Door latches

BCC Forum
1

Hi everybody,

My interior door latches are brass pull rings instead of the finger holes
(not sure what you call them). Some of my brass pull rings are bent and
the latching mechanism binds, so I’m thinking about switching over to
something else. Does anyone have any experience with the type of mechanism
where you push in on a disk to release the latch (not sure what you call
these either)? I saw them once on a big 70ft yacht from Britain, but have
never been able to find them in any catalogs.

Thanks
Mark Gearhart
S/V Godspeed #108

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2

Just think about a mechanism that pushes in to open an interior door.
Hummm . . . does that sound like something can fly into it on a choppy
seaway and open the door? That could be a problem. Something that twists
would be better.

Paul B. Brown pbrown@btechnet.com
President
Brown Technologies Network, Inc. http://www.btechnet.com/

Unix Systems Administration “Sailing is a state of mind . . . .”

On Sat, 30 Jan 1999 MRGEARHA@yahoo.com wrote:

Hi everybody,

My interior door latches are brass pull rings instead of the finger holes
(not sure what you call them). Some of my brass pull rings are bent and
the latching mechanism binds, so I’m thinking about switching over to
something else. Does anyone have any experience with the type of mechanism
where you push in on a disk to release the latch (not sure what you call
these either)? I saw them once on a big 70ft yacht from Britain, but have
never been able to find them in any catalogs.

Thanks
Mark Gearhart
S/V Godspeed #108

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3

Mark, I would try ABI Inc. Much of the brass hardware on the Channel
Cutters has come from them, and I know that they carry a variety of
cabinet hardware. They used to have a web site, but the URL listed is
now a dead link. Here is the address and phone number.

A.B.I., Inc.
1160-A Industrial Avenue
Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone: 707-765-6200
Fax: 707-765-1716

Good Luck,

Geary Smith

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4

Mark, Geary – I checked the ABI catalog this AM and did not see anything
like Mark described in his note. They have latches but nothing like the
push-button type.

Tom Walker

-----Original Message-----
From: Debbie Smith <desmith@tenet.edu >
To: bcc@egroups.com <bcc@egroups.com >
Date: Saturday, January 30, 1999 5:27 PM
Subject: [bcc] Re: Door latches

Mark, I would try ABI Inc. Much of the brass hardware on the Channel
Cutters has come from them, and I know that they carry a variety of
cabinet hardware. They used to have a web site, but the URL listed is
now a dead link. Here is the address and phone number.

A.B.I., Inc.
1160-A Industrial Avenue
Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone: 707-765-6200
Fax: 707-765-1716

Good Luck,

Geary Smith

@Backup- Automatic, Safe, Reliable online backups
and restores. Free for 30 days.
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5

Message text written by INTERNET:bcc@egroups.com

Mark, I would try ABI Inc. Much of the brass hardware on the Channel
Cutters has come from them, and I know that they carry a variety of
cabinet hardware. They used to have a web site, but the URL listed is
now a dead link. Here is the address and phone number.

A.B.I., Inc.
1160-A Industrial Avenue
Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone: 707-765-6200
Fax: 707-765-1716

http://www.iwol.com/iww/customers/abi/

is the current active link for ABI.

Call them up and request a catalog. It should be noted, however, that ABI
is a wholesaler and will not deal with the general public. Their excellent
wares can be had through such fine vendors as the Sam L. Morse Company or
West Marine IF you know exactly what you need to order.

ABI will deal with you if you are doing a major project (such as outfitting
a boat) provided your first purchase is over five hundred dollars and you
pledge to maintain a two thousand dollar annual minimum…NOT a
problem if you are buying portlights and anchor windlasses. It helps if you
set up a DBA figurehead and portray yourself as the buyer of a small marine
business. They have a layered wholesale schedule linked to your purchase
volume.

Newfound Metals is another very good place to look, and don’t forget
Spartan, and a small New England operation, Rostand R.I. (a one man show
actually) run by a Mr Carroll Harrington out of his barn of all places. He
specializes in hard to find bronze items, having purchased original
patterns from defunct companies and contracted with small foundries in the
region

Rostand R.I. Inc (401) 949-4268

All of the above advertise in Woodenboat Magazine

Another truely outstanding information source is the boatbuilding community
online

www.boatbuilding.com

In fact, the boatbuilding community is the mother lode for anything your
wallet could desire, second only to a hard copy of Woodenboat.

regards

Donald Kircher / Kokopelli

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6

Thanks you guys. Roger was also looking everywhere when he built Godspeed
but could not find them. They are actually quite good, not flimsy or prone
to accidental opening. I’m guessing a British-type manufacturer would have
them, and I’ll keep looking.

If anyone knows anything of these push-type latches, please holler.

Thanks,
Mark Gearhart
S/V Godspeed

Original Article: http://www.egroups.com/list/bcc/?start=143

Mark, Geary – I checked the ABI catalog this AM and did not see anything
like Mark described in his note. They have latches but nothing like the
push-button type.

