Latch bolt
The Code of practice: Hardware for fire and escape doors, Issue 5, published by DHF and GAI in November 2024, defines a latch bolt as the 'moving part of a latch that engages the locking plate'.
Latch bolts are a standard part of a lockset or door locking system, the latch is curved on one side and spring-loaded allowing a door to be pushed shut via the curved side of the latch, engaging with the lock plate, springing into a locked position. The latch bolt can be then freed either using the handle (if so designed) or with a key.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Access control.
- CCTV.
- Commercial security systems.
- Digital door lock market.
- Doors.
- Entry control.
- External doors.
- Hinge.
- Home security solutions market.
- How door locks work.
- Mortice lock.
- Mortise vs mortice.
- Outbuildings security.
- Perimeter security.
- Security and the built environment.
- Security glazing.
- Sneck.
- Types of alarm.
- Types of door.
- Types of lock.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.
Why diversity and inclusion matters for SMEs
CIOB’s D&I Charter shows how practical changes can support long-term growth.
Cut electricity bills to power growth
Coalition sends joint letter to the Chancellor.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.
Discover the future of roofing, cladding and insulation.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.

















