National Hardware Push Button Latch Silver

National Hardware’s Push Button Latch Silver is a zinc die-cast storm door latch engineered for 1-3/4 inch hole spacing — the standard measurement that matters when replacing worn-out hardware on Montana screen and storm doors. Built for wood screen doors, metal screen doors, and storm doors, this latch handles the job whether you’re securing a back porch screen door or the storm door protecting your main entry from chinook winds.

The zinc die-cast construction beats the plastic junk that cracks in Montana’s temperature swings. The one-piece shaft provides firm and reliable push-button operation — none of that wobbly, loose action that develops in cheaper latches after a season or two. For doors from 5/8 inch to 2 inches thick, this hardware covers everything from lightweight aluminum screen doors to heavy wooden storm doors.

Installation Specifications and Real-World Performance

The 1-3/4 inch center-to-center hole spacing matches what’s already drilled in most storm doors — critical when you’re standing on a ladder in April trying to fix what winter broke. For 2-inch doors, you’ll need pan-head machine screws 8/32” x 2-3/8”, which may not come in the standard pack depending on which model you grab.

Specification	Value
Material	Zinc die-cast
Hole Spacing	1-3/4 inches
Door Thickness Range	5/8” to 2”
Shaft Design	One-piece shaft
Compatibility	Wood, Metal, Vinyl (Storm/Screen)

The customer reviews tell the real story about durability. Ratings range from 2.3 stars (11 reviews at Runnings/Modern Hardware) to 5 stars (2 reviews) at other retailers. That spread suggests quality control issues or installation problems — when one store shows 2.3 stars and another shows 5 stars for the same product, something’s off.

Model Options and Security Features

National Hardware offers multiple versions of this push button latch, each targeting different security needs:

The V1316 (SKU N178-368) comes without a key — straightforward push-button operation for screen doors where security isn’t the priority. The V1317 (SKU N178-384) adds a key mechanism for storm doors protecting valuable spaces. Keyed models include anti-lockout design to prevent accidental lockouts — smart engineering for doors that see daily use.

All models feature interior locking mechanisms separate from any exterior key cylinder. This dual approach lets you secure the door from inside regardless of whether you spring for the keyed version.

FAQ

What’s the actual hole spacing on this latch? The hole spacing measures 1-3/4 inches center-to-center. This matches standard storm door drilling patterns.

Will this work on a 2-inch thick door? Yes, it fits doors from 5/8 inch to 2 inches thick. For 2-inch doors, you’ll need 8/32” x 2-3/8” pan-head machine screws, which might not be included.

What’s the difference between model numbers? V1316/N178-368 has no key, V1317/N178-384 includes a key mechanism, and V1326/N178-400 is sometimes keyed. All share the same basic zinc die-cast construction.

Why do the ratings vary so much between retailers? Reviews range from 2.3 stars at Runnings/Modern Hardware (11 reviews) to 5 stars elsewhere (2 reviews). Low review counts at high-rated retailers suggest selective feedback rather than consistent quality.

Is this actually rustproof for Montana winters? National Hardware claims rustproof construction thanks to the zinc die-cast material, though no specific ANSI/BHMA certifications were mentioned to back up the claim.