This has made composting a much more tidier and easier process. Yes, it was a challenge to assemble. I laid all the parts out, read the instructions completely, and thought it through before beginning assembly. It is an engineering marvel. I have no issues with the latch. I just make sure to shake debris from it after tumbling. It has some surface rust, but given the heft of the metal, that latch will still be functional long after I've become compost.