Hardware Terminology

Door hardware terminology can easily become confusing - with a variety of terms that are often used interchangeably depending on who you speak to… even those with plenty of experience can get caught out with a bit of a head-scratcher from time to time! 

This guide is intended as a basic reference to help you understand different key terms, definitions and product options you may find useful as you shop for your perfect new piece of hardware.

Roses

Sometimes referred to as Rosettes, these are the decorative plates located behind your handles and sit flush against the door surface.

Their primary purpose is to conceal the internal mechanisms that facilitate the operation of the door handle. While these plates add an aesthetic touch, they also protect the door's surface from wear. 

Roses are typically round and come in two sizes: 52mm and 63mm in diameter, designed to accommodate a range of hole sizes.

Lever

The lever is the part of the door handle that we interact with most. It's designed for ease of use, requiring a simple downward press to engage the latch and open the door. Ergonomic design and high standards of manufacture are important factors here for durability in areas of high traffic and ease of use for people with varying degrees of hand strength.

Tubular Latch

The tubular latch is a cylindrical mechanism installed within the door cavity. It’s an essential component and can be found on non-locking doors or doors where a locking pin or snib is in use, such as a bathroom.

Striker Plate

The striker plate is a metal plate installed onto your door jamb. It plays a crucial role ensuring the door stays closed and aligned when shut. It also helps protect the door jamb from damage caused by the latch and contributes to the overall security of the door – reinforcing the area where the latch extends into the frame.

Backset

The backset is simply the distance between the edge of the door and the middle of the hole drilled through the side of the door that accommodates the spindle or lock cylinder.

If you’re working with a new door, this is also the center point of the hole you will need to bore to fit the lock. It’s important to make sure this is done accurately so the latch can smoothly extend into the striker plate.

Most internal door backsets are 60mm, which is the same size used by our Mucheln handles. 

Note: Please contact us if you require a 45mm backset and we can confirm if it’s available in your chosen style.

Spindle

The spindle is the square metal rod that passes through the tubular latch, connecting the handles on both sides. The spindle is the part that transfers your turning motion from one side to the other.

There are a few different types available depending on the function of your chosen hardware, and while they’re a simple part, it’s a good idea to check they are inserted according to instructions so the handles will attach and function correctly.