Blog

Door knobs play a key role in keeping your home or property safe. They’re not only functional but also enhance the decor of the interior or exterior of your space. Whether you’re replacing door locks for your interior doors or want to update the look and style of the doors in your new home, there are many different types of door handles available to fit your needs. The way in which each door knob or lever operates is commonly referred to as its function. In this article, we’re going to look at the various styles and functions available to you and how to choose the right door knob or door lever function for each door.

What You Need to Know When Shopping for Door Hardware

• Know the specifications of your door or doors. The most important specifications are usually the door thickness, backset, borehole diameter, and door handing.
  • Door thickness: Measure the thickness of your door. Most doors are 1-⅜” or 1-¾” thick. If your door is thicker - don’t worry - many manufacturers sell parts to adapt their knobs or levers to doors up to 2-¼” thick.
  • Backset: Measure the distance from the center of the borehole to the edge of the door. Most doors are 2-⅜” or 2-¾” and many manufacturers make their products to be adjustable for both of those standard backsets. Some doors have backsets of 5” which require special latches.
  • Borehole Diameter: Measure from edge to edge of the borehole in your door. Most doors have a 2-⅛” diameter borehole. Some older doors have smaller diameter boreholes which can be widened using commonly available tools.
  • Door Handing: When standing on the exterior of the door - for doors that swing inwards - if the door hinges are on the left side it’s a left hand door, if they’re on the right it’s a right hand door. This is important to know for some levers, although many levers are reversible.
• Decide how you want the door to function.
  • Do you want it to lock? You need a privacy or keyed-entry function.
  • Want it to latch but not lock? You need a passage.
  • Don’t want it to turn at all? You need a dummy.
• Determine the style and finish of the knobs or levers you want.
  • Traditional: Ornate details, curves, and timeless designs. Polished brass or venetian bronze are popular traditional finishes.
  • Transitional: Combination of the clean lines of contemporary hardware with understated detailing of traditional hardware. Sometimes features gentle curves and updated shapes. Satin nickel, satin brass, and matte black are popular transitional finishes.
  • Contemporary: Clean lines, geometric shapes, minimal or no ornate details. Matte black, polished chrome, and satin brass are popular contemporary finishes.

Half Dummy Door Knobs and Levers

Half dummy door knobs are non-locking door knobs that don’t have to be rotated or turned when opening or closing a door. Instead, you simply pull on the door to open it. Half dummy door knobs are mainly used on double doors that close side-by-side, such as on cabinet and wardrobe doors. These are commonly paired with ball catches if you want the door to remain closed but not locked.

These types of door handles are decorative and ideal for applications that don’t need a latch. They’re available in a wide variety of designer styles and finishes to easily match your interior decor and architectural appeal. They’re also simple to install and are an inexpensive option for non-locking applications inside your home.

Passage Door Knobs and Levers

Passage knobs are non-locking door knobs that turn freely and don’t include a key. They operate with a latch and require rotation of the handle or knob to open the door. Passage levers and knobs feature a non-locking knob or lever on both sides of the door and are ideal for hallways, closets, and rooms where privacy is not required. Passage knobs and levers are also popular when paired with an electronic deadbolt to create a true keyless experience.

These types of door handles are also available in a wide variety of styles and finishes to blend in with your architectural appeal and interior decor. Unlike half dummy knobs or levers that don’t turn, these knobs merely lack the locking functionality.

Privacy Door Knobs and Levers

Privacy door locks are designed for interior doors. They can be locked and unlocked by an emergency key on the outside, and a push-button or turn button from the inside. This type of handle is designed for privacy instead of security. In case of an emergency, the lock can be opened from the outside with an emergency key or a narrow object through a small hole on the outside knob.

This type of door knob is commonly used for bedrooms, bathrooms, and rooms that require privacy. Privacy door knobs are available in a wide variety of designs, styles, and finishes to complement your home’s interior decor.

Storeroom Door Knobs and Levers

Storeroom door knobs are used for storage doors where the outside door entry should always stay locked unless opened with a key. When the key is removed, the door knob lock returns to a locked position. From the inside, the door will open freely at all times. Even if the door is opened from the inside, the door will be locked again as soon as it closes. This prevents anyone from being trapped in a windowless storage room.

These types of door handles are used in storage rooms and often come with a UL 3-hour fire rating, as well as a variety of styles and finishes to suit your needs. Make sure to check the rating on storeroom knobs and other types of locks to ensure premium storage security.

Keyed Entry Door Knobs and Levers

Keyed entry knobs are locked or unlocked with a key on the outside knob or a turn button on the inside knob. This function is designed with an interior emergency exit feature just in case of a fire or other emergency.

In some instances, the lock/key mechanism can also be on both sides of the door. These double cylinder locking knobs and levers are mainly used on doors where added security is required, such as doors with adjacent windows or glass panels that are close enough for someone to break, reach inside, and unlock the door.

These types of door handles are most commonly found on exterior doors. However, the door locks can also be used for interior doors. They feature a deadlatch that improves the security of the lock. Keyed entry door knobs often come with various security features, including security grading, and are commonly paired with a deadbolt to create a combo pack ideal for back doors, side doors, and garage doors.

Shop Decorative and Privacy Door Knobs at Door Locks Direct

If you want to learn more about door knob functions or shop the widest selection of door hardware, including handlesets, deadbolts, keyless locks, and door accessories, get started at Door Locks Direct. See our different types of door handles and place your order today. We offer free shipping on orders over $299 and free standard rekeying.