Hatch Latch Alternatives

[TonyCooper]

I'm finalizing my hatch design and I like the clean look on the hatch. I am leaning towards using internal latch pins on both sides tied to the T Handle in the center of the hatch. I see a lot of folks with external latches and I'm wondering if there are advantages to one way or the other...

To me, internal is cleaner but if something goes wrong the latch mechanism is inside the hatch. External seems easier to implement as well.

Other then this, does one way work better then the other as far as sealing of the hatch from dirt or rain?

[toypusher]

Tony,

Check out the "Slamming Rod Locks" from Austin Hardware. You can get solid connectors with them and some are 3-way. They latch on both sides and on the center bottom of the hatch (if installed properly)

http://www.austinhardware.com/dept.asp?dept%5Fid=229

Be sure and check the specs carefully. I ordered a set and it was way overkill, so I stayed with the traditional. Had to pay return shipping and a 15% restocking fee.

[TonyCooper]

I've already got both bases covered with hardware, just trying to decide which way is best as far as keeping out the weather.

[tears&sweat]

Toypusher; i used simalur setup. Pics in personal gallery. Mine(latch) is from hardware store and overhead garage door handle.

[Steve_Cox]

I have in my posession 2 new house door deadbolts that are keyed alike. They were left over from a project last year. They will fit in the hatch ok and have the right amout of length to the bolt for a secure locking, so what do you think about them as a way to secure the back hatch? Any problems you can think of?

Thanks - Steve

ps - sorry Tony this didn't answer your question either.. Just another question

[TonyCooper]

Toypusher; i used simalur setup. Pics in personal gallery. Mine(latch) is from hardware store and overhead garage door handle.

Have you had any problems with this setup? Alignment issues? Leaking?, etc?

[toypusher]

Toypusher; i used simalur setup. Pics in personal gallery. Mine(latch) is from hardware store and overhead garage door handle.

I think that the LuxoTear has about the same setup also.

Tony, you might want to ask Michael about the LuxoTear also. I know they have towed it quite a few miles and could give you a report.
http://westhoffdesign.com/michael/

[TonyCooper]

Thanks Kerry

I've read through Michaels documentation and he added external draw latches to seal out the weather...

hmmm...

I really like the clean look of the internal locking mechanism, but I want a good seal. Gonna have to noodle this one a little...

[toypusher]

Tony,

Consider using the 'slam latch' type catches on the sides. If you don't know what they are, they are the tapered ones (like the latches on house doors). When aligned properly, they will draw the hatch closed very tight against the weatherseal. On the Cubby, I would suggest that you also have a center latch to keep the middle drawn tight also.