or vertically and whether operation is required from one side or both sides. Confirm left/right handing when the body, handle or keeper is asymmetric. For spring, chain or concealed mechanisms, request a working sample or video when the operating sequence is important.
5. Separate material, finish and environment
Specify the base material or grade only when required, and request evidence for the selected variation. A brushed or silver finish does not by itself prove stainless steel. Describe interior, exterior, coastal, wet or chemical exposure, and confirm the material/finish of the body, bolt, keeper and supplied fasteners separately.
Door-bolt and latch RFQ checklist
| Application | Door, double door, gate, cabinet, shutter, sliding panel or another use |
|---|---|
| Construction | Door/frame material and thickness, opening direction, mounting surfaces and offsets |
| Function | Surface, recessed, drop, hold-open or padlockable; horizontal/vertical operation |
| Dimensions | Body, bolt/rod, travel, keeper, hole pattern and operating clearance |
| Environment | Interior/exterior exposure, material grade and finish requirement |
| Commercial | Quantity per SKU, fastener/keeper inclusion, packing, sample, destination and delivery date |
Common buying mistakes
- Choosing by overall length without checking bolt travel and keeper offset.
- Treating a padlockable appearance as a verified security rating.
- Ignoring left/right or horizontal/vertical operating orientation.
- Assuming every keeper and screw set shown in a family photo is included.
- Using one stainless-grade claim across mixed material or finish options.
Browse and enquire
Review the door bolts and latches collection. Select the closest variation, then attach a door/frame sketch and keeper position to the enquiry.
Prepare a bolt or latch quotation
Send the application, mounting arrangement, dimensions, required function, quantity and destination.