Drawer latches

[AndyJ76]

I'm looking for some catches for my galley drawers (in the process of being built). We ordered some stainless steel sprung ring pull type catches, but the ones we received were pretty poorly manufactured (only 2 out of 16 actually worked as expected). They are being returned.

I have seen drawer pulls that look like normal drawer handles, but have a latch mechanism on the back of the handle, such that it locks when closed but opens when pulled normally. Does anybody have a source for those?

Otherwise, does anybody have a recommendation for cabinet ironmongers with good manufacturing tolerances.

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

Since, if I understand correctly, your drawers are still being built why not do away with the latches? The old solution of "lift-then-pull" is tried and tested and has never failed me.
Just an idea.

 

[AndyJ76]

They're big drawers, designed to take a 46 litre Really Useful box and rated to 100kg. They're more mobile cupboards than cutlery drawer (think airline hostess trolleys, locked in place during turbulence)

 

[pmagowan]

There are loads of different options available if you google it. I have also used the lift and pull style drawers but I am not keen on them from the point of view of capsize etc as I suspect that they would fail in these conditions. I know that is an unlikely event but I see no reason why not to design out the problem early on. The ones I favour are the old fashioned turn latches which they also use in aeroplanes. The drawer can be fitted with any normal domestic style latch or magnetic catch for use when in the marina or in good conditions but when underway or expecting some rough weather or heel then you simply flip the latches to keep them all closed. They can be as simple as a bit of wood with a screw through it around which it can rotate. Stainless varieties are available like : http://slingthehook.com/?p=6507

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

Ok. That's different then.

Re the load, the bottom drawer near my companionway steps holds most of my hand tools; I can just about slide it out but I'd struggle if I had to lift it bodily.

 

[johnalison]

My HR has the excellent HR plastic catches, but they are not widely available. On other people's boats, I usually find the easiest to use are the ones you reach with a finger through a hole.

 

[pmagowan]

My HR has the excellent HR plastic catches, but they are not widely available. On other people's boats, I usually find the easiest to use are the ones you reach with a finger through a hole.

I always worry about my finger especially in a seaway.

 

[lw395]

Since, if I understand correctly, your drawers are still being built why not do away with the latches? The old solution of "lift-then-pull" is tried and tested and has never failed me.
Just an idea.

Some people like to design their boats to withstand a knockdown.

 

[Len Ingalls]

http://search.defender.com/?expression=drawer+latch&x=0&y=0

 

[rogerthebodger]

I fitted turn buttons on all my drawers so as to lick then when necessary.

The left hand handle is a drawer in my galley and just under the drawer face is a turn button I used.

 

[pmagowan]

I fitted turn buttons on all my drawers so as to lick then when necessary.

The left hand handle is a drawer in my galley and just under the drawer face is a turn button I used.

Yes, those look like the ones I linked to. Not automatic but not difficult to manage, l would have thought.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Yes, those look like the ones I linked to. Not automatic but not difficult to manage, l would have thought.

Yes exactly the same.

I also use then to secure doors and hatches at sea that a keepted closed in dock with heavy duty ball catches.

 

[AndyJ76]

I quite like the idea of turnbuttons. I'll ask the carpenter what he thinks.
I was also considering using a tubular door handle and door latch, although I'd have to make sure they weren't the type that will catch your legs in a stumble.

I'm frustrated though, because I'm sure I've seen a full width drawer handle with a latching mechanism built into it and I can't find them online anywhere :-/

 

[Tammany]

I fitted caravan type to mine, you push them in too lock and push on them and they pop out to act like normal knobs. It originally had the 1970's (finger breakers) which are a bad idea.

https://www.seascrew.com/browse.cfm?PUSH-BUTTON-KNOBS---CATCHES-FOR-CUPBOARD---CABINET&l=0000001106