Ball Catches

A ball catch is for use on internal doors and cupboards to ensure that the doors are held shut. They are usually screw mounted to ensure a secure a long-lasting fit. Some can be pressed into place.The catch is fixed at the top of the door and fitted in a hole that has been drilled to secure it tightly. A spring-loaded ball or roller juts out from the top of the door which holds the door closed when resting in the strike plate of the doorpost above.

Material and FinishesCabinet hardware is manufactured in solid, robust materials such as brass to ensure it is and have a long product life. It can then be polished or plated for aesthetic purposes and to increase durability. The plating reduces the requirement of any maintenance and helps to retain its appearance.

Catch TypesThe most common types of ball catch used are:

Bales catch – Have a spring-loaded ball held within a cylinder attached to a flange. The catch is recessed into the edge of the door while the striker plate is recessed into the jamb. It is also referred to as a 'ball catch'.

Double ball catch; Allows for the engagement pressure to be easily adjusted. Inside a casing, there are two balls which hold the striker in place when it is placed in between them. Both the striker plate and the casing can have slotted fixing holes so that both can be adjusted to line up. Roller catch – Similar in design to a Bales catch but with a roller instead of a ball. The roller usually has a slot in it which allows adjustment of how far the roller protrudes from the flange. The roller fitting and sticker plate are recessed into the door and jamb respectively.