compression latches

IP65 Roller Action SNAPLINE Compression Latch

27/03/2013

We like to think that our Snap-Line® compression latch is a significant advance in compression lock technology. Combining as it does quick snap-in design and planetary roller cam motion which enables soft compression of door gaskets from 10mm to 20mm, this half-turn IP65 latch is expected to find favour with designers, manufacturers and installers of vibration prone control equipment. This is expected to include construction machinery, process plant, motor vehicles, railway rolling stock, HVAC installations, much manufacturing equipment and materials handling machines where electrical or electronic enclosures are needed.

The elegant low profile latch utililises D·SNAP® technology for push-in IP65 assembly, either RH or LH as a complete pre-assembled unit without tools and with perfect alignment. Additionally, the unusual roller cam, combined with a powerful planetary action, ensures a firm gasket pull down with low operator effort. Panel gauges from 0.8mm to 3.5mm can be accommodated with industry standard square and double bit inserts offered as standard.

See our video page for more on the SNAPLINE system

New Low Profile Compression Latch

12/03/2013

Our new 1-067 compression latch comes in a sleek low profile design (4.5mm protrusion) with 7mm compression and locked/unlocked visual indicator – and is thus especially well-suited to applications that require quick and secure locking in high vibration environments, such as vehicles or machine tools.

The 1-067 is configured to offer a direct replacement for other quarter-turn locks as an upgrade or replacement, where it features rugged 5mm cams, a variable depth adjustment and a choice of six common industry inserts. Construction is in zinc die with black powder coat finish.

New Key Operated Compression Locks

23/01/2013

Our new key-operated compression lock series offers the unusual format of key operation in a compression latch, thus providing added security of a key lock over the conventional tool compatible insert. We expect applications to include vehicles, genset packs, railway rolling stock etc.

This new lock design, intended for use with gasketed doors provides 6mm of compression to make a firm seal. It is water-resistant, fully adjustable and is mounted within an industry-standard rounded square hole – a straight latch cam is standard, with a full range of other cams available.

The latch features very positive engagement, being both water-resistant and adjustable. The key brings the latch bar into its ‘closed’ position, then draws up the bar by 6mm against the seal. This is achieved as the key turns clockwise through 90 degrees to operate the latch, then through a further quarter-turn to compress against the door edge or striker. The latch bar depth is adjustable through 11mm and the unit is installed via an industry-standard 4-sided aperture with brass nut and stainless spring washer on a threaded body with neoprene gasket. The latch bar is secured by nut and locknut on a threaded spigot enabling 1mm of depth adjustment. ‘FT’ keys are supplied with shuttered keyway for added protection as standard. The lock body is chromium-plated as standard or optionally black powder-coated. A variety of alternative latch bars are available as are special key numbers.

Panel Fittings for Commercial vehicles

13/08/2012

Our engineers have been aware that commercial vehicle manufacturers have special requirements for their components – for example specific hinges and lock inserts. Consequently we are now pleased to offer a range of transport related hardware with the durability to withstand high vibration environments with a high degree of vandal-resistance built-in. These are particularly applicable to utility vehicles such as agricultural harvesting machines, for example which are used in areas far removed from any repair shop or replacement parts, and must also meet a very tight harvesting schedule. Similarly, other mobile plant and construction vehicles where small problems can lead to long and expensive delays.

Typically the 12-600TR concealed hinge for cab doors and the 12-210TR compression latch exemplify the range which covers everything from quarter-turn locks/latches with a variety of specialist inserts, through lock rods, cams, slam latches, concealed and screw-on hinges, clip-on gaskets, recessed handles, bridge handles and SNAP-Joiners.

So whether the application is for fixed or mobile plant, on the farm or building site you can rely on us to have a welter of hardware to suit the application.

Our “One Stop for Panel Components”

08/08/2012

We are pleased to announce that we have far exceeded a 3000 plus inventory of specialist industrial access hardware for electrical enclosures, cabinets, electronic racks, control panels, HVAC equipment, lockers/furniture, amusement machines, retail displays, telephone and vehicle security.

Our Panel Fittings range now features locks of many types from quarter-turn through compression locks/latches and combination to pin tumbler, padlocks and rod locks. Standard handle types are catered for, including grab handles, T, L, swinghandles and winghandles. Many items are available in stainless steel 303, 304 or 316, making them suitable for use in chemical, food processing or marine situations where corrosion resistance, coupled to rugged performance are critical factors.

We have been leading specialists in the panel hardware arena for over 30 years and pride ourselves on providing “The Full Package”. As Terry Cantle explained: “We work hard to ensure that we provide real added value – not only with our product, but also by consulting closely with customers in order to provide a proven and reliable single source. We not only ensure specifications are met, but also that costs are minimised.”

