The gear-and-shaft latch is the locking system on Ella's outward-swing doors. Turning the door handle drives gears on a shaft that push tapered locking pins into the frame, compressing the door seal evenly all the way around. It is often described by its pin count: a 3-latch door has three pins, and a 2-latch door has two. Ella's door comparison graphic contrasts both with the industry-standard single-latch door.

How It Works

The handle is connected to a shaft, and gears on that shaft move the pins. At the start of the handle's travel the tapered pins need only light pressure, because they are just beginning to enter the frame. As the handle completes its rotation the pins seat fully into the jamb, and the taper pulls the door evenly into the seal. That is why the handle position is a reliable check: on a U-shape door it faces toward the hinges when locked. Our door latch and handle guide covers correct handle installation and alignment.

Which Ella Models Have It

The 3-latch version is on the U-shape outward-swing family: Capri, Monaco, Front Entry, Mobile, Lounger, Shak, Big4One, Tub4Two and Big4Two, described in how the outward-swing U-shape door works. The 2-latch version is on the L-shape transfer door of the Transfer26, Transfer30, Transfer32, Transfer60 and TransferXXL, where the handle on the front of the door turns clockwise to close. The aluminum door on the HomeCare assisted-bathing tub is also a two-latch door. The inward-swing S-shape and stainless steel doors rely on water pressure and an interior handle instead.

What to Know as an Owner

The mechanism depends on alignment more than anything else. Complete the full handle turn every time so all the pins seat; a handle left halfway means the seal is only partly compressed. Never lean on the door or apply your weight to it, since the door and seal warranty is valid only when the alignment of the tub and door is correct and has not been changed by the bather's weight. If the pins stop lining up with the striker plate, or the door rubs the frame, check first that every leveling leg is touching the floor, because a tub that is not level can warp the frame and throw the door out of alignment. Transfer door pins and striker plate covers pin adjustment and replacement, and door seal common questions covers the rest. For a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or (800) 480-6850, have your model name, your order details from where you purchased, and photos of the pins, the striker plate and the handle in the locked position.

Common Questions