If your gas or electricity meter box door is in good condition but no longer stays securely closed, the problem could simply be a broken or damaged meter box latch.
Rather than replacing the complete meter box or door, a replacement latch can provide a quick and inexpensive repair.
In this guide, we'll explain how to replace a meter box latch using a Mitras™ Meterboxes replacement latch kit.
Why Replace a Meter Box Latch?
Meter boxes are generally located outside, leaving their doors, hinges and locking mechanisms exposed to the weather and everyday wear and tear.
Over time, the latch can become damaged, worn or broken.
Common signs that your meter box latch needs replacing include:
- The meter box door won't stay closed
- The latch no longer turns correctly
- The triangular key spindle is damaged
- Parts of the latch are broken or missing
- The door can be pulled open when it should be locked
- The latch has deteriorated through age or exposure
If the meter box and door are otherwise in good condition, there's usually no need to replace the complete enclosure just because the latch has failed.
How to Replace a Meter Box Latch
The video below demonstrates the installation method for replacing a meter box door latch using a Mitras™ replacement.
Watch the installation video:
HOW TO | Replace a Meter Box Latch | Product Installation | Mitras™ Meterboxes
Replacing the latch is a relatively straightforward repair and can restore the operation of an otherwise perfectly usable meter box door.
Step 1: Remove the Existing Meter Box Latch
Open the meter box door to gain access to the rear of the existing locking mechanism.
Remove the old or damaged latch components from the door.
Once removed, check the opening in the meter box door and clear away any broken pieces that could interfere with the replacement latch.
Step 2: Position the New Latch
Take the replacement latch and position the latch section on the inside of the meter box door.
Make sure it is correctly aligned with the existing latch opening.
The latch needs to sit correctly against the inside of the door so that the locking mechanism can operate freely once assembled.
Step 3: Fit the Washer
With the latch held in position, move to the outside of the meter box door.
Fit the supplied washer over the latch mechanism as demonstrated in the installation video.
This forms part of the assembly that holds the replacement latch securely against the meter box door.
Step 4: Insert the Latch Post
Insert the latch post through the assembly and push it into position.
The components should click together, securing the replacement latch to the meter box door.
Check that all parts are seated correctly before operating the mechanism.
Step 5: Test the New Meter Box Latch
Once installed, close the meter box door and test the replacement latch using the appropriate meter box key.
Check that:
- The latch turns freely
- The locking mechanism engages correctly
- The door remains securely closed
- The latch releases correctly when opened
- All components remain securely attached to the door
If everything operates correctly, the repair is complete.
Do You Need to Replace the Whole Meter Box if the Latch Breaks?
In many cases, no.
If the meter box enclosure, frame, hinges and door are still in good condition, replacing a damaged latch can be a much simpler and more cost-effective solution.
A replacement meter box latch can help extend the life of an existing enclosure without unnecessarily replacing the complete meter box or door.
Mitras™ Meter Box Latch Kit
The Mitras™ Meter Box Latch Kit is a replacement locking mechanism designed to suit all gas meter box doors and most electric meter box doors.
Manufactured from nylon, the replacement kit provides a straightforward solution for repairing meter boxes where the original latch has become damaged or broken.
Before purchasing a replacement, check the condition of your existing meter box and door to make sure the latch is the only component requiring attention.
If the door, hinges or meter box enclosure are also damaged, additional replacement parts or a meter box repair solution may be required.
Watch the video above to see the complete Mitras™ meter box latch replacement process.
