Hardware Basics
1. Handing
Left Handed:
Facing the door in question from the outside, if the hinges are on the left the door is Left Handed.
Right Handed:
Facing the door in question from the outside, if the hinges are on the right the door is Right Handed.
Left Hand Reverse: (Applies to Mortise Locks Only)
Facing the door in question from the outside, if the hinges are on the left and the door swings outside, the door is Left Hand Reverse.
Right Hand Reverse: (Applies to Mortise Locks Only)
Facing the door in question from the outside, if the hinges are on the right and the door swings outside, the door is Right Hand Reverse.
2. Backset
Latch:
The device on a door that catches the door frame to shut the door securely.
Backset:
The backset of a door is the distance (in inches) from the edge of the door to the center of the bore hole.
3. Handle to Center
Handle to Center is the measurement from the center of the thumb latch bore hole to the center of the thru bolt hole on a door. This measurement is extremely important when ordering a Handle Set. To ensure you get the correct product be sure to take this measurement before placing your order.
4. Keying
Keyed Alike:
If you want your locks to all lock and unlock using the same key, select the Keyed Alike option on the ordering page. Items that are selected with the Keyed Alike option will use the same key.
Keyed Different:
If you want your locks to all lock and unlock using different keys, select the Keyed Different option on the ordering page. Items that are selected with the Keyed Different option will each use a separate key.
Master Keying:
Master Keying allows numerous locks to be Keyed Different, but has a set of Master Keys that will open all locks. ***Please call for Master Keying options***
5. Bore Hole
The Bore Hole of a door is the distance (in inches) of the diameter of the hole that is physically drilled into your door. In most cases the distance is 2 1/8", but other measurments can also occur. Be sure to check this measument before ordering your hardware.
6. Key Code
We offer our customers the ability to have all your new locks work with the keys you currently have. This feature will save you time, money and allow for smooth transition in using your newly purchased hardware. All you need to do is enter your current keys Key Code in the box provided on the Product Ordering Page.
If you do not know your current key code here is how you find it:
- The key code should be stamped on your original keys
- Your contractor should have this code on file
- Bring your keys to a local locksmith and they will be able to determine the key code
Key Codes depend on the type of cylinder your locks contain. All residential applications will either consist of 5 or 6 numbers. The manufacturers we stock all use the standard in residential applications which is the C Keyway. This just means that all keying regardless of manufacturer can function off of one key. So feel free to mix and match manufacturers as you see fit.
7. Latch Types
Universal Latch:
Where all three latch face plates are provided along with 2-3/4 Inch and 2-3/8 Inch backsets.
Round Corner Latch:
Where the latch face plate has rounded corners as shown below.
Square Corner Latch:
Where the latch face plate has square corners as shown below.
Drive-In Latch:
Where the latch has no face plate as shown below. Used for hollow door types.
8. Strikes
Full Lip Strike (Square Corner):
Full Lip Strike (Round Corner):
T - Strike:
ASA Strike:
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