Ball latch is tool adjustable

Tom Shelley reports on a simple latch designed for home furniture whose fundamental principles could be applied anywhere.

Tom Shelley reports on a low cost way of adjusting latches to work optimally after they have placed in situ By putting a screw thread on the inside of the barrel containing a ball ended plunger and spring, a very simple ball latch can be made adjustable after installation, by screwing the plunger retaining ring in or out. The device has been developed by Blue Diamond Technologies based in Chandlers Ford, primarily for use in doors for shower enclosures, wardrobe doors or kitchen cupboards. A key element is that the ring can only be engaged using special tool made up as a hollow cylinder with two lugs, which engage in two cut outs in the front of the ring. This ensures that the ring, and so the fully extended position of the plunger can easily be adjusted after installation, but the ring cannot be moved either accidentally or deliberately by an unauthorised person. Related products include special hinge and hangar assemblies for glass doors, but the company is also expert in the design and supply of rotary shaft seals, "O" rings, and sealing related products as well as claiming to have a "Wealth of knowledge and skills" related to the supply and specification of bearings, drive belts, pulleys, clips, chains, sprockets, bushes, sealants and adhesives. Blue Diamond Technologies Blue Diamond Technologies