Tom Walker

-----Original Message-----
From: Debbie Smith <desmith@tenet.edu >
To: bcc@egroups.com <bcc@egroups.com >
Date: Saturday, January 30, 1999 5:27 PM
Subject: [bcc] Re: Door latches

Mark, I would try ABI Inc. Much of the brass hardware on the Channel
Cutters has come from them, and I know that they carry a variety of
cabinet hardware. They used to have a web site, but the URL listed is
now a dead link. Here is the address and phone number.

A.B.I., Inc.
1160-A Industrial Avenue
Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone: 707-765-6200
Fax: 707-765-1716

Good Luck,

Geary Smith

@Backup- Automatic, Safe, Reliable online backups
and restores. Free for 30 days.
Download Now. http://offers.egroups.com/click/215/0

Free Web-based e-mail groups by eGroups.com

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7

Message text written by INTERNET:bcc@egroups.com

My interior door latches are brass pull rings instead of the finger holes
(not sure what you call them). Some of my brass pull rings are bent and
the latching mechanism binds, so I’m thinking about switching over to
something else. Does anyone have any experience with the type of mechanism
where you push in on a disk to release the latch (not sure what you call
these either)? I saw them once on a big 70ft yacht from Britain, but have
never been able to find them in any catalogs.
<

I looked through all my catalogs covering marine suppliers, woodworker/
cabinet makers, and even one aviation homebuilders catalog in the US &
Canada and failed to find a flush button latch like you are describing. The
only latch remotely close to what you want is the Sugatsune push knob with
latch catalog number 54388 available from Fisheries Supply company in
Seattle (800-426-6930)

If you REALLY want I can continue to dig for British chandleries you
can contact. But I had no luck getting them to send me their catalog when I
was looking for Davies kerosene navigation lanterns after I called them on
the phone and they assured me they would pop one in the mail. The other
thing to keep in mind is the cost and paperwork and headache associated
with import. A friend purchased a windshield from England and had to drive
to the customs dock at the port of entry (Jacksonville) and pay duty to the
nice man amounting to twice what the windshield was worth. NAFTA does not
apply!

There is one other place you might check. I know exactly what you are
looking for btw. Anyone who has ever flown any of the larger Cessnas is
familiar with the flush thumb latch button on the luggage door. It is
spring loaded and releases the latch when pressed. You might try contacting
your local A&P mechanic at the airport and ask him if he can order you one
from Cessna. But I doubt it would be made of the metal you would want on a
boat.

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8

Message text written by INTERNET:bcc@egroups.com

My interior door latches are brass pull rings instead of the finger holes
(not sure what you call them). Some of my brass pull rings are bent and
the latching mechanism binds, so I’m thinking about switching over to
something else. Does anyone have any experience with the type of mechanism
where you push in on a disk to release the latch (not sure what you call
these either)? I saw them once on a big 70ft yacht from Britain, but have
never been able to find them in any catalogs.
<

I looked through all my catalogs covering marine suppliers, woodworker/
cabinet makers, and even one aviation homebuilders catalog in the US &
Canada and failed to find a flush button latch like you are describing. The
only latch remotely close to what you want is the Sugatsune push knob with
latch catalog number 54388 available from Fisheries Supply company in
Seattle (800-426-6930)

If you REALLY want I can continue to dig for British chandleries you
can contact. But I had no luck getting them to send me their catalog when I
was looking for Davies kerosene navigation lanterns after I called them on
the phone and they assured me they would pop one in the mail. The other
thing to keep in mind is the cost and paperwork and headache associated
with import. A friend purchased a windshield from England and had to drive
to the customs dock at the port of entry (Jacksonville) and pay duty to the
nice man amounting to twice what the windshield was worth. NAFTA does not
apply!

There is one other place you might check. I know exactly what you are
looking for btw. Anyone who has ever flown any of the larger Cessnas is
familiar with the flush thumb latch button on the luggage door. It is
spring loaded and releases the latch when pressed. You might try contacting
your local A&P mechanic at the airport and ask him if he can order you one
from Cessna. But I doubt it would be made of the metal you would want on a
boat.

Free Web-based e-mail groups by eGroups.com

9

-----Original Message-----
From: MRGEARHA@yahoo.com <MRGEARHA@yahoo.com >
To: bcc@egroups.com <bcc@egroups.com >
Date: Sunday, January 31, 1999 4:45 AM
Subject: [bcc] Re: Door latches

Thanks you guys. Roger was also looking everywhere when he built Godspeed
but could not find them. They are actually quite good, not flimsy or prone
to accidental opening. I’m guessing a British-type manufacturer would have
them, and I’ll keep looking.

If anyone knows anything of these push-type latches, please holler.

Thanks,
Mark Gearhart
S/V Godspeed

Original Article: http://www.egroups.com/list/bcc/?start=143

Mark, Geary – I checked the ABI catalog this AM and did not see
anything
like Mark described in his note. They have latches but nothing like the
push-button type.

