Door and window hardware is the collective term for all the fittings by which doors and windows are hung (the “hanging” hardware) and locked (the “locking” hardware). It covers items such as hinges, locks, handles, cylinders, bolts, and strike plates. Together they ensure that a window or door moves smoothly and closes properly and securely.
Components
Door and window hardware falls into two groups:
Hanging hardware (movement)
- Hinges and butt hinges — on which the door or window turns
- Pintle and gudgeon — a traditional hanging arrangement, especially on old doors and shutters
- Casement stays — with which a window is held ajar or in set positions
Locking hardware (securing)
- Locks — mortice locks, rim locks, multi-point locks
- Cylinders — the replaceable heart of the lock into which the key goes
- Handles, plates, and rosettes — the operating parts on both sides
- Bolts, espagnolettes, and strike plates — for extra locking points
Applications and burglar resistance
Door and window hardware determines not only ease of use but also the burglar resistance of a home. Key points:
- Certification — hardware with a tested burglar-resistance mark has been tested for resistance; a higher rating means more resistance
- Multi-point locks — lock the door at several points and are far more burglar-resistant than a single lock
- Maintenance — lubricate hinges and locks regularly so they keep working smoothly
In new construction and renovation, the hardware is chosen on the basis of use, appearance, and the desired level of security.
Related terms
- Door
- Frame
- Lock
- Hinge
- Fittings
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