Precision, Power, and Speed: Southco R2 and R5 Panel Fastening Draw Latches
When structural integrity meets speed and simplicity, you get Southco’s R2 and R5 Panel Fastening Draw Latches—innovative fastening solutions designed to join large panels quickly and securely in even the toughest environments. These latches offer the perfect combination of high strength, concealed design, and ease of use, making them essential hardware across a wide range of industrial applications.
Fast, Strong, and Sealed
The R2 and R5 draw latches feature a pull-up action that engages the panels tightly and compresses gasketing to create an airtight or watertight seal. This is crucial for protecting sensitive internal components from environmental contaminants like dust, moisture, or chemicals.
With less than one full turn of a hex wrench, these latches allow for fast and secure fastening or release. Once secured, they are completely concealed within the panel, contributing to a clean, tamper-resistant finish.
Key Features
- Tool-activated operation: Assemble or disassemble structures using only one hex wrench
- Airtight/watertight sealing via pull-up latch compression
- High-strength concealed joint design
- Fast, reliable panel connection and release
- Mounting and material options to match various panel constructions and environments
R2 vs. R5: Which One Fits Your Application?
| Feature | R2 Draw Latch | R5 Draw Latch |
|---|---|---|
| Self-adjusting design | Yes – accommodates build variation | No – fixed engagement for maximum hold |
| Strength | High strength for general applications | Maximum strength and security |
| Application flexibility | Ideal where panel tolerances may vary | Best for demanding, high-load environments |
| Mounting | Concealed (inside panel) | Concealed (inside panel) |
| Tool required | Single hex wrench for operation | Single hex wrench for operation |
| Primary advantage | Tolerance flexibility and ease of alignment | Maximum holding power and rugged performance |
Industrial Applications
Southco R2 and R5 latches are engineered for use across a variety of industries where strong, clean, and serviceable connections are essential:
- Industrial enclosures and equipment: Secure doors and panels on machinery and control systems
- Transportation: Ideal for vehicles, marine, and rail where vibration resistance and sealing are critical
- Modular and portable structures: Enable quick assembly and breakdown of mobile units, booths, and enclosures
- Cleanrooms and medical equipment: Concealed installation supports hygienic, contamination-sensitive environments
- Heavy-duty access panels: Provide reliable security with easy service access
Why Choose R2 and R5 Latches?
Southco’s R2 and R5 Panel Fastening Draw Latches offer a fast, effective, and reliable solution for panel joining and enclosure sealing. Whether you’re focused on flexible assembly or maximum strength, there’s a version that meets your needs—without compromising on performance or ease of use.
Ready to choose the right latch for your project?
Visit www.biscoind.com/southco for pricing and availability, or email us at info@biscoind.com for personalized assistance.
Product Spotlight: Southco EM Series Electronic Keepers
The Southco EM series is your affordable solution for new or retrofit applications in a variety of enclosures, both large and small. The EM Series Electronic Keepers provide greater versatility for a wide range of enclosure applications. Southco electronic keepers include: E-Keeper Electronic Strikes and Miniature Electronic Keeper Systems.
E-Keeper Electronic Strikes
Product Spotlight: Southco AC Actuators
Introducing Southco’s AC Series Actuators
Southco’s AC Series of actuators completes Southco’s system for remote actuation of light, medium, and heavy-duty rotary latches using a cable connection. Multiple cable placement options satisfy in-line and perpendicular cable orientations. Ample hand-grip promotes easy user operation while low protrusion improves enclosure aesthetics.
Product Spotlight: Southco R4-EM-9 Rotary Locks
Southco’s R4-EM-9 Series electromechanical rotary locks provide key features that are ideal for security monitoring on applications such as buses, RVs, point of sale product enclosures, and data storage/server enclosures. R4-EM-9 series locks are controlled by a microprocessor that provide the attached signal device with the lock status. For example, if the lock is connected to an electronic keypad the screen will show if the latch is open or locked.
R4-EM-9 Lock Settings
The R4-EM-9 rotary lock offers both auto relock or delayed relock settings.
