This small surface mount butterfly latch with catch-plate makes building a protective flight case at home a lot easier than using the recessed type latches. Cutting holes on the plywood panel to fit in your recessed latches can take time, skill, and experience to get it done professionally. This latch, together with surface-mount handles mean no holes need to be cut on your board at all.
These surface mount latches and handles are actually very heavy-duty, being made of 1.5mm 16-gauge steel. The only downside is they stick out more than the recessed type thus they are more likely to get caught and hit when not handled carefully. As a result, we only recommend using these if you are transporting the case with your own vehicle. These latches will last for many years just like the recessed ones until they are damaged by external forces. If you plan to ship the cases via couriers in trucks, not under your control, then you should consider using recessed handles and latches.
The other good thing about these surface mount latches is they weigh a lot less than the recessed type since they do not have a recessed dish. When making a small flight case intended to be as light as possible you can cut down weight by 40% by using smaller surface mount hardware and thinner plywood panels such as 6mm board. Over time, it will help to save your back carrying a lightweight flight case from venue to venue every week.
If you are not sure which other materials and hardware that will normally go with such a light-duty case, below are a list of them for your convenience:
- Laminated plywood panels 6MM
- Small surface mount latch
- Single angle edge extrusion 22X22MM
- Hybrid extrusion for 6mm plywood panel
- Small surface mount handle
- Small lid-stay hinge
- Small flat corner, or small ball corner
- Small corner brace
- EVA foam 5mm
We love to see your finished case and please share your finished road case to our Facebook and we will record a 20 dollars discount for your next purchase. Consider that as a few coffees from us to help you keep building at home.
