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What Is A Twist Catch?

  • 3 min read

What is a latch?

Latches are mechanical components or fasteners to hold moving parts together temporarily. Latches offer quick access to the interior contents while at the same time securing and locking the container closed either during shipping or storage.

Latches keep all sorts of cabinets, hatches, crates, cases, and enclosures closed. One of the most reliable types of latches is the rotary cam latch, also known as a twist latch. The Twist latch has proven to be one of the more robust latches and has been used extensively in the ATA/Road case market for over 50 years.

What is a Twist Catch?

A twist or butterfly latch uses rotating cams and levers to engage keeper plates and hold a case or container closed. The twist latch is typically mounted to the stationary portion of the case, and a matching keeper is mounted to the lid of the door.

When the door is closed, the twist catch can lock the door shut by rotating the wing (butterfly) by hand and drawing the keeper and latch together, creating a secure connection.

 

At TCH, we have designed our twist latches in different styles of twist latches for different types of cases.

  • Small and miniature latches for cases with shallow profiles.
  • Medium latches for cases that can be carried by hand
  • Large latches for heavy-duty cases.
  • Twsit latches with external coil springs compensate for upto 5/32" [4mm] of miss-alignment between the latch and keeper
  • An optional “Kick-out” spring to hold the latch blade away from the keeper when un-latched. Making opening and closing easier
  • Some styles have security features like padlock loops, keys, and holes in the butterfly, allowing for zip ties or security tags.

Latches are used to shut cabinet doors, ATA cases, machine tools, trucks, construction equipment, and automotive applications.

Different types of Twist Catch:

Miniature Twist Catch

  • Spring loaded compensates automatically up to 0.11” [2.7mm] for miniature catches.
  • 180-degree turn lock & unlock.

Medium Twist Catch

  • Spring loaded compensates automatically up to 0.16” [4mm] for medium catches
  • 180-degree turn lock & unlock.
  • Can also be tool opened if the butterfly blade is damaged or lost.
  • Staked to prevent the latch from falling open when disengaged from the strike/keeper.
  • New wing design for easier operation.

Large Twist Catch

  • Spring loaded compensates automatically up to 0.16” [4mm].
  • 180-degree turn lock & unlock.
  • Can also be tool opened if the butterfly blade is damaged or lost.
  • Staked to prevent the latch from falling open when disengaged from the strike/keeper.
  • New wing design for easier operation.

Small Pad Lockable Twist Catch

  • Padlockable feature for added security. When locked, fasteners are protected under the closed latch.

Large Pad Lockable Twist Catch

  • Padlockable feature for added security. When locked, fasteners are protected under the closed latch.

Riveted Large Surface Mounted Twist Catch

  • Large surface has a flat cam for a lower profile, ideal for crates.
  • Lower cost alternative to the spring loaded large twist latch

Material:

Latches are made of high-grade steel with zinc plated finish. Stainless steel versions are available on select models in a particular order.

 

Features:

  • Strong and durable in most different indoor and outdoor environments.
  • Easy to install.
  • Easy to use.
  • Versatile options.

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