North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam

Which of the following best defines a latch?

1. A spring actuated bolt that engages a strike automatically

2. A locking device with trim and mounting hardware

3. A tool designed to manipulate tumblers in a lock

4. A mechanical fastener for keeping a door closed

The correct answer is: A spring actuated bolt that engages a strike automatically

A latch is best defined as a mechanical device that is used to secure a door or similar entryway, allowing for convenient operation while also ensuring security. A spring actuated bolt that engages a strike automatically embodies the essential function of a latch. It means that when the door closes, the bolt—thanks to the spring mechanism—falls into place, securing the door to the frame automatically. This automatic engagement is particularly important for ease of use, as it allows the door to be secured without requiring a manual locking action. The other definitions do not capture the essence of what a latch does. While a locksmithing locking device with trim and mounting hardware referenced might encompass part of a door system, it does not specifically describe the function of a latch. Similarly, a tool designed to manipulate tumblers relates to the act of picking locks rather than securing them, which is not the primary purpose of a latch. A mechanical fastener for keeping a door closed is a broader term that could apply to various types of door hardware, not exclusively tied to the specific mechanism of action that a latch provides. Therefore, the definition that identifies a latch as a spring actuated bolt engaging automatically offers a precise and practical understanding of its operational role in locking mechanisms.