A door handle is the lever or knob used to operate the latch of a door or window. Turning the lever withdraws the latch bolt from the striking plate so the door opens. Let go and a spring pushes the latch back out.
How it goes together
- The spindle — a square bar running through the door and through the follower in the lock, connecting both handles. The standard size is 8 mm; heavier doors and security furniture also use 9 or 10 mm.
- Rose or plate — the fitting that fixes the handle to the door. A rose is round or square and separate from the cylinder; a backplate combines handle and keyhole or cylinder in one plate.
- The follower — the pivot inside the lock that the spindle engages.
- Spring — in the handle, the rose or the lock. A handle that droops (no longer returning to horizontal) usually has a worn spring in the furniture, not in the lock.
Dimensions worth knowing
- Backset — the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the spindle. On mortice latches this is typically around 45 to 57 mm depending on the case size; on heavier entrance doors it is often more. Always measure the existing lock.
- Centres — the distance between spindle and cylinder or keyhole, fixed by the lock case. Check it before ordering new furniture.
- Handle height — handles usually sit around 1.00 to 1.05 m above floor level. For accessible design a lower position is used, in the order of 0.90 to 1.05 m: easier from a wheelchair and for children.
Choosing
- External doors: security furniture. Choose tested furniture (in the UK, for example, to BS EN 1906 with a Kitemark or equivalent) with anti-snap and cylinder protection. Outside there should be a fixed knob or protected handle, not a plain lever.
- Material. Stainless steel and brass hold up best outdoors. Aluminium is light and cheap but more prone to surface wear.
- Shape. A lever with the end returned towards the door will not catch clothing or bags — a small detail that matters a lot in corridors and care settings.
- Fire and escape doors. Additional requirements apply; on an escape route, panic hardware or approved emergency furniture is normally specified.
Related terms
- Door furniture
- Backset
- Building hardware
- Cylinder pull protection
- Espagnolette
- Door
- Butt hinge
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