Installation for a compression latch marine lock is relatively simple, considering its attachability and performance in a marine environment. Most are made of resistant corrosion material, such as stainless steel or zinc alloys, the locks will perform under harsh conditions, including saltwater and extreme temperatures.
The first step in doing this is measuring the thickness of the panel where the lock will be placed. Most marine compression latch locks can accommodate panel thicknesses from 1 to 12 mm, which makes fitting very easy. Technicians mostly recommend using a hole saw, the diameter of which will depend on the specifications of the lock, at about 25-50 mm for accurate cutting. For most manufacturers, such as Southco, dimensions for panel cutouts are provided in product manuals for ease of preparation.
The latch is positioned by aligning it with pre-drilled holes or a custom template. A typical lock is delivered complete with mounting hardware, including four screws and a sealing gasket, to provide stability and watertight sealing. Professionals in the industry recommend that screws should not be over-tightened beyond 3-5 Nm torque to prevent damage to the gasket or over-compression to the latch mechanism.
The rotation of the cam must be at a proper angle-usually variable between 90° and 180°-with the locking position for the latch. That ensures secure fastening to either the door or panel frame. For marine use, many prefer it at 180° to achieve more compression to be able to resist most vibrational motions on the vessel.
The Marine Equipment Trade Association reports in a 2022 report that over 85% of marine lock users claimed installation for these was within the grasp of any user, requiring only a drill, screwdriver, and wrench. The entire process takes 20 to 30 minutes on average and is hence rather time-effective, be it for DIYs or professionals. The report also highlighted that marine compression latch locks reduce water ingress by up to 50% compared to traditional locks and, therefore, are very important in protecting critical equipment.
They are practical, as can be seen in an example from a forum for boating: a user replaced an old deck hatch lock with a compression latch marine lock in less than 25 minutes, and he was more satisfied with the improved waterproofing and ease of operation. Hence, the value of such a lock comes in improving security and functionality.
Other things that will make these locks attractive are their affordability at installation. The prices lie between $30 and $80 for one lock, while installations done by oneself will save an extra $50 to $100 that would have been paid to a professional. Furthermore, their toughness and resistance to rust raise the long-term cost-effectiveness with lifespans often over 10 years.
Compression latch marine locks are a great option for boat owners or marine technicians in search of effective and efficient security solutions, since installation is pretty easy, the performance is strong, and the protection against environmental challenges is increased.