Door Hardware 101: Types, Functions and Finishes (2024)

FAQs

What are the parts of a door knob and functions? ›

A door knob assembly is a complex system of interconnected parts, each with a specific role. The main components include the knob or lever, the rosette or backplate, the spindle, the latch, the deadbolt, and the strike plate. Other parts of a door knob include setting screws, keyholes, and thumb turns.

Most commercial applications require either grade 1 or grade 2 locking hardware. Grade 1 not only meets commercial building requirements, it also provides the best security available against vandalism and heavy usage. Grade 2 meets light commercial requirements and exceeds residential building requirements.

The main types of door functions are Passage (doors that don't require locking), Privacy (a door that can be locked by a button on the inside), Dummy (has no mechanical latch and acts only as a pull), and Interior Mortise (door with an active latch with skeleton key lock).

The large main hole that the door knob mounts through is called a Bore Hole. The smaller hole that is drilled on the edge of the door is where the latch is installed and is called the Crossbore.

1) Application/Durability:

For these applications stainless steel and satin chrome is the best finish choice. While some finishes look great, if they are not durable enough, they can change and look less appealing as years pass.

Perhaps the most traditional of finishes, polished brass is a longstanding classic. This warm golden finish has a highly reflective surface.

Polished Brass, Satin Nickel, Antique Brass, Matt Bronze, Satin Brass and Satin Rose Gold are all lacquered door hardware finishes. To help maintain the finish, we recommend the following: - Keep it clean by removing dust or liquids from the surface with a soft non-abrasive cloth.

A peephole, peekhole, spyhole, doorhole, magic eye, magic mirror or door viewer is a small, round opening through a door from which a viewer on the inside of a dwelling may "peek" to see directly outside the door.

What door knob type is the best? ›

Classic Door Knobs: Often rounded or shaped like a sphere, these are easy to grip and twist. These simple, traditional knobs work well with almost any home interior. Because this style is easy to find and replace if needed, it's one of the best door knobs to use.

The best grade of deadbolt lock is Grade 1. The grades are assigned by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This non-profit group was developed by the Builder's Hardware Manufacturers (BHMA) to set standards for a variety of industries.

Mortise Latch

A mortise refers to the pocket cut into the door where the lock is fitted. Therefore, a mortise lockset cannot be installed on just any door. They are great for replacing the hardware on homes built before 1950. They can be used on new doors, but special preparations must be made.

A spindle is a rod of metal, square in section, that is used to connect two door knobs together. It passes through the mortice latch or tubular lock (located within the door) and the two handles slot on either side of the door.

The anti-shim pin/deadlatch is the narrow, half-cylinder piece that sets next to the door latch. The anti-shim pin's role is to prevent the lock from being susceptible to shimming.