1. Introducing the NEW Igloo® Universal DuraLatch
In March 2008, Igloo will introduce the new & improved DuraLatch on all ice chests that currently feature a latch closure. The new DuraLatch was designed to be stronger and more durable, extending the life of the cooler.
Integral to the design of DuraLatch is the tendency for the latch to rest close to the cooler when unlatched, making it less likely to protrude and be sheared or broken off.
With integrated parts and new locator posts, the latch is more accurately applied during the manufacturing process, resulting in fewer crooked latches.
DuraLatch is "universal" meaning it is interchangeable with the existing Igloo latch and post. Therefore it is easily replaceable on any Igloo cooler.

2. What did consumers have to say about DuraLatch?
...visible stainless steel screws imply quality
...looks rugged, strong
...looks contemporary
How does this affect replacement parts?
Replacement part model numbers will remain the same. The new latch and post will replace the existing latch and post parts inside the polybags. Three stainless steel screws will be provide per latch vs. four for the original latch. An assembly instruction sheet will also be packed inside.
Model 8137 will contain 1 new Latch, 1 new Post, 3 Stainless Steel Screws
Model will contain 4 Hinges, 2 new Latches, 2 new Posts, 1 Triple Snap Drain Plug, 1 Threaded Drain Plug & 22 Screws
Key Takeaways
Consumers liked it
More durable, longer-lasting
Universal

3. Latch Comparison Original Latch DuraLatch “Fold over” hinge style
under stress under normal conditions (due to the bend)
when unlocked, naturally “unfolds” to an upward position and rests away from the cooler, thus is prone to breakage due to shearing
Protruding “press to close” tab
Tab protrudes slightly hence is prone to snagging which can result in a break at hinge point
Non-integrated parts & free-form assembly
Latch and post are assembled separately while operator uses visual cues only to align latch with molded holes on lid resulting in increased occurrences of crooked, non-functional latches
Straight edge
Straight edge absorbs impact, increasing the likelihood of breaking or shearing
DuraLatch
“Hingeless” style
no stress under normal conditions (no bend or hinge point)
when unlocked, naturally “falls” to a downward position and rests near the cooler, thus minimizing breakage due to shearing
“Tabless” design
No protruding parts in the design minimizes snagging
Integrated parts & guided “locator post” assembly
Latch and post are interconnected and assembled while operator uses “locator posts” to align latch with molded holes on lid resulting in improved alignment and fewer occurrences of crooked latches
Deflective beveled edge
Deflective beveled edge deflects impact, reducing the likelihood of breaking or shearing

4. Latch Comparison Original Latch DuraLatch “Fold over” hinge
“Hingeless”
Protruding tab
Tabless
Straight
edge
Beveled edge
Rests away
from cooler
Rests close
to cooler
Non-integrated parts & free-form
assembly not pictured
Integrated parts & guided “locator post”
assembly not pictured

5. Test Results DuraLatch vs. Original Latch: Comparative Test Results
DuraLatch vs. Original Latch: Comparative Test Results
Test
Improvement
What does it mean?
Offset Shear
237% Better
This test simulates the force applied when the latch is hit from either side in the open position. The real world scenario would be a cooler with its latch open being slid into the back of a pickup truck and impacting another cooler or a rigid surface. In most cases the old generation latch sheared off. This test was performed using a fixture.
Drop Impact test (ambient Temp.)
200% Better
This test simulates how the latch performs when it is impacted by a dart-shaped stake at the thinnest point of the latch. This test is a reflection on the toughness of the latch at its thinnest point and the force it takes to break the latch. This test was done on the latch under ambient conditions.
Ultimate Tensile Test
30% Better
This test simulates the force required to tear the latch from either side of the front of the cooler. This test was performed with a Tensile testing machine.
Elongation
90% Better
This result shows that when the new latch is hit or is pulled it tends to stretch more than the previous generation which would break rather than stretch.
Drop Impact test (min Temp.)
130% Better
This test simulates how the latch performs when it is impacted by a dart-shaped stake at the thinnest point of the latch. This test is a reflection on the toughness of the latch at its thinnest point and the force it takes to break the latch. This test was done on the latch under cold conditions where PP is the weakest.
* - None of the latches broke, however there were visible stress marks
CONCLUSION: DuraLatch is significantly better than the original latch and will perform better under normal use.

6. Simple Assembly Instructions
DuraLatch fits all Igloo coolers currently with a plastic latch. It has it’s own unique “button” but can be used with the button from the original latch if desired.
Tools required: Phillips screwdriver.
Directions:
1. Unscrew the 2 screws from the original latch on the lid. Use these same screws to affix DuraLatch to your cooler.
2. Align the “locator posts” on the back of DuraLatch with the pre-molded lid holes and screw into place.
3. Snap the DuraLatch button into the latch (if not already provided this way) then screw it into the cooler.
If aligned properly, you may leave the original 2-screw button on the liner and discard the DuraLatch button. However, to achieve the best alignment, it is recommended to remove the original 2-screw button and use the single-screw button that is supplied with DuraLatch. (Two visible screw holes will remain but will be covered when latch is locked.)