A second slot is milled into the side of the spine.
The latch is made from titanium, it has a slot cut into the end and
a hole for a pin to attach the spring.
A tiny hole for a pin to capture the end of the spring is drilled into
the spine.
The latch slides into the first slot with the spring
going into the second slot. the pin is pushed down to capture the spring.
The latch is then pulled back slightly to load the spring, a pin is
inserted for the latch to pivot on.
Small brass washers are slid into place to keep the latch centered
in the slot.
The pin is pushed through and another washer is placed
on the opposite side
Here is the latch assembled, notice it now has a clip.
Another view of the latch.
The end of the second handle has a slot milled into
it with a pin, the latch rotates into the slot and the notch on the
latch locks over the
pin.
To release the latch just squeeze the handles together and the spring
does the rest.