How Latches Play an Important Role in the Function of Kitchen Cabinets

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While most people focus on the appearance of their kitchen cabinets and the impact they may have on the overall visual appeal of the space, they are far more than just a pleasing visual. Granted, with countless door styles, drawer facings, and color combinations it’s hard to not to see the appeal. Because of this, the functionality of the cabinets oftentimes takes a backseat to choosing the right color for the ambient light. Part of the cabinet functionality are cabinet door latches which can determine how the cabinet operates.

Types Cabinet Door Latches

While you might merely consider a cabinet latch something which holds the cabinet door closed, it is a lot more than just that. The way they operate and how they are made can make opening and closing your cabinetry far more complex than it needs to be. While you might not know it below are the various methods of operation:

• Touch
• Pull
• Push
• Turn
• Lift
• Magnetic
• Mechanical

They can also be made from various materials such as plastic or stainless steel.

What is a Mechanical Tip-On Cabinet Latch?

Many people choose their cabinets without handles. They would rather see the cabinetry rather than the hardware when in their kitchen. The tip-on latch is perfect for this style.

Tip-on latches are a piston-style of hardware. It is designed to allow just a gentle push inward for the latch to release the door. When the door is then pushed closed, the latch reengages. Because they are mechanical in nature, they are considered heavy-duty latches.

They are installed either at the top of the door for base cabinets on the floor and along the bottom edge of the cabinet door for those cabinets installed above countertops.

It should be noted that tip-on latches are rather sensitive. They require a very light touch and can sometimes pop open when someone brushes against them. While it can become a nuisance, especially in cramped kitchens, it is not a fault of construction but of method of use.

What is a Touch Latch?

The magnetic touch latch requires a good deal more force to open the cabinet door than with a tip-on latch. While not considered heavy-duty latches, they are considered beneficial in that they won’t accidently open when someone brushes against them.

The mechanism is not mechanical but rather magnetic. It is also a smaller mechanism which offers a cleaner look after it is installed.

One drawback to the magnetic touch latch is that they can only be used on cabinet doors. They cannot be used for drawers. Tip-on latches can be used for both which is one reason many people gravitate toward them.

Final Thoughts

If your concerns are purely around the durability of the latch, tip-on latches rule the roost. They are manufactured to a higher standard than the magnetic latches. They will last a lot longer than magnetic latches. They are the perfect latch hardware for kitchen cabinets.

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