If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times – the language of the door and hardware industry is confusing! It seems there are constantly new phrases being thrown my way and it’s impossible to keep up with them all, isn’t it?

I recently heard one that wasn’t completely new to me but unfamiliar enough that I had to Google it. Night latch function – do you know what it is?

I’m going to go with no; otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this right?

Night Latch Function – What is it?

The quick and easy definition of the term night latch function is a spring lock that can be opened from the inside by engaging the lever set or knob from the inside or from the outside by key.

Where is it applied?

The night latch is mounted onto the surface of the door as opposed to being mortised into the edge of it.

The night latch holds the door closed with a latch which can often be deadlocked into position.

The latch’s screw prevents the cam on the mortise cylinder from turning far enough to allow the key to be released from the core (or plug) while the handle is locked.

This screw doesn’t affect the lock actuator, only the cam on the mortise housing.

The primary latch in a night latch has a rounded leading edge and is spring loaded.

The latch is withdrawn into the casing as you turn the inside knob to allow you to open the door, but you can close the door by simply pushing the door into its frame.

These locks always need a key to unlock them from the outside.

Check out this video for a nice explanation:

Occasionally, you’ll hear night latches referred to by their original name of ‘rimlock;’ although, these days, a rimlock generally refers to a basic security lock for use on internal doors or other lower security openings.

Are you using night latches in your home or commercial buildings? What’s been your experience with them?
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