Robust Metal Meter Box Latch - Ideal for Securely Locking Gas and Electric Meter Boxes - Easy DIY Installation - Durable Replacement for Damaged Latches - Repair My Meter Box

Some ham-fisted meter reader managed to snap the end of the triangular post off ages ago and naturally didn’t see fit to own to it. I struggled in for ages with the remainder getting smaller and harder to grip each time I opened the lock. This replacement part was fitted in 2 mins and will clearly last indefinitely. TIP - the wavy spring washers take up valuable post length and I found it best to leave them off completely. There is very little friction when opening the lock so they are not really needed.

This was to replace a plastic version which had been replaced several times after breaking.

As a replacement latch for my broken nylon latch (nylon latch did snap) this metal latch should last a lot longer.

An electrician broke the triangle part of the old plastic latch on my meter box and this one was a simple drop-in solution that hopefully won't break so easily.

The latch appeared to be quite substantial. I believe it is made from zinc alloy which is what Corgi and Dinky toy cars were made from. Much better than plastic which disintegrates in sunlight.The part that I wasn't happy with was the three pronged washer which should press over the spring washer and hold everything together. It appeared to be fairly soft metal and I had to remove it several times as the prongs had misshaped and weren't gripping. On about the third rebending they seemed better but I wasn't happy. I think there might be a call back with this. I think the clip should have been more spring like.

Old one was 30 years old and the plastic triangle that the key goes over had worn down making it difficult to open the door. A pair of pliers removed the old plastic catch in moments and this new one fitted in its place perfectly. The clench washer was fitted from the outside of the door using an 11mm 1/4inch socket ( which fits perfectly) and given a couple of hard taps with a hammer to secure it. Only took 5 minutes and job's a good'un. Well pleased.

Much more sturdy than plastic

After the cheap plastic latch deteriorated badly at the point where the key makes contact, I decided to not only replace it, but also to improve it. This metal latch was so simple to fit in its place and it works SO well too. I cannot foresee it ever requiring replacement in the future either. I just wish I had changed it years ago.