Auto Relock
In this mode a signal device (such as a computer or keypad) is used to unlock the latch. When the door is pushed back to the closed position the latch automatically locks.
Delayed Relock
Like auto relock mode, the delayed relock mode uses a signal device to release the latch and open the door. However the delayed relock mode differs in that the signal device must also be used when closing the door. When the door is pushed shut the user must then use the signal device (keypad, computer, etc.) to reengage the lock and secure the door.
Additional R4-EM-9 Lock Features
- Simple two-hole installation
- Minimal power draw (energy efficient)
- Accommodation for existing control systems
- High electromechanical release load – (latch has a high resistance to breakage when force is applied.)
- Kick-out spring door assist (optional for delayed relock versions)
R4-EM-9 Part Configuration
Part configuration for the R4-EM-9 series electronic locks is relatively simple. By referring to the figure below you can identify the complete part number by selecting a trigger style and base mounting style. For additional details checkout the Southco R4-EM-9 rotary lock spec sheet.
Availability & Pricing for R4-EM-9 Series Electromechanical Rotary Locks
bisco industries is your local authorized distributor for Southco R4-EM-9 series locks. Visit biscoind.com to request pricing and availability at the click of a button.
What is a Draw Latch?
Draw Latch Description
Draw latches operate on the principle of drawing two items together using tension. The main components of a draw latch assembly are the blade (a hooked plate or a wire formed loop), the keeper (a hooked plate that receives the blade), and the hinge. The tension is created when the blade is hooked to the keeper and clamped down. For typical draw latches the tension is released when the latch is rotated to a vertical positon and is applied when the latch is rotated to a horizontal position.
Draw Latch Styles
Despite shared functionality, draw latches come in many different styles.
Rotary Draw Latches
Under-Center Draw Latches
Over-Center Draw Latches
Adjustable Draw Latches
Lever-Assisted Latches
Pull Draw Latches
Draw Latch Applications
Because of the simplicity and effectiveness of draw latches they are utilized in a large number of applications. Draw latch applications include HVAC systems, exhibits, signs, agricultural equipment, industrial machinery, trucks, and lawn/garden equipment.
Learn More About Draw Latches
For more information about draw latches view these helpful catalog pages from Southco or contact bisco’s product support team.
Where to Buy Draw Latches
bisco industries offers a wide selection of draw latches from leading access hardware manufacturer, Southco. Visit biscoind.com to buy rotary draw latches, over-center draw latches and more.
Product Spotlight: Southco Electronic Locking Swinghandles
Southco’s H3-EM series electronic locking swinghandles are used widely to secure datacenters, industrial enclosures, medical equipment and many other applications. H3-EM swinghandles feature an energy efficient microprocessor controlled motor that provides state of the art locking capability. In addition, Southco’s electronic locking swinghandles are available with multiple manual key code options, card reader, and integrated biometric reader. These swinghandle locks are easily integrated into existing security systems and also offer remote monitoring and user tracking.
Key H3-EM Swinghandle Features
- Fits industry standard panel preps
- Easy integration with standard rack monitoring and security systems
- Integrated sensors for lock and latch status, monitoring and alarm functions
- Efficient gear motor design for low power consumption
- Momentary or continuous lock actuation with integrated manual override lock
bisco – Premier Distributor of H3-EM Electronic Locking Swinghandles
bisco has recently increased our stocking levels for Southco locks and latches including electronic locking swinghandles. Not only that, but bisco is a premier level Southco distributor enabling us to offer the most competitive pricing on the market. Our top selling H3-EM series swinghandles include H3-EM-60-10 and H6-EM-69-100. For product info, stock status, and pricing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week visit biscoind.com
What is a Grabber Catch Latch?
A grabber catch latch is a push-to-close style latch which locks when the hooked keeper is inserted into the catch and the cam rotates into the hook of the keeper creating the necessary tension to secure the latch in place. Grabber catch latches are typically actuated (unlocked) using electronic switches or pressure (pushing or squeezing the latch to release the cam). Grabber catch latches can be used on swinging or sliding doors and can be mounted to any orientation as long as the keeper and catch orientation correspond.
