Door handles and locks

When it comes to choosing door handles and locks, the first aspect a buyer is likely to consider is the design and look of the hardware.

But though the range of styles and finishes is practically endless, the actual number of basic models is fairly limited, and these must meet certain standards, which makes the choice somewhat easier.

In addition to style and look, there are other important aspects to take into consideration, such as ergonomics, ease of installation, quality and, of course, security.

Select the right door handle and lock for your needs

UNDERSTAND YOUR NEEDS

Does the door open to the right or to the left?
Is the new hardware for the front door or for an interior door?
Do any users have reduced grip or restricted hand movement?
Is the new hardware a replacement or is it to be fitted on a brand new door?

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DOOR HANDLES AND LOCKS: TERMINOLOGY, PARTS AND FEATURES

Exploded view of a thumb-piece handle and deadbolt lock Cylinder and guard
The cylinder contains the lock mechanism. It is protected by strong metal shield, the cylinder guard, which fastens to the cylinder collar. Inserting and turning the key actuates the deadbolt. The cylinder is located on the outside of the door. Some lock manufacturers make systems that can be configured so the user can activate or deactivate the keys that can be used with the lock, without having to call a locksmith.

Deadbolt
Solid metal cylindrical bar with a flat end, which locks the door by being projected into the strike. The bolt is actuated by the key or thumbturn.

Thumbturn (or turnbutton)
Button that actuates the bolt from the inside, to lock or unlock the door.

Strike plate
Metal plate with an opening, fastened over the hole in the door frame, which receives the bolt that closes and/or locks the door.

Rose
Decorative plate surrounding the door handle.

Axle
Metal rod that links the two parts of the doorknob and actuates the lock when turned.

Faceplate
Metal plate with an opening, fastened over the hole in the door edge, through which the bolt moves.

Latch bolt
Solid metal cylindrical bar with a bevelled end, which holds the door closed when projected into the strike. The bolt is spring-loaded and actuated by the doorknob or lever. When the door is opened, the bolt retracts. When the door closes, the bevelled end of the bolt slides past the rounded edge of the strike plate and engages in the strike hole.

Finishes
Door hardware comes in a variety of finishes, the most common being brass, polished brass, antique brass, pewter, stainless steel, satin nickel and satin chrome.

Various door hardware finishes

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DOOR HANDLE STYLES

Style	Features	Advantages
	The size and rounded shape of the doorknob are designed to fit in the palm of the hand. A twist of the wrist turns the doorknob and operates the latch or bolt. Exists in "passage", "privacy" and "keyed" versions.	Rounded, ball, bell, tulip and other shapes are available to match all decors Suitable for all types of doors, regardless of swing direction Wide range of finishes and decorative trim Easy to install
	This type of handle is simple for people of all ages to use, which explains why it is becoming an increasingly popular choice. Simply push the lever down to release the latch – easy for children or people with reduced grip. Be aware that while most handles of this type are reversible, some are designed specifically for left-hand or right-hand doors. Exists in "passage", "privacy" and "keyed" versions.	Very easy to use Good range of finishes and designs Easy to install
	In the past, this mechanism lifted a latch in the form of a horizontal metal bar. The modern version operates a bolt. The bolt is operated by depressing the thumb piece. The handle is designed so that the thumb is in a natural position for pressing and the rest of the hand has a firm grip. Used almost exclusively on front doors, in conjunction with a deadbolt lock.	Classic, high-quality look Good range of finishes and designs Adapted to the shape of the hand and natural thumb movement

Style

Features

Advantages

The size and rounded shape of the doorknob are designed to fit in the palm of the hand.

A twist of the wrist turns the doorknob and operates the latch or bolt.

Exists in "passage", "privacy" and "keyed" versions.

Rounded, ball, bell, tulip and other shapes are available to match all decors
Suitable for all types of doors, regardless of swing direction
Wide range of finishes and decorative trim
Easy to install

This type of handle is simple for people of all ages to use, which explains why it is becoming an increasingly popular choice.

Simply push the lever down to release the latch – easy for children or people with reduced grip.

Be aware that while most handles of this type are reversible, some are designed specifically for left-hand or right-hand doors.

Exists in "passage", "privacy" and "keyed" versions.

Very easy to use
Good range of finishes and designs
Easy to install

In the past, this mechanism lifted a latch in the form of a horizontal metal bar. The modern version operates a bolt.

The bolt is operated by depressing the thumb piece. The handle is designed so that the thumb is in a natural position for pressing and the rest of the hand has a firm grip.

Used almost exclusively on front doors, in conjunction with a deadbolt lock.

