North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam

The purpose of a spring latch is to operate under spring pressure, allowing it to automatically retract when the handle or knob is turned. This mechanism does not include a deadlatching feature, which means that the latch can remain in a non-secured state without an additional mechanism engaging to hold it in place. A spring latch is typically designed for convenience and ease of use, allowing doors to close and latch automatically without requiring a key or additional action from the user.

Regarding the other options: securing the bolt in place relates more to deadbolts, which have a different mechanism, while visually decoding combinations refers to methods used in combination locks, which do not involve spring latches. Enhancing protection of the lock set is a broader concept that would involve multiple components working together, rather than a specific function of the spring latch itself. Thus, understanding the specific function of the spring latch clarifies its unique operational role in lock systems.