Southco Latches P/Ns & prices & replacing the screen door latch

I did my pre-trip check of latches and found 3 broken and I already knew the door latch was broken (but still working so far)

Carol sent me replacement latches and gave me the Southco P/Ns. I am post warranty so here are the prices from PC and others.

Cabinet latch: Southco C3-810 (10 lb pull force)  PC: $6   Amazon: $6.69 Prime

Screen door latch: Southco C3-510 (10 lb pull force)  PC: $13.90  Amazon: $13.77 (including shipping)

(PC charged $3 postage for my order of 2 screen door latches and 3 cabinet latches)


Question: It looks like removing the receiver side of the screen door latch will cause it to fall back into the door with no obvious way to remove it. I am concerned this would cause a jamming problem. What is the best way to remove the receiver side of the screen door latch?  Thanks!

I just used a knife to pry the latch out enough to press the tabs in to release the latch. 


The photo shows the two retaining tabs.

I just used a knife to pry the latch out enough to press the tabs in to release the latch. 

Sounds good but mine are too tight to put a knife between the door and the latch. I may be able to find something thin and long I can insert into the door grooves to press the tabs. No success yet.

I removed the screen door handle and pushed the latch out from the inside of the screen door. You should see two plugs on the handle. Remove the plugs and then remove two screws. Plugs were very difficult to pry out. I drilled a small hole in each and pried out with the drill bit. Covered the small holes with white putty.

I removed the screen door handle and pushed the latch out from the inside of the screen door. You should see two plugs on the handle. Remove the plugs and then remove two screws. Plugs were very difficult to pry out. I drilled a small hole in each and pried out with the drill bit. Covered the small holes with white putty.

Using a drill with a small bit was a easy way to remove the plugs, thanks!  Unfortunately, there were only the two screw holes for the door handle behind the handles, no way to reach the latch.

I ended up performing some kind of unlicensed oral dentistry/appendectomy and with screwdrivers and pliers removed the offending broken latch without it falling into the inside of the door. The result wasn't pretty and I hope I don't have to do it again any time soon.

Not sure why RV's need special plastic latches. I've been replacing mine when they break with old-fashioned spring latches from Home Depot, and they seem lees likely to open in-transit than the expensive plastic Southco parts.  They're only a buck, so I keep a spare with my toolkit.  Here's a link:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Double-Roller-Catch-with-Spear-Zinc-Plated-1-Pack-9235976/303007532

Blueblaze, ditto!   I carry the Southco latches and a few of the roller catches in my tool box on board.   I do think, however, the Southco latches are better to keep the drawers/doors closed tight and would serve better in an emergency.   I just ordered a half dozen from Amazon a couple of years ago and am now down to two.   I prefer the five pounders because the ten pounders are just too tough to open if used on a compartment you are in and out of often.   I bet in the five years we have now had our PC (fifth anniversary of ownership the fifth of September ) I have replaced at least ten of the Southco latches altogether.   When I use the roller latches from HD, Lowes, Walmart etc., I use two of them per cabinet or drawer for extra grip and assurance.

It is not just the Southco latches, either.   I replaced every latch we had on a 2007 Roadtrek after about five years.  They were those nice recessed Blum (made in Austria) high powered cabinet latches you find in top quality residential cabinets.  The Roadtrek drawer and door fronts on those models were solid maple back then. 

Great to have the info on the screen door latch because mine is getting a little iffy.

Paul

gandalf42, I just earlier posted my comments about the latches, (Another Door Latch) and have been in contact with Dave Ponsler. He is sending a package with latches to the Duluth Rally to my attention. I was told to take what I need and distribute the rest. Don't how many of each type he is sending, but  is I get the ones I need I will make sure the remainder are spred among the attendees. Hope to see you there.
And thank you so much for the P/N & pricing info for the future.

Garmp: Thank you for the offer but I won't be able to make the rally as I had signed up for a caravan long before this rally was scheduled. The last rally was great fun and I hope I can get to others.

I had gotten my latches through Carol who also has been very responsive to parts requests.

You;re welcome re. the P/Ns. I knew they would be needed by someone sometime in the future. maybe even myself!