What Are Door Catches & Bolts? Why You Need Them for Your Home Security
5 min reading time
5 min reading time
What Are Door Catches & Bolts?
Door catches and bolts are devices that help hold doors in place or secure them shut. A door catch typically holds a door in position without fully locking it, while a door bolt offers more security by locking the door to prevent it from being opened. Both types of hardware come in various designs, depending on the door's function and the level of security required.
Now, let’s dive into the different types of door catches and bolts available for your home.
A ball catch uses a spring-loaded ball that locks into a corresponding plate or strike when the door is pushed closed. This design is commonly used in double doors and interior doors where locking is unnecessary. It’s ideal for doors that don’t need a traditional latch or lock but should stay securely in place.
Features:
Benefits:
Best For:
Interior doors, closet doors, or double doors in your home that don’t require high-security features.
Magnetic catches use powerful magnets to hold a door in place. The magnet and metal plate attract each other, ensuring the door stays shut without the need for a latch. Magnetic catches are perfect for doors where a quiet, easy-to-operate solution is preferred, such as cabinet or interior doors.
Features:
Benefits:
Best For:
Cabinet doors, lightweight interior doors, and spaces where you want a quiet and sleek design.
A flush bolt is installed within the edge of a door, typically on double doors. The bolt sits flush with the door’s surface, making it discreet but effective at locking doors securely. When not in use, the flush bolt is hidden within the door, giving a neat, seamless appearance.
Features:
Benefits:
Best For:
Double doors, privacy doors, and areas that require extra security without visible bolts.
Surface bolts are mounted on the surface of the door and frame, providing a simple but effective locking mechanism. These bolts are often used for external doors, gates, or areas where extra security is needed. They are designed for durability and strength, ensuring the door remains securely shut.
Features:
Benefits:
Best For:
Exterior doors, gates, and high-traffic areas that need reinforced security.
Feature | Ball Catch | Magnetic Catch | Flush Bolt | Surface Bolt |
---|---|---|---|---|
Design | Simple, unobtrusive, spring-loaded ball | Magnetic hold with silent operation | Hidden when not in use, sleek design | Mounted on surface, visible hardware |
Security | Low security (for interior doors) | Low security (for interior doors) | High security (ideal for double doors) | High security (ideal for exterior doors) |
Best Use | Closet doors, pantry doors | Cabinet doors, lightweight interior doors | Double doors, privacy doors | Exterior doors, gates |
Installation | Easy to install | Easy to install and maintain | Requires precision installation | Easy to install |
Maintenance | Low maintenance | Low maintenance | Low maintenance | Low maintenance |
Choosing the right door catch or bolt depends on the purpose of your door and the level of security you need. For lightweight interior doors, a Ball Catch or Magnetic Catch might be perfect, offering convenience and subtlety. If you need added privacy or security for double doors, a Flush Bolt will give you peace of mind. For external doors or areas that need extra protection, a Surface Bolt is the best option.