What kind of drawer latching system are you using?

[Rubiclone]

Just in the final stages of my build,

The compartment on the right is for an 85 L water tank that sits flush to the front. Just wondering what you guys are using as latches? since the drawers are false fronts, im not sure a typically latch would work. Let me know what you guys are using!

 

[Xterabl]

Hey, nice looking drawer unit! I'm at a similar stage with mine....
For things like this, I would check out mcmaster.
Even with your false fronts, here's a nice latch/catch that I think could still work (see top item #'s 1064A41-44 in the link):
http://www.mcmaster.com/#grab-catches/=cn1uqq

But there are many other latches, etc., if you search "drawer catch" or "drawer latch".
Hope this helps....

 

[JamesDowning]

Lots of options out there, but I went low tech... just a simple pin with a hole drilled in the drawer side...

I think the kit was originally made for a sliding glass door or something. It's held up really well over the past few years. I was just trying to find something simple and robust.

 

[Rubiclone]

Lots of options out there, but I went low tech... just a simple pin with a hole drilled in the drawer side...

I think the kit was originally made for a sliding glass door or something. It's held up really well over the past few years. I was just trying to find something simple and robust.

Hrm good idea, but i wont have access to the side of the box, does this rattle at all while offroad?

 

[JamesDowning]

I haven't noticed any rattle.

 

[jbs]

I like paddle latches.


The natural pulling action to open the drawer un-latches them and you can just slam them closed.

That said, when I built my drawer, I used these:

Along with a gas strut mounted inside the drawer/frame. One end attaches to the middle of the right side of the frame. The other attaches to the rear left corner of the drawer. That way the strut acts to assist the drawer closing (and hold it closed) when the drawer is less than halfway open. It acts to assist the drawer in opening (and hold it open) if the drawer is more than halfway open. Not sure if that makes sense. I don't have any pics of the strut, but here's one of the outside of the drawer.

12:40:02--img_6908 by stirton, on Flickr

 

[jbs]

Lots of options out there, but I went low tech... just a simple pin with a hole drilled in the drawer side...

I think the kit was originally made for a sliding glass door or something. It's held up really well over the past few years. I was just trying to find something simple and robust.

I did something similar with the first drawer I made (had to re-do it to half-width later when we needed the seating capacity). Worked fine; no rattles. See the upper right corner of the drawer:

 

[sassychickconnie]

How about this one.... amazon.com/Spring-Loaded-Cabinet-Drawer-Latch/dp/B0031Y146G/ref=pd_rhf_shvl_4? I think it'll be suitable for your drawers.

 

[Rubiclone]

How about this one.... amazon.com/Spring-Loaded-Cabinet-Drawer-Latch/dp/B0031Y146G/ref=pd_rhf_shvl_4? I think it'll be suitable for your drawers.

Either i am way to tired to figure this out but how the hell are you supposed to open that once it snaps closed? there seems to be no outside lever where you can push that hook down.. or am i missing something.

 

[Rubiclone]

I like paddle latches.


The natural pulling action to open the drawer un-latches them and you can just slam them closed.

That said, when I built my drawer, I used these:

Along with a gas strut mounted inside the drawer/frame. One end attaches to the middle of the right side of the frame. The other attaches to the rear left corner of the drawer. That way the strut acts to assist the drawer closing (and hold it closed) when the drawer is less than halfway open. It acts to assist the drawer in opening (and hold it open) if the drawer is more than halfway open. Not sure if that makes sense. I don't have any pics of the strut, but here's one of the outside of the drawer.

12:40:02--img_6908 by stirton, on Flickr

I was looking at these latches, but dont these only work when the face of the drawer slides fairly deep into the top section (as in NOT having a false front)? im using 1/2" plywood and figure that the tongue on these latches would just barely sit on the inside of the drawer front and as a result not have enough material to really grip into at the top of the lid. (if that makes sense). I like the gas strut idea though.

 

[JamesDowning]

Either i am way to tired to figure this out but how the hell are you supposed to open that once it snaps closed? there seems to be no outside lever where you can push that hook down.. or am i missing something.

http://www.safebeginnings.com/Webcomponents/Catalog/PDFs/6192.pdf

I was curious too, so I found the instructions online. I don't think it's what you're looking for, as you have to open the drawer some in order to unlatch it.

 

[jbs]

I was looking at these latches, but dont these only work when the face of the drawer slides fairly deep into the top section (as in NOT having a false front)? im using 1/2" plywood and figure that the tongue on these latches would just barely sit on the inside of the drawer front and as a result not have enough material to really grip into at the top of the lid. (if that makes sense). I like the gas strut idea though.

I believe I found a few different ones that had different latch depths. Southco is another company to check.

But I had the same dilemma since even with a deeper latch, 1/2-3/4" of wood wouldn't be strong enough for me to trust. I was simply going to add a metal plate a few inches wide across the front edge of the top. It would have served as a strike plate and also added (with a couple screws on each side of the latch) some pullout strength.

 

[Caleb Long]

Allegis T-handle Compression Latches. Pretty slick little units.

 

[Dennx]

I chose these paddle latches for my build.

 

[4RunAmok]

I'm looking for Paddle Latches that will latch around 1" in from the outside of the drawer face. I used 3/4 material for my drawer faces.