Alongside locks and handles the natural complement is a standard range of hinges which in this case provides a huge selection of internal, external, lift-off, piano, weld-on, bolt-on and clip-in types – again with stainless steel variants if required. The innovative D-SNAP technology for tool-less panel joining and hardware fitment parallels traditional technologies with the added potential to save costs and time.

So, whether a project calls for toggle latches, busbars, combination or change locks, neoprene seals, gas struts or eye bolts, we continue to expand our portfolio and service support – a good example of which is the popular Rocfast assembly and packaging service.

Panel Fittings for Special Vehicles

26/07/2012

For Special Purpose Vehicles such as fire fighting trucks, ambulances, police riot control vehicles, refuse trucks etc, there are many special requirements which we are able to take into account with this specialist range of hardware. These requirements begin with a high degree of vibration and vandalism resistance, coupled with some quite specific standards and industry usages such as for handles, gaskets and especially lock inserts – vital for security while enabling ready access to any authorised person who therefore needs to only carry one key.

Examples include the 12-880TR bridge handle with application specific colour coding, UL listed clip-on gasket, stainless steel slam latches and AISI 316TI stainless steel quarter-turn locks with industry standard inserts.

These special purpose vehicles are often built in small quantities for especially challenging situations. To suit these needs we offer a broad range of these products coupled with stock and service support matched to the procurement and logistics needs of specialist vehicle manufacturers.

Compression Latches “for every enclosure”

15/06/2012

Our ‘slimline’ compression latches are ideal for a wide range of applications including vehicle conversions, flight cases, enclosures and cabinets.

Manufactured in robust diecast construction and with an adjustable grip range, these low-cost latches are available in locking and non-locking versions to suit the installation

We also offer a range of double-action, quarter turn compression latches to provide positive compression of the door seal in order to prevent ingress of moisture. These are available with a choice of keys or handles.

Rocfast lock assembly service

05/01/2012

The Rocfast program is a new service which we expect to save time, money and mistakes by offering quality locks assembled and delivered direct from our Panel Fittings experts here at FDB – including all major market leading industry brands. The Rocfast lock assembly service is designed to take the hard work out of an order process that often requires specification of individual lock components and time consuming self-assembly prior to installation. Our expert team will rapidly identify the optimum specification of components then order, assemble and deliver to site, to workshop or to metal former/subcontractor in line with our theme of providing “Panel Fittings for every Enclosure”.

The Rocfast service includes all ¼ turn favourites with appropriate keys, with IP rated sealing if required, with cams of all types, traditional L or T handles, swinghandles and compression locks as applicable. The Rocfast assembly program can efficiently deal with modern modular component systems or traditional single kit formats and with one-off or scheduled program deliveries as well as separate packaging of locks/backnuts/keys etc to suit logistical requirements. Further information on the FDB Rocfast program can be found at: www.rocfast.co.uk also contact us to consult our experts on your installation needs.

Quick and smooth IP65 compression latch

29/11/2011

Our roller action Snap-Line® compression latch is believed to be a significant advance in compression lock technology. Combining as it does quick snap-in design and planetary roller cam motion which enables soft compression of door gaskets from 10mm to 20mm, this new half-turn IP65 latch is expected to find favour with designers, manufacturers and installers of vibration prone control equipment. This is likely to include construction machinery, process plant, motor vehicles, railway rolling stock, HVAC installations, much manufacturing equipment and materials handling machines where electrical or electronic enclosures are needed.

IP65 Planetary compression latch The elegant low profile latch utililises D·SNAP® technology for push-in IP65 assembly, either RH or LH as a complete pre-assembled unit without tools and with perfect alignment. Additionally, the unusual roller cam, combined with a powerful planetary action, ensures a firm gasket pull down with low operator effort. Panel gauges from 0.8mm to 3.5mm can be accommodated with industry standard square and double bit inserts offered as standard.

Please contact us for further information on this new product.

Flush fit lever compression latch

10/10/2011

With a minimal protrusion of 6mm our new 6-160 lever compression latch provides all the benefits of compression closure with a recessed operating handle. This makes it ideal for cabinets in areas with high levels of pedestrian traffic or narrow corridors such as computer suites, production line control systems or electronic cabinet in datacentres, while its resistance to vibration lends suitability to use on vibration prone applications such as railway carriages and HVAC panels to counter nuisance opening.

The 6-160 features especially easy installation. The complete latch, including the pre-assembled U-shaped fastening bracket, is installed in the cutout from outside. Then by rotating the fastening screw from outside, the U-bracket automatically fastens the complete latch and in the “closed” position the screw cannot be removed. The adjusting screw can also be used for retro-adjusting to increase or decrease the sealing pressure.

In addition the lever action gives both a soft landing (with cushioning rubber pad) and a comfortable feel for the operator – there is a choice of thumb activated handle release or a key cylinder security option with industry standard key types. Contact us for details/quote or see our catalogue for complementary hinges in concealed, continuous or external bullet/torpedo format. For security sensitive access areas there are also digital combination and electronic battery operated locks.