Technical Area

Door Handles Explained

 

Two types of lever handles: Lever Handles on a Back Plate and Lever Handles on a Rose.

 

These can be utilised in several ways:     Lever Latch

                                                          Lever Lock

                                                          Bathroom Lock/Set

                                                          Privacy Lock

                                                          Euro Profile

                                                          Oval Profile

 

Lever Latch Door Handles (on a Rose or a Back Plate)

These handles are sold in pairs with an 8 mm spindle and screws.  Most are fully sprung.  These handles are for general use on internal doors and should be fitted with a mortice latch (not supplied, see Locks and Latches).

 

Lever Lock Door Handles (on a Back Plate)

These handles are sold in pairs with an 8 mm spindle and screws.  Most are fully sprung.  These handles should be used on internal or external doors where a lock with a key/keyhole is required on the back plate, and they should be fitted with a 2, 3, or 5 lever lock (not supplied, see Locks and Latches).

 

Bathroom Lock/Set (on a Back Plate)

These handles are sold in pairs with an 8mm spindle and screws.  Most are fully sprung.  These lever latch handles are for use with bathroom locks, and have a thumb turn on the back plate which turns the bolt and thus locks the door.  There is an emergency release on the opposite side of the door handle.  (Bathroom lock not supplied, see Locks and Latches)

 

 

Privacy Lock Door Handles (on a Back Plate)

These handles are sold in pairs with an 8mm spindle and screws.  Most are fully sprung.  These lever latch handles have a thumb turn on the back plate which locks the handle in place and thus locks the door.  There is and emergency release on the opposite side of the door handle.  These should be fitted with a mortice latch (not supplied, see Locks and Latches)

 

Euro Profile Door Handles (on a Back Plate or on a Rose with an Escutcheon)

These handles are sold in pairs with an 8mm spindle and screws.  They can be used on internal or external doors, and are necessary where Euro Profile Lock Cases and Euro Profile Lock Cylinders are used (not supplied, see Locks and Latches.  For Escutcheons, see Internal Door Accessories)

 

 

Oval Profile Door Handles (on a Back Plate or on a Rose with an Escutcheon)

These handles are sold in pairs with an 8 mm spindle and screws.  They can be used on internal and external doors and are necessary where Oval Profile Lock Cases and Oval Profile Lock Cylinders are used (not supplied, see Locks and Latches.  For Escutcheons, see Internal Door Accessories)

 

 

 

Locks and Latches Explained

 

When buying a door handle, you need to remember to buy a suitable lock or latch to make the fitting complete.

 

Latches

 

Tubular Latches

 

A lever handle set, or door knob set, from either side to suit an 8 mm square spindle is used to operate the latch bolt.  Suitable for general, domestic use, a Tubular Latch should be used on internal doors where a locking function is not required.

 

Flat Latches

 

A Flat Latch has a small, square case which offers heavier springing and a larger latch bolt than a Tubular Latch, which therefore makes it stronger and more suitable for heavy duty use. A Flat Latch is suitable for bolt-through furniture and can be used on unsprung furniture, making it a wise choice if using a door knob set which is unsprung.  It should be used where a locking function is not required.

 

 

Locks

 

Bathroom Locks

 

A lever handle set, or knob set, from both sides operates the latch bolt, and the deadbolt is operated by a turn on the back plate of the handle which locks the door.  There is an emergency release on the other side of the door.

 

Mortice Sash Lock

 

Used with Lever Handles on a Back Plate/ on a Rose, a Mortice Sash Lock requires a key, and therefore a key hole or an escutcheon to turn the lock and lock the door.

There are different grades of Sash Lock:

2 Lever: generally used on internal doors, offering 20 key variations

3 Lever: generally used on internal doors, offering 100 key variations, the latch bolt is withdrawn by the use of the lever handle

5 Lever:  again for use on internal doors, offers the added security of 500 key variations

5 Lever British Standard Lock:  These locks are certified to BS3621: 1980 for thief resistant locks.  These locks are highly recommended for external doors, and those requiring extra security.  With 1,000 key variations, the BS Lock is suitable where insurance approved is required.

 

Mortice Dead Lock

 

No handle is required with a dead lock, only an escutcheon/keyhole cover.  Dead locks provide a positive locking system, and can provide added security when used with a mortice sash lock. A keyed-alike stem can be used so that the same key can be used for both locks.

There are different grades of dead lock:

3 Lever, 5 Lever and 5 Lever British Standard (as above).

 

Euro and Oval Profile Lock Cases

 

These locks are available in both sash lock and dead lock versions.  They use a pin tumbler cylinder to operate the deadbolt, which give the advantage of providing at least 25,000 key variations.  The dead bolt has anti-saw rollers incorporated and the sash lock version has double springing on the latch bolt for extended life.



Explanation of Product Finishes

 

Polished Brass (PB)

  • The handle is polished, lacquered and finished.
  • Produces a shiny finish.

 

Satin Brass (SB)

  • The handle is brushed, lacquered and finished.
  • Produces a dull finish.

 

Polished Chrome (PC)

  • The handle is polished, coated with chrome, then lacquered and finished.
  • Produces a shiny finish.

 

Satin Chrome (SC)

  • The handle is brushed, coated with chrome, then lacquered and finished.
  • Produces a dull finish.

 

Satin Stainless Steel (SSS)

  • The handle is brushed stainless steel.
  • Produces a dull finish.

 

Polished Stainless Steel (PSS)

  • The handle is polished stainless steel.
  • Produces a very shiny finish.

 

Florentine Bronze (FB)

  • The handle is brushed, lacquered and the bronze is an applied finish.
  • The bronze wears over time, enhancing the antique effect.

 

Stainless Brass/ PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition)/Everbrite

  • The handle has been treated to an advanced vacuum process, which protects the handle from normal wear and tear, including oxidation and abrasion.  They are generally guaranteed  for 25 years  to not tarnish.

 

 

Black Iron (BI)/ Black Antique (BA)

  • Made from whiteheart malleable iron, our black iron products are made at the Kirkpatrick foundry in Walsall
  • Functional and highly decorative, these products are excellent quality and are traditionally hand-made

 

 

Distressed Brass (DB)

  • The brass handle is brushed, then treated with a finish to give a distressed, aged look
  • The brass wears over time, enhancing the antique/distressed effect

 

Distressed Antique (DA)

  • The handle is brushed, then treated with an antique finish to give a distressed, aged look
  • The finish wears over time, enhancing the antique effect