Classic, high-quality look
Good range of finishes and designs
Adapted to the shape of the hand and natural thumb movement

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TYPES AND FUNCTIONS OF HANDLES, LOCKS AND BOLTS

A standard colour code, usually shown on the product packaging, indicates the type and function of the door handle (knob or lever) or lock. No code is used for thumb-latch (entrance) locksets, traditional bolts or electronic locks.

Code couleur	Caractéristiques	Avantages
Red	Mechanism that locks with a key on one side and a button on the other. Exists for both knob and lever sets. Used for entrance doors and sheds, as well as to lock private rooms such as offices and workshops. Must be used in conjunction with a deadbolt for additional security when fitted on entrance doors.	Easy to use because handle and lock are both in the same place Provides additional security if used with a deadbolt lock Easy to install
Blue	Also called a "privacy" handle, it locks on one side only (inside the room) with a turnbutton. An opening located on the other side of the handle allows the door to be unlocked from the outside if necessary, using a small flat or round instrument.	Easy to use because handle and lock are both in the same place Provides additional security if used with a deadbolt lock Easy to install
Green	Knob that does not lock; mainly used on interior doors. Some models exist for entrance doors, used in conjunction with a lock.	Easy to install
Yellow	Lock operated with a key on the outside and a thumbturn on the inside. Designed only for locking, it requires a fair-sized hole in the door frame to accommodate the bolt.	Strong Effective Needs to be locked with a key (reduces chances of leaving keys inside house)
No colour code	Handle comprising a thumb piece and grip on the outside and a traditional knob or lever on the inside. The handle is part of a set that also includes a deadbolt lock. The handle and lock can be in two separate pieces or as one unit. In the case of a single unit, if it is a replacement, measure the distance between the existing lock and handle holes on the door, because this distance is not standard.	Elegant Many designs, from plain to more elaborate
No colour code	Lock with key and battery-powered digital keypad. The door can be locked and unlocked with a digital code, or mechanically using a key if the battery is dead. A warning signal sounds when the batteries are low. The lock can be programmed with personal codes for each user. It is advisable to use several codes and/or change code regularly. If the code is never changed, the keypad can become worn and reveal which digits are being used. Some digital locks can be operated by remote control. Available with or without an integrated handle.	No key needed Can assign a temporary code to another user
No colour code	Still a very popular option, especially in apartments, this type of lock can work either as a deadbolt or as a latch bolt to lock the door automatically upon closing. It can also be held in an unlocked position. The lock is opened from the outside using a key and from the inside by turning a small knob (easy to use in an emergency).	Facile à installer sur les portes standard Facile à opérer Solide
No colour code	A variation on the night latch, this lock consists of a vertical cylinder that locks into rings attached to the door frame. This mechanism makes it much more difficult for someone to force open the door using a jimmy bar.	Easy to install Effective Strong

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INSTALLATION

The distance between the centre of the handle and the edge of the door needs to be 2 ¾" on most regular doors and 2 3/8" on French doors (due to the window panes). This does not affect choice, because the latches on handles and locks are adjustable.
Measure the thickness of the door. Handles and locksets can be installed on doors between 1 3/8" and 1 ¾" thick. All modern doors meet these criteria.
It is also worth knowing that factory-made doors (with holes ready drilled for the hardware) are all standard. Be sure to make the strike hole level with the pre-drilled hole in the door.
If you choose an undrilled door, make sure that you bore the holes for the handle and strike at exactly the same level – usually at a height of 36" (to the hole centre) for residential doors and 39 ¼" for commercial doors. A template is included with the door handle to help you drill the holes correctly.
If you are replacing an exterior door, it is advisable to choose the handle and lock at the same time. That way, when you order the door, the manufacturer will bore the holes to the right dimensions.
For entrance locksets with thumb-piece handles, measure the distance between the handle hole and the lock hole, centre to centre – especially if the lockset is a single unit.
For thumb-piece handles, measure the distance between the axle hole and the screw hole at the bottom of the handle. If the new handle is not as long as the old one, the old holes will be visible and will therefore need to be filled. This could show on the door.
Door swing, or "handing", refers to the direction in which the door swings open when you push it away from you (not pull it toward you).

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CARE AND MAINTENANCE

When choosing door hardware, especially for the front door which is used most often, do not compromise on quality. Purchasing a high-quality product will provide security, reliability, durability and ease of use, as well as minimum maintenance.

As handles and locks are used countless times during their life, they may occasionally need to be re-tightened or lubricated. Only use lubricants formulated specifically for door hardware. Conventional lubricants could damage the mechanisms.

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