North Carolina Locksmith Practice Exam 2025 - Free Locksmith Practice Questions and Study Guide

A spring latch is specifically designed to operate using a spring mechanism that facilitates the movement of the latch bolt. When pushed against the strike plate, the spring compresses, allowing the bolt to retract and enabling the door to open. This operation occurs without requiring any additional actions like turning a knob or using a key, making it quick and user-friendly.

However, one key characteristic of spring latches is the absence of a deadlatching feature. Deadlatching is a security mechanism that prevents the latch from being retracted unless it is properly operated by the correct key or knob. Without this feature, a spring latch can potentially be manipulated more easily, leaving it less secure against unauthorized entry.

This understanding highlights the unique function of the spring latch in contrast to other types of locking mechanisms like deadbolts, which are designed to provide enhanced security and typically include deadlatching features to ensure they remain secure unless intentionally disengaged.