Hold down latches, also known as over center latches, are mechanical devices used to tightly secure doors, panels, and lids in engineering and industrial environments. They work by pulling two components together under tension and locking into place at the over-center position. These latches are commonly used across various sectors in New Zealand, including manufacturing, transport, construction, and rural industries.
The type of strike used with a hold down latch influences how and where the latch can be mounted. The two primary strike types are:
- In-Line Strike – aligned with the latch body
- 90° Strike – positioned perpendicular to the latch arm
In-Line Strike for Hold Down Latch
In-line strikes are designed so that the catch plate is aligned directly in line with the latch body. This creates a straight-line tension pull when engaged.
When to Use:
- Mounting both latch and strike on flat, co-planar surfaces
- Applications where direct forward tension is required
- Situations needing simple alignment and streamlined design
90° Strike Hold Down Latch
90-degree strikes feature a catch plate mounted at a right angle to the latch body. This allows for securing components where the latch and strike cannot lie in the same plane.
When to Use:
- Mounting latch and strike on perpendicular surfaces
- Applications with limited front-facing mounting space
- Equipment with flanges or edge lips
Choosing the Right Strike for Your Application
Select the strike type based on your available mounting surfaces and the direction of pull required. In-line strikes are generally simpler to install when both components are aligned, while 90° strikes offer flexibility in more complex configurations. Both are essential parts of engineering hardware used widely in New Zealand’s industrial and agricultural environments.
