Mortice latches are purely for keeping the door closed. As the name suggests they latch the door closed and until the lever or knobs fitted to the door are operated it will remain closed.
Latches, as do locks, come in varying sizes to suit different types of door furniture and styles. Lever handles are usually fitted to 63mm or 75mm deep latch cases, which commonly have a backset, distance to the operating point of 44mm or 57mm. Knobs are usually fitted to long reach latches, with case of 100mm, 125mm or 150mm. These latches commonly have backsets of 80mm, 100mm and 125mm respectively.
Style of Lever
The choice of latch is usually dictated by the style of door you wish to create. It could be either a contemporary styling with modern levers on rose, which would suggest a 75mm latch or a classic panelled door with knob which would suggest a 125mm or 150mm latch.
Do consider, however, when fitting knobs that too short a latch will possibly lead to a situation where you will catch your knuckles on the door frame; something that can be painful and irritating.
Please don’t hesitate to contact customer services if you would like any further advice on the selection of the correct latch or lock.
