Night Latches by Yale

A night latch is a form of lock that allows for keyed entry on one side, (typically the external facing) and for keyless operation by way of turning a knob on the internal side. This makes them ideal for internal security where a door can be quickly secured and unlocked without the need of a key. Additionally, night latch locks will automatically lock when the door is closed, although they can be set to remain open should the door not be required to be secured at certain times of the day.

As with most locks there are outside suitable night latches available, constructed of weatherproof materials to prevent corrosion. Popular outside latch applications include garden gates or property side access gates, where the latch both acts as the lock and a way to easily secure the door closed. Some also prefer night latches over padlocks as they may considered to be unsightly.

The name night latch is in reference to their original intended use, which was to be used at night in applications such as fire doors in hotels where the keyless internal unlocking mechanism made them ideal. Night latches then quickly became popular as viable alternatives to traditional two way key operated locks, further benefited by the spring loaded bolt that could quickly be deployed securing the door without a key.