A2 Stainless Steel Paddle Latches are supplied to our own published dimensions — this is a trade-series article rather than one covered by a dimensional standard, so confirm the figures against the part you are replacing. The grade provides good general corrosion resistance and is largely non-magnetic; the practical service range is approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint.
Why Choose A2 Stainless Steel for Paddle Latches
The most common stainless group for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For paddle latches, this matters when good general corrosion resistance is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | ISO 3506 group A2 (304 / 1.4301), commonly supplied A2-70 |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Largely non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint |
| Corrosion characteristic | Good general corrosion resistance |
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
For stainless paddle latches the compatibility question is galvanic rather than galling: joined to aluminum or galvanized steel in wet service, stainless drives corrosion of the less-noble metal. Isolate with a coating, sleeve or non-conductive washer where the joint sees moisture. Note also that stainless is softer than hardened carbon steel, so where the part carries a wear or shear duty, check the load against the grade before substituting.
Comparable Grades
For Paddle Latches, the alternative stainless grade is A4 (316). A2 (304) covers general indoor and outdoor service. A4 (316) adds molybdenum, which is what buys the chloride resistance for marine and de-icing-salt exposure. Where strength matters more than corrosion, plated alloy steel in class 8.8 or 10.9 is the swap to make.
Using Stainless Fasteners in Aluminum
Stainless steel is more noble than aluminum, so with an electrolyte present — rain, condensation, salt spray — the aluminum becomes the anode and corrodes at the joint. Area ratio decides how bad it gets: a small stainless fastener in a large aluminum section is normally acceptable, a large stainless fastener in thin aluminum is not. Where the joint gets wet, isolate the metals with a coated or nylon washer and a sealant, or specify an aluminum or coated fastener instead.
Sizes of Paddle Latches Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Form | Handle | Latching | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| non-locking paddle latch | flush recessed paddle | single rotary pawl | tool boxes, service bodies |
| keyed paddle latch | flush recessed paddle | single rotary pawl | secured compartments |
| paddle latch for rod control | flush recessed paddle | two- or three-point rod linkage | tall doors needing even sealing |
| stainless paddle latch | flush recessed paddle | single rotary pawl | marine and washdown |
Dimensions are independent of the material: every size above is available in A2 Stainless Steel.
Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing
Need this panel latch in a grade that is not listed?
A2 Stainless Steel is one of the grades the catalog describes. The geometry is whatever the drawing says. A machined component has no standard to depart from, so the drawing and the tolerance scheme are the whole specification. Made by stamping or punching.
Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.
