Eddie Mullins Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 I want to start making a few door latches for the shop and shed so am looking for input and examples. I've tried to do my homework, but cannot find much how to info on door latches. I have found some for the suffolk latch http://blog.horton-brasses.com/archive/2010/december/makingasuffolk , and http://www.sootypaws.net/blacksmithing/latch/latch_intro.html , and a decent general article http://philipmarshall.net/pdf/cotton_knobs+and_latches_ohj_1987.pdf , but was hoping some of you might be able to share some pics of latches you have made or point me to some examples (how to info would be even better). I did find 1 BP on IFI but not quite what I am looking for. I like the self-latching function of the Suffolk, but its not a necesity, I do however want to be able to close the door behind me after entry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canada goose Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 I found this very helpful #134 under the i-forge section at anvilfire.com link removed at the request of Jock, anvilfire owner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie Mullins Posted April 8, 2014 Author Share Posted April 8, 2014 I found this very helpful #134 under the i-forge section at anvilfire.com link removed at the request of Jock, anvilfire owner. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 which in case the link is removed is #134 under the i-forge section at anvilfire.com Which books do you have? As I recall there is a number of latches in the big "Early American Wrought Iron" Sonn I'll check when I get home tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie Mullins Posted April 8, 2014 Author Share Posted April 8, 2014 I have about 40 books I have purchased on CD and/or down loaded, plus a handful of printed books. The title of all of them have not yet been comitted to memory : ) . I'll see if that one is among the digital editions I have, but it doesn't ring a bell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 Here you go Eddie, a small selection from a show competition which may give some ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roy Ubu Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 A lever that passes through the door to lift a bar out of a keeper. Beefy feels good for an entrance door. http://www.iforgeiron.com/gallery/image/38148-sidedoorweb/ http://www.iforgeiron.com/gallery/image/38149-outside-latch1/ http://www.iforgeiron.com/gallery/image/38150-inside-latch/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judson Yaggy Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 +1 for Sonn's book. Another good one for latches and locks is Professional Smithing by Donald Streeter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 "Antique Iron, Survey of American and English forms 15th-19th centuries" Herbert, Peter and Nancy Schiffer has about a dozen pages of latches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seldom (dick renker) Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 "practical projects for the blacksmith" by ted tucker has a section on them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Coke Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 Greetings Ed, This is one I made for a door that is 4in thick... The cam lock system allows the door to be opened from both sides... Its kinda over the top for your application ... I have made several and will see if I can find more pictures Forge on and make beautiful things Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie Mullins Posted April 9, 2014 Author Share Posted April 9, 2014 John - thanks for the pics, some very nice designs there. I like the handle incoporated into the bar in the 7th pic. I have 1 double door that pulls open, I think something along that style would work well for that application. I do need to add a bolt or other means to be able to make 1 of the doors stationary. Ken - that is a beefy design, I like it. Is that a rams head keeper? Thomas - you have expensive taste in books : ) , yet another reason for me to make my way to our local library. Seldom - that is one of the hard copy books I have. I'll have to thumb through it again, I thought I had already. Jim - thanks for the pics. I'm not sure I follow how that arrangement works from both sides. Is there another handle on the other side of the door that pulls the bolt down when roatated? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Coke Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 Greetings Ed, Yes there is another handle just like that on the other side... Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yves Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 There are also quite a few in Plummer's Colonial Wrought Iron. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Turley Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 See "Shop Drawings of Shaker Iron and Tinware" by Ejner Handberg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 They are expensive *now* I bought them used and cheap...also remember a lot of places have the "I'm trolling for the person that has jut gotta have this book at any price" prices and you can find other copies cheaper---sometimes by a *factor* of 10! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie Mullins Posted June 9, 2014 Author Share Posted June 9, 2014 Finally finished my first Suffolk Latch. I incorporated a handle on the bar similar to one the pics John posted. I have more doors to door and will try out some other versions. Thanks for pics and suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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