More4Doors 'Quick' Door Knob Guide
Door fittings can be a complicated affair; From technical terms to integrating a fitting into your existing furniture, it can be a maze of confusion. Because of this, we've put together a quick guide that hopefully will clear the missed on any questions you may have.
These are four popular types of handles/knobs available:
- LEVER ON SQUARE OR ROUND ROSE
- LEVER ON BACKPLATE
- MORTICE KNOBS
- RIM KNOBS
Lever on rose furniture is more contemporary and it can be used alone if only required to operate a latch.
If used on a door with a lock and a latch then an escutcheon (key hole cover) or turn and release will also be required.
Obviously care needs to be taken when selecting these additional items to ensure that the style and finish compliment those of selected handles.
Mortice knobs are becoming more popular again, much the same as lever on rose furniture, you will also require an escutcheon or turn and release if used with a sash lock.
It is important to bear in mind when choosing mortice furniture, that it is more difficult to operate a door knob than a lever as a lever can be operated with an elbow if your hands are full.
It is also important to use a latch or lock with a backset of at least 80mm, to ensure enough clearance from the door frame.
Lever on backplate are more traditional with three styles of lever:
• Lever latch (blank back plate)
• Lever lock (with keyhole)
• Bath set (with built in turn & release)
Lever latches are used mostly on internal doors which you do not wish to lock.
Lever locks have a key hole cut out in the back plate and are used with a sash lock.
Bath sets have a turn and release mechanism built into the back plate which are mostly used with a bathroom lock.
Levers on Rose style handles
All our levers on rose furniture are supplied with matching screws, a spindle and fitting instructions.
Our lever on rose furniture have concealed roses, meaning that the screws and fixing holes are hidden by a cover.
For doors that you have no wish to lock, they are generally fitted with a simple tubular latch.
For doors that you do wish to lock, it will be necessary to purchase an escutcheon (key hole cover) together with a sash lock.
For bedroom or bathroom doors that you may wish to lock without a key, you would need to purchase a turn & release (thumb turn) together with a bathroom lock.
Levers on backplates
All our levers on backplates furniture are supplied with matching screws, a spindle and fitting instructions.
There are three styles of levers
- LEVER LATCH: Blank backplate, for use with a tubular latch or a box latch.
- LEVER LOCK: Backplate has a key hole, for use with a sash type lock which contains a lock and a bolt.
- BATH SET: Backplate has a built in turn and release mechanism, for use with a bathroom lock.
Mortice door knobs
All our mortice knobs are supplied with matching screws, a spindle and fitting instructions.
As with lever on rose furniture, when using with a sash lock you will also need to purchase a matching escutcheon (key hole cover).
When using with a bathroom lock, you will also need a matching turn and release (thumb turn)
Please bear in that mortice knobs are not quite as practical as lever furniture. Levers can be operated with an elbow if your hands are full, whereas a mortice knob requires a free hand to turn it.
It is also important to ensure that all locks or latches purchased have a backset of at least 80mm to ensure sufficient clearance of the door frame. If this rule is not applied it may be possible for knuckles to scrape on the door frame as the knob is turned.
Rim knobs
Not very common at the moment. A rim lock or latch sits on the surface of the door whereas mortice locks and latches are in the door and both are operated by a spindle. If you have a door where a Rim lock is fitted on the surface then you will require a Rim knob, not a mortice knob.
A simple guide to locks and latches
Generally it is possible to use your existing locks or latches, together with your new handles. However please ensure to check the following:
- They still work well
- The finish of the lock or latch face match those of the new handles.
- The existing lock or latch suits the purpose you require.
(i.e if you want to be able to lock the door with a turn and release mechanism, you may need to replace a latch with a bathroom lock.)
There are two types of locks available:
SASH LOCKS & BATHROOM LOCKS
The SASH LOCK comprises of a latch tongue, to be operated by the handle and a bolt to be operated by a key.
These lock have internal levers which are operated when the key is turned.
For internal doors a three lever sash lock is usually sufficient.
For external doors you should select a five lever British standard sash lock. Basically the more levers required to operate the lock the more secure the lock is.
BS3621 is the British standard covering lock security. The standard is strongly recommended by the police and insisted upon by most insurance companies.
The standard ensures that the lock is resistant to attack by drill, saw or force.
The BATHROOM LOCK comprises of a latch tongue, to be operated by the handle and a bolt that is operated by a thumb turn and release rather than a key.
There are two types of latches available:
TUBULAR LATCHES & BOX LATCHES
The TUBULAR LATCH is by far the most popular, due to it's size and shape it is very quick and easy to fit.
The BOX LATCH serves the same purpose, however as a much larger recess is required to be cut into the door, it is not quite as easy to fit. The choice is often determined by the existing latch that you wish to replace.
