You might not think of door latches as one of the first supply orders for a young business, but depending on what kind of operation you're running, you may be in need of just those particular items. Although with fancy new lock technology, the door latch has nearly become obsolete, some commercial clients still use industrial door latches or classic residential door latch hardware for special situations.

A business manager might go looking for door latches for the following projects:

1. As part of building renovations for a period house or building where period door latches provide authenticity.

2. In new homes to give a development a historic, quaint or folksy appeal.

3. In industrial situations where a door may not need to be locked but rather temporarily barred to comply with a federal or industry regulation.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get residential door latches

If you need specific hardware for a home (or homes), you can find a variety of pieces online. Buy door latches direct through sale pages and have them shipped to your site.

I recommend: Faucet.com sells room or closet door latches along with a lot of other hardware. For more traditional door latches, go to Vintage Hardware and Lighting and browse residential door accessories. Along with door latches and locks, Vintage sells other door hardware like knockers and plates, all in serene, traditional styles.

Find industrial door latches

For a commercial space, you may want a heavy metal door latch solid enough to do the job. Look for solutions from companies offering hardware strong enough for industrial use.

I recommend: Browse a variety of door latch models at Moore Industrial Hardware's extensive online catalog. You can find other metal door latches by routing to the websites of various suppliers through the site at ThomasNet. Take a look at provider profiles, click through and shop for their wares.

Get customized metal door latches

For special projects, you may want to contact a shop that will take your designs and make them reality with plasma cutters or casting equipment. Metalworking shops can get you custom metal or aluminum door latch models for your themed building. Renovators often look for custom hardware for antique buildings and outbuildings such as barns.

I recommend: The team at ClubBaltica will cast your hardware in their shop and send it your way. For many companies, casting is the way to go, but for some small hardware like door latches, there's another option. Companies like Pro-Type use plasma cutting machines to get custom shapes out of metal sheets. Look for a plasma cutter near you to get good custom door latches in your own styles.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Do your homework. Besides knowing the quantity you'll need, measure your door areas before making an order. Pay attention to how the door latches will be installed (do the doors swing right or left, in or out?) and catalog all of the specifications you'll need on your hardware.