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Galley Hatch Help

PostPosted: Sun Oct 22, 2017 1:43 pm
by IndyTom
I know that everyone hates this type of post, where I know what I am looking for is here somewhere, but I just cannot find it. Searching for hatch latch returns over 550 hits. I am at the point where I need to decide how to latch my galley hatch, and I just cannot decide how. Below is a picture of how the hatch framing now stands. It is currently just a frame, while I am waiting for me hurricane hinge to arrive.
Image
I cannot decide what kind of latch would be best. The one I am currently thinking about is this one:http://www.teardroptrailerparts.com/Rear_Double_T_Slam_Kit.html
I would sure like to hear the thoughts of anyone who would like to weigh in on the subject.

Tom

Re: Galley Hatch Help

PostPosted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 11:06 am
by halfdome, Danny
Hopefully your bottom rail of the lid will fit into the same plane as the deck where the two meet or you'll have difficulty making the example you show to work.
From the link it's not too clear what the striker plate looks like.
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http://dogboxparts.com/product/zinc-striker-plate-for-paddle-latches-5619a/
https://www.austinhardware.com/catalog/product/view/id/6578
I always use the above Striker Plate For Slam Latches - EB-5619A that is available from several websites.
Don't know if it's necessary to have two locking handles, I use one and then use adjustable stainless steel side latches.
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https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/32856072
The adjustability of the latches is about 1/2" and really comes in handy when the humidity swings to a point where the lid doesn't want to fully seal.
They also help keep the lid in place as these lids will move side to side some as you drive down the highways.
Image
I've used the above side latch in the past and the aluminum seems to stretch over time, not a good thing.
Hope this is of some help to you, :D Danny

Re: Galley Hatch Help

PostPosted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 11:49 am
by Woodbutcher
I prefer the single handle with the two rods that lock it down on both sides. That is all I've used on the 4 I have built. Don't see any reason to change.
NOTE....the handle is on the back side only to work the rods and make sure it all works. It goes on the other side when in use. :lol:


Image

Re: Galley Hatch Help

PostPosted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 6:29 pm
by IndyTom
Danny,
I had thought about using a couple of latches like this right where the hatch meets the bottom rail, but I have not been able to find a latch as much as I like the one you suggested. I have been about convinced that slam latches would be a real challenge to make work correctly in this application, but a pair of these in the right locations should hold the hatch down tight.

Wood Butcher,
The type you like is what Frank Bear is suggesting but the ones that he carries are not long enough to span the 78+ inches that I have between side walls. Although he is checking to see if his supplier can supply longer rods.

This is great information everyone, and I am thinking that with the side of the hatch, I may end up using a combination of both.

Tom

halfdome, Danny wrote:
Image
https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/32856072
The adjustability of the latches is about 1/2" and really comes in handy when the humidity swings to a point where the lid doesn't want to fully seal.
They also help keep the lid in place as these lids will move side to side some as you drive down the highways.

Re: Galley Hatch Help

PostPosted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 7:11 pm
by halfdome, Danny
Here's a photo of the combination I use.
Image
Those side latches have a lower price on eBay.
:D Danny

Re: Galley Hatch Help

PostPosted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 3:15 pm
by kokomoto
I'm using the stainless draw latches like the example in the photo. They work great, install easily, won't corrode, and are nearly fail proof. Oh, and padlockable as well.

Here's a photo of the model I installed

image.jpeg
Tony's latches
image.jpeg (159.19 KiB) Viewed 2141 times

Re: Galley Hatch Help

PostPosted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 11:34 am
by NorthEGPhoto
On woodbutcher's latch, doesn't look like it would be too hard to find your friendly neighborhood welding apprentice to add a bit more steel to the ends of the rods.

Re: Galley Hatch Help

PostPosted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 7:13 pm
by jondbar628
My foamie hatch setup resembles (appearance-wise) Halfdome Danny's. I have a lift handle in the middle of the hatch with a locking hasp. Hatch "flutter" is abated with rubber draw-hasps at the sides. They are light weight, cheap, and never get out of adjustment. Can't lock them, of course. I figure, if some scum-bag wants in there THAT bad, I don't want them busting up everything I've built to get there. I'll have to replace everything they steal, but I won't have to rebuild the tear too............jd