The following information is from D&D Technologies and is believed to be accurate as of April 5,2008 .
Pretender Polymer products are NOT just like D&D
Some important issues to consider …
Lost Motion Technology
Pretender products lack D&D’s patented Lost Motion Technology (LMT), which is critical for child safety. That’s why there is no substitute for the Magna Latch ! LMT means the latch will trigger safely and reliably, even if the latch is in the locked position. Pretender products lack this critical feature.
Striker Body Magnet
Magnets on all of D&D’s Magna Latch products are sealed from the elements, creating a barrier from corrosion. Polymer pretenders lack D&D’s watertight seal, leaving this critical component exposed to moisture and prone to corrosion and product failure.
Durability Testing
D&D products are tested to a minimum of 75,000 cycles and as high as 400,000 cycles. Some pretender products we ( D&D ) have tested failed as low as 1,300 cycles.
Strength Testing
D&D latches test up to 170% stronger than the pretender latches. Advanced engineering and materials are designed into every D&D product.
Installation & Adjustability
D&D latches require one hole ( Lokk Latch Pro Self Locking and Lokk Latch Deluxe ) or no holes ( Z-Lokk or Lokk Latch Series 2 ) to be drilled, while pretender Lokk Latch Pro / Deluxe style latches require two holes, resulting in extra labor & costs. D&D products are highly adjustable. Some pretender products have limited or no adjustability, making Pretender installations significantly more complex and time consuming, dramatically increasing the likelihood of callbacks and your total cost of installation.
Freezing
D&D products are designed for water egress and dependable operation in all climates. Some pretender polymer products are poorly designed, so that water can accumulate and freeze, rendering the product inoperable.
Quality Materials
D&D products are manufactured from super strong proprietary engineering polymers and high-grade stainless steel components and screws, while some pretenders polymer products use glue, pressure-seating and lower grade polymers.
Guaranteed Quality
D&D products are manufactured in our own facilities with strict quality control standards. Most pretender polymer manufacturers outsource much of their manufacturing and do not have direct control of quality processes, standards & materials. ONLY D&D has the quality to offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
