Latch for small boxes
CJ in MPLS
I am looking at making some boxes that are not dissimilar to the ones that machinist's or draftsman's tools come in. Think black leatherette exteriors and velvet interiors. I need to find a latch for these boxes.
One latch is one that I can make myself. It is a wire inserted into the body of the box that slides laterally into a pair of staples that extend from the top of the box. When closed, there is just a small bent wire at the corner of the box that is very unobtrusive. That latch mechanism is found on a German beam compass box.
Another latch I'd like to use, but cannot find, is the one that is on the box that my vintage Starrett No. 231 micrometer comes in. That latch is in two pieces, one that is secured to the lid and the other to the box front. The lid mounted portion has a small hook that enters an aperture in the latch portion attached to the box front. A small, spring-loaded button slides to secure or release the latch.
Anyone have an opinion on what kind of wire I should be using to make the first kind of latch? I'm thinking stainless of some sort as I believe I can harden that using a torch.
Anyone have an idea where I can find the button latch I described above? I'm finding more of my project ideas have peculiar elements that I need to make from scratch. I'll either have to start a bit more metalworking on the side, or get a better list of suppliers.
Cheers,
CJ