Latch ideas?

Posted by Mike on March 21, 2015 at 3:12pm
For boxes with flat lids that have no clasp of any kind, what do people usually use for a latch if they want to be able to get back inside easily? I wanted to do a box with the lid as the back so I can get back in but not sure of what to use to keep it closed. Any suggestions? Thanks! Mike

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Replies

  • Dave Steingart March 23, 2015 at 9:22am
    Arent the screws too long for the thickness of the box? Do you glue a backer on the side and top to sink the screws into?
    ▶ Reply
    • Thomas "Duck" Petry > Dave Steingart March 23, 2015 at 11:42am

      Like everything else with our builds, you do what you need to do to make it work. You could always substitute different wood screws to fit or use machine screws with nuts inside the box.

  • Brian Revels March 22, 2015 at 9:38pm

    I use something very similar to these... http://b2bimg.bridgat.com/files/decorative_box_latch_HS01901.jpg.  I get them from a local craft store (A.C. Moore) for around $1 each.   They have ones like these too, http://www.tallpoppycraft.com/catalog/images/cb11.jpg.

    • gary sheldon > Brian Revels March 22, 2015 at 11:23pm

      Nice to know that stuff exists.  I have been needing some latches.  Thanks for the info.

    • Dave Steingart > Brian Revels March 22, 2015 at 10:19pm

      Arent the screws too long for the thickness of the box? Do you glue a backer on the side and top to sink the screws into?

    • Brian Revels > Dave Steingart March 23, 2015 at 10:14pm

      The screws are smaller than the ones used for traditional tuners, and flat wood screws.  They are barely too long for paper covered boxes, making a dimple on the inside of the box. It honestly could be much worse.  For wooden boxes I have to drill 1/16th pilot holes.  They are called jewelry box latches if memory serves. 

    • Dave Steingart > Brian Revels March 23, 2015 at 10:18pm

      thanks I'll look more closely and do some measuring, thanks

  • Dave Steingart March 21, 2015 at 5:19pm
    I've glued a small post in the corners and put a small screw in the posts. Worked well
    • Jack O'wheelie > Dave Steingart March 22, 2015 at 5:34pm

      Ditto..

      I'm currently in the early stages of my second build. The picture shows the inside of my box. Still early days, but I think this one will really "sing"!

      DSCN1698.JPG

  • Mike March 21, 2015 at 3:52pm
    Thanks all for the replies. I was planning on doing this for the diddley bows I was doing with my daughter's brownie troop so easy open is what I was looking for so they can store a slide and pick inside. I am thinking maybe the magnet idea would be best. Does that cause any issue with any electronics inside?

    Thanks again!
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