How to Choose a Door Knob or Lever

Door Locks, Knobs and Levers are available in a vast array of hardware styles to complement any décor. Use this guide to help you maneuver through basic terms and options available when selecting the door hardware that will work best for your project.

Design: 

Choose between a Knob, Lever, Handleset (joint handle and deadbolt application), or Push/Pull Latch design. Each of these choices come with a wide variety of options to suit all applications. For Panic Hardware, see our wide range of Exit Devices for single and double door applications.

Finish: 

Handles and locks should be chosen in finishes that match door hinges and threshold for a more uniform look. Exterior hardware needs to withstand outdoor elements including humidity, lawn chemicals, rain and heavy usage which can erode finishes over times. Chrome, Nickel and Stainless Steel finishes generally fare better on exterior applications than other finishes. Stainless Steel can withstand these conditions while oil rubbed bronze would work as well, developing a distinctive wear-burnished patina over time. Finish warranties vary per manufacturer. PVD Polished Brass finishes are tarnish and corrosion resistant making it an ideal choice for entry hardware and bathroom fixtures which are exposed to moisture and/or salt air.

Deltana Finishes Available: Brushed Nickel - US15, Oil-Rubbed Bronze - US10B, Polished Brass - US3, Polished Chrome - US26, Antique Brass - US5, Antique Nickel - US15A, Brushed Chrome - US26D, PVD Polished Brass - CR003

Hager Finishes Available: Bright Brass - US3/605, Satin Brass - US4/606, Satin Bronze - US10/612, Oil Rubbed Antique Bronze - US10B/613, Dark Bronze Satin Bronze, Equivalent - US10BE/613E, Satin, Chromium Plated - US26D/626, Bright Stainless Steel - US32/629, Satin Stainless Steel - US32D/630

GJ Finishes Available: Polished Brass - US3, Satin Brass - US4, Satin Bronze - US10, Oil Rubbed Bronze - US10B, Polished Chrome - US26, Satin Chrome - US26D, Satin Stainless Steel - US32D

Handing:

Determine handing by standing on the secure (key) side or outside of the door.

Right Hand Door: Hinges are on the right and the door opens away from you.

Left Hand Door: Hinges are on the left and the door opens away from you.

Right Hand Reverse Door: Hinges are on the right and door opens away from you.

Left Hand Reverse Door: Hinges are on the left and the door opens away from you.

For more information, see our How to Determine Door Handing or Swing of Door.

Lock Grades: 

The purpose of product grades is to identify the quality and durability of locksets through a series of operational and security tests.

Grade 1 Certification: Heavy Duty Commercial Security. Grade 1 is the strongest grade ANSI/BHMA will supply for any residential or commercial product. A Grade 1 lock will hold up throught the use and abuse of busy facilities (schools, hospitals), function properly and also keep your facility safe.

Grade 2 Certification: Higher Residential Security. Grade 2 is designed and built to offer excellent security and durability for more residential applications and some light commercial applications.

Grade 3 Certification: Basic Residential Security. Grade 3 is the lowest grade provided by ANSI/BHM, the minimal acceptable quality for residential door locks. Good for use on interior residential doors requiring very basic lock security.

Locks of a higher grade make it more difficult to pry the door open during a break-in. It is also more difficult to damage the lock using torque or cylinder wrenching as locks of a higher grade can withstand greater levels of force. For exterior doors enhance your security by choosing a locking solution that includes a Grade 1 deadbolt security rating.

Lock Styles: 

Cylindrical locks are installed through the door with a lever/knob on either side. Knob or lever retracts the latch when depressed or turned.  Mortise locks requires a pocket in the door where the lock needs to be fitted and in commercial construction.

Door Measurements: 

Measure the backset- The backset is the space between the door edge and bore hole. Measure from the edge of the door to the center of the bore hole.  If you have a door knob mounted to your door, measure from the edge of the door to the center of the backplate behind the knob or latch. Common backsets include 2 3/8" and 2 3/4". Many manufacturers provide door knobs and latches with adjustable backsets for 2 3/8" - 2 3/4".

Measure the door thickness - Start measuring at the left edge of the door until you reach the right edge of the door. Interior doors are often around 1 3/8" thick while exterior doors are usually around 1 3/4" thick. Ensure your door is of average thickness otherwise special hardware will need to be purchased when installed your door knob. 

Function:

There are a wide range of door functions available. The most common functions are Entry, Privacy, Passage, Dummy, Office, Classroom and Storeroom.

Passage- no locking mechanism, latchbolt retracts on both sides at all times.

Privacy- Can be locked on the inside with a push button or thumbturn. Can be unlocked from the outside with emergency release. Latchbolt operated on either side by lever.

Dummy-  No locking or latching mechanism. Flush mounted to doors for decorative purposes.

Entry-  Locks and Unlocks on inside with push button/thumbturn. Activating latch/knob from inside generally releases latch. Unlocks from outside with key. Mainly used in conjunction with deadbolt.

Classroom- Outside cylinder controlled by a key for locking and unlocking. No locking mechanism on inside of door.

Storeroom- Latchbolt operated by key on outside of door or by lever/knob on inside. Outside knob/lever always locked.  Inside lever always available for egress.

Office- Push button/thumbturn locks outside lever.  Outside lever is unlocked by a key or by rotating inside lever. Outside lever may be left in locked or unlocked position.  When outside knob is locked, egress is permitted by rotating the knob.