Thread: Micro latch ideas

Well I made my first box for a fixed razor, and I have yet to make or find a latch small enough suitable for the box. I tried finding super tiny latches but I haven't been able to discover any small enough. So the question is does anyone know where I could find such latches or what are your ideas for making one?

I've thought about using a simple piece of leather with a hole in it and a small post that it fits over and some other ideas but nothing I'm really happy with. Figured I'd throw this up and see if any of the brilliant minds here had any suggestions. Thanks for looking!

Lee Valley has several to choose from that will all work on a box that fine. There are imbedded snap closures as well as magnetic ones that are also imbedded. There are several different surface latches too. To me that box look like it would go best with the imbedded style. One of the things you can do with the little magnets is inset them enough that you can cover them with a tiny sliver of wood.

Maybe a cigar box latch ? Most smoke shops sell empty boxes for just a couple bucks. Nice case

Embedded magnets sound like they could work.

I was also going to suggest small magnets, it's difficult to find tiny latches without custom making them. I've tried... but very small rare earth magnets are strong (strong enough for the wood sliver idea to work) and pretty easy to find.

That box is beautiful, is it Purpleheart?

First off that is an amazing box and razor. Very jealous right now

As opposed to a latch have you consider using hinges similar to those on eye glass cases that stay closed rather tight without the use of any latch?

Maybe try the smallest size of barrel hinges?

CHARLIE

Originally Posted by gkofsky

I was also going to suggest small magnets, it's difficult to find tiny latches without custom making them. I've tried... but very small rare earth magnets are strong (strong enough for the wood sliver idea to work) and pretty easy to find.

That box is beautiful, is it Purpleheart?

I like the idea of magnets but the way I made the box it has embedded foam, as it were it closes very tight and I don't thing magnets would quite work. I ordered a latch off Lee Valley so hopefully that works. If not I will have to mill out more wood to make it not as tight and probably go the magnet route.

It's actually California Redwood Burl, when I get it completed I'll be sure to post some decent pictures in the gallery, it's a beautiful wood for sure.

Thanks for all the input gents!