Advantages of Grabber Catch Latches
- Easy mounting and installation
- Extra closure force which minimizes space between the door and panel
Grabber Catch Latch Applications
- Automotive, Passenger Vehicles, Trucks
- Electronic Enclosures
- Exhibits/Signs
- Industrial Enclosures
- Vending Machines
Learn More About Grabber Catch Latches
One of the leading manufacturers of grabber catch latches in the world today is Southco. Southco offers a variety of grabber latch configurations including microswitch actutation and snap-in and side-mount installation. To learn more about grabber catch latches and to configure products view Southco’s grabber catch latch catalog. Popular Southco grabber catch latches include the C3-303, C3-310, and C3-810 latches.
Still have questions? bisco’s product support team is standing by to answer your questions. Just send us an email.
bisco Retains Premier Status with Southco
For the second year in a row, bisco industries has achieved premier status as a Southco authorized distributor. bisco’s overall Southco revenue growth, expanded marketing efforts, and training engagements were all key elements in securing Southco premier status for 2016.
Benefits of Southco Premier Status
As a premier authorized Southco distributor bisco is able to provide clients with special pricing even compared to other authorized Southco distributors. In addition, premier status enables bisco to provide faster delivery by stocking more Southco product in bisco’s seven North American distribution centers.
About Southco
Southco is the leading manufacturer of engineered access hardware solutions, including a wide variety of latches, locks, captive fasteners, quick access fasteners, hinges, and handles. Southco’s products are used for applications in the networking, telecommunications, computer, automotive, aerospace, mass transit, construction, industrial machinery, marine and HVAC industries. Southco is committed to connecting, creating and innovating to provide the best solution for every access engineering problem.
Find Southco Product Info & Stock
For more information on Southco products, to browse by product attribute, and to find pricing online visit the Southco microsite on biscoind.com.
Manufacturer Profile: Southco
Southco, Inc. was founded all the way back in 1899 as a specialty pipe manufacturer servicing the Pennsylvania oil industry. Today, their corporate headquarters is still in Pennsylvania but their product offering has exponentially expanded, along with their global presence. Southco is now the premier provider of engineered access hardware including products such as locks, latches, handles, hinges, and captive fasteners.
Combining Functionality & Aesthetics
Southco’s commitment to quality, performance, aesthetics, and ergonomics allow them to service countless industries. Southco latches and access hardware can be found in applications ranging from aircraft to consumer electronics. Southco provides solutions that are not only highly functional, but also visually pleasing. But, perhaps the biggest contributor to Southco’s success is their unparalleled quality. Southco is certified to both ISO9001 and ISO/TS 16949 standards.
Authorized Southco Distributor
bisco industries is a Diamond level Southco distributor allowing us to offer superior service, pricing, and availability compared to other Southco distributors. In addition, bisco recently increased our stocking levels for many of Southco’s top selling items including the Southco series listed below. Search biscoind.com to find pricing, availability, product info, and to place orders. Need further assistance? Contact a bisco representative near you.
Product Spotlight: Southco Dual Trigger Rotary Latch
Southco Compact Rotary Latch Features Dual Trigger Actuation
Southco’s new R4-10 rotary latch with dual trigger features a compact design with numerous points of actuation, allowing the latch to be triggered by two independent actuators. The Dual Trigger R4-10 is an ideal solution for doors and panels that require actuation from multiple locations. A simple application example is a door that requires access from both the inside and outside. Using a R4-10 dual trigger latch allows the latch to be turned (actuated) from either side of the door providing easy entry and exit. For more technical information view the R4 rotary latch catalog page.
Authorized Southco Distributor
In addition to the R4 rotary latches Southco offers a broad range of engineered access hardware solutions to meet unique application requirements. bisco industries is your authorized source for Southco, offering a full service e-commerce website as well as a team of local service reps. Contact us today!