A door catch is a fitting used to hold a closed door in place, preventing it from opening unintentionally. Based on the provided reference, "The door catch is a fitting to keep a closed door at a normal position and not to naturally open due to a wind pressure." It's designed to maintain a secure closure, especially useful for cabinets, cupboards, and other applications where doors might swing open due to gravity, vibration, or light drafts.
Essentially, a door catch works by having two main components that interact when the door is closed:
- The Catch Body: According to the reference, "The catch body is fitted on the front of the top and bottom plates of a cabinet..." This part is typically mounted on the frame or body of the cabinet or structure.
- The Strike: The reference states, "...and the strike is fitted on the door side." This part is attached to the door itself, in a position that aligns with the catch body when the door is closed.
When the door is closed, the strike engages with the catch body, creating a temporary hold that keeps the door shut until it is deliberately opened.
How Door Catches Work
The mechanism of a door catch varies depending on the type, but the core function remains the same: to create a point of resistance that holds the door shut. This resistance can be generated through:
- Magnetic force: Using magnets on both the catch body and strike.
- Mechanical friction: Utilizing a roller, ball bearing, or spring-loaded plunger that fits into a receptacle or strikes a plate.
- Physical engagement: Such as a simple hook and eye or a latch mechanism.
Common Types of Door Catches
While the reference specifically mentions a cabinet application with a catch body on the frame and a strike on the door, there are many types of door catches used in various scenarios:
- Magnetic Catches: Popular for cabinets, providing a quiet and easy closure.
- Roller Catches: Often used on interior doors, providing a smooth, friction-based hold.
- Ball Catches: Commonly found on closet or pantry doors that don't require a handle or knob to stay shut; a spring-loaded ball on the door fits into a plate on the frame.
- Spring Catches: Utilize a spring mechanism to hold the strike plate.
- Touch Latches (Push-to-Open): A modern option where pressing the door causes it to pop open, eliminating the need for handles.
| Component | Typical Location (Cabinet Example) | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Catch Body | Cabinet Frame (Top/Bottom Plates) | Houses the mechanism for the hold |
| Strike | Cabinet Door | The piece that engages with the Catch Body |
Applications
Door catches are essential fittings in numerous applications, including:
- Kitchen cabinets
- Wardrobes and closets
- Furniture doors (sideboards, chests)
- Interior passage doors
- Caravan and boat doors
They provide a simple yet effective solution for keeping doors closed, maintaining tidiness, and preventing accidental opening.