Tom Walker

-----Original Message-----
From: Debbie Smith <desmith@tenet.edu >
To: bcc@egroups.com <bcc@egroups.com >
Date: Saturday, January 30, 1999 5:27 PM
Subject: [bcc] Re: Door latches

Mark, I would try ABI Inc. Much of the brass hardware on the Channel
Cutters has come from them, and I know that they carry a variety of
cabinet hardware. They used to have a web site, but the URL listed is
now a dead link. Here is the address and phone number.

A.B.I., Inc.
1160-A Industrial Avenue
Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone: 707-765-6200
Fax: 707-765-1716

Good Luck,

Geary Smith

@Backup- Automatic, Safe, Reliable online backups
and restores. Free for 30 days.
Download Now. http://offers.egroups.com/click/215/0

Free Web-based e-mail groups by eGroups.com

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All,
I think I saw the latches you are describing on Pacific Seacraft at a
boat show.
Wayne

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10

Mark,
I have seen the latches you are talking about - - they were satin silver
and you push them into to release the door. I remember thinking they were
very well made and looked good. I think I saw them on either a Robin Hood
36 or on the Swedish “X” yatchs. Wish I could help you more. You might
also contact Hinckley.

Sincerely,
John

MRGEARHA@yahoo.com on 01/30/99 07:42:47 AM

Please respond to bcc@egroups.com

To: bcc@egroups.com
cc: (bcc: John E Stone/POC/HQMC/USMC)
Subject: [bcc] Door latches

Hi everybody,

My interior door latches are brass pull rings instead of the finger holes
(not sure what you call them). Some of my brass pull rings are bent and
the latching mechanism binds, so I’m thinking about switching over to
something else. Does anyone have any experience with the type of mechanism
where you push in on a disk to release the latch (not sure what you call
these either)? I saw them once on a big 70ft yacht from Britain, but have
never been able to find them in any catalogs.

Thanks
Mark Gearhart
S/V Godspeed #108

@Backup- Automatic, Safe, Reliable online backups
and restores. Free for 30 days.
Download Now. http://offers.egroups.com/click/215/0

Free Web-based e-mail groups by eGroups.com

Free Web-based e-mail groups by eGroups.com

11

All,

I’m finally going to replace my pull-ring interior door latches.
They have never worked well because its hard to use the ring when
your fingers are wet or with gloves on, and the brass hing bends,
so the ring no longer fits flat against the base.

I’ve been looking at catalogs like Woodworkers Supply, ABI, and
Jamestown Distributers. There are a few latches that look like
they might work well, but I can’t be sure.

Question is this… Can anyone recommend a door latch that has
worked well for them, and a source (catalog) where I might place
an order? I’d be willing to spend $$$, if it is something that
works well. I was thinking about using a small brass barrel bolt
mechanism, but the smallest I can find is 4 inches, which is too
big.

Thanks,
Mark Gearhart
s/v Godspeed

12

Lee Valley Tools has a tremendous hardware catalog much bigger variety than
the others you mentioned. Have them send you a hardware catalog.

Thom Dyson
Director of Information Services
Sybex, Inc.

13

Hi Mark,
I suggest you talk to Sumio at SLM. We found a new latch that is made from
a durable plastic. Dick and tried to break one and had to use a 10 inch
screw drive and lots of strength to break it. It has a much larger finger
pull than the brass ones we put on your boat. Unfortunately, I do not have
the name with me but we bought them from McMaster-Carr and they are not
expensive. If you need more information contact me directly. I hope all is
well with you, Maria and Godspeed. Roger roger.olson@att.net
----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Gearhart <mrgearha@yahoo.com >
To: <bcc@yahoogroups.com >
Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2002 6:23 AM
Subject: [bcc] door latches

All,

I’m finally going to replace my pull-ring interior door latches.
They have never worked well because its hard to use the ring when
your fingers are wet or with gloves on, and the brass hing bends,
so the ring no longer fits flat against the base.

I’ve been looking at catalogs like Woodworkers Supply, ABI, and
Jamestown Distributers. There are a few latches that look like
they might work well, but I can’t be sure.

Question is this… Can anyone recommend a door latch that has
worked well for them, and a source (catalog) where I might place
an order? I’d be willing to spend $$$, if it is something that
works well. I was thinking about using a small brass barrel bolt
mechanism, but the smallest I can find is 4 inches, which is too
big.

Thanks,
Mark Gearhart
s/v Godspeed

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14

Thanks everyone for the door latch info. I just received
a collection of different latches from Lee Valley Tools.
Now I just have to figure out which of them works the best
for me. Also need to get hold of Sumio soon. Thanks.

Mark Gearhart
s/v Godspeed

— In bcc@y…, “Thom Dyson” <tdyson@s…> wrote:

Lee Valley Tools has a tremendous hardware catalog much bigger
variety than
the others you mentioned. Have them send you a hardware catalog.

Thom Dyson
Director of Information Services
Sybex, Inc.