Door handles are essential components in both residential and commercial spaces, providing access and security to rooms, buildings, and properties. They come in various styles and designs, each serving a unique function and offering distinct aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re choosing a front door handle, an interior door handle, or a more specialized anti ligature door handle, understanding the different types of door handles is key to making an informed decision.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different door handles available today, breaking them down into categories like lever handles, pull handles, door knobs, and more. We’ll also compare door levers vs. door knobs to help you decide which type is best for your needs. Additionally, we'll dive into some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding door handles to provide you with further insights.
Lever Handles
Lever handles are one of the most common and versatile types of door handles. They are typically easy to operate, requiring only a simple push or pull to open a door. Lever handles can be used on interior and exterior doors, and they come in various designs, from simple to highly decorative. They are generally easier to use than door knobs, especially for people with limited hand strength.
Lever Handles on Rose
A lever handle on rose features a lever attached to a round backplate, also known as a rose. This type of handle provides a more elegant and compact design, often used in residential settings or high-end commercial spaces. Lever handles on rose can be found in a wide range of materials, including brass, chrome, and stainless steel, allowing homeowners and businesses to match their door handle hardware to the overall decor.
What is a Knurled Handle?
A knurled handle refers to a lever with a textured surface, providing a secure grip. The knurling (small grooves or ridges) on the handle makes it easier to hold, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Knurled lever handles are often used in environments where functionality is just as important as aesthetics, offering a combination of elegance and practicality.
Lever Handles on Backplate
Lever handles on backplate are similar to lever handles on rose, but instead of a circular rose, they have a longer, rectangular backplate that spans the length of the handle. This design allows for more surface area to be covered, making it a popular choice for exterior door handles or more traditional home designs. The backplate can often be custom-engraved or finished with different materials to match the style of the room or building.
Operating Mechanisms
When choosing a lever handle, it's important to consider the operating mechanism it uses. There are different types of lever handles based on their function and how they interact with the lock or latch.
Lever Lock
A lever lock is a door handle with lock built into the handle, which secures the door when closed. This type of lever handle is often used on front door handles or in offices and other secure areas where privacy and security are essential. It combines both the functionality of the lever handle and the locking mechanism in a single unit.
Lever Bathroom
A lever bathroom handle is designed specifically for bathroom doors. These handles often feature a privacy lock, allowing the user to secure the door from the inside for personal privacy. A lever bathroom handle is designed for easy operation, even with wet hands, and provides a simple yet effective locking mechanism.
Lever Latch
A lever latch does not have a lock built into it. Instead, it is used to operate a latch that holds the door closed. These are typically installed on interior doors where security is not as much of a concern. Lever latch handles are often used in bedrooms, hallways, and closets, making them one of the most versatile types of door handles available.
Pull Handles
Pull handles are another popular type of door handle, often used for sliding glass doors, exterior door handles, or any door that requires pulling to open. These handles are simple and functional, typically attached to the door via screws or bolts.
Pull Handles on Rose
Pull handles on rose are similar to lever handles on rose but are designed for doors that require pulling rather than turning. These handles are mounted to a circular backplate, which can add a decorative touch to the overall door design. Common in exterior door handles, pull handles on rose provide a secure and stylish way to open larger doors.
Pull Handles on a Backplate
Pull handles on a backplate feature a longer backplate, similar to lever handles on backplate. These are used in commercial settings or on larger exterior doors where a substantial amount of force is needed to pull the door open. Pull handles on a backplate can be finished in various materials such as stainless steel, polished chrome, or matte black, allowing for a high degree of customization.
Back to Back Pull Handles
A back to back pull handle consists of two identical pull handles installed on opposite sides of the door. This setup is typically used for sliding glass doors or entrance doors in commercial buildings, where it’s important to provide handles on both sides of the door. These handles are designed to offer easy grip and smooth operation.
Bolt Through Pull Handles
Bolt through pull handles are attached to the door using bolts that go through the door, ensuring a more secure installation. This is ideal for larger doors or doors that are used frequently, as it helps maintain the handle’s stability and durability. Bolt through pull handles are commonly used on exterior doors or high-traffic areas in businesses or public buildings.
Face Fix Handles
Face fix handles are mounted directly to the surface of the door, rather than being inserted through it. This type of handle installation is quick and simple, making it a popular choice for residential and commercial doors that don’t require as much strength or security. Face fix handles are often found in closet door handle no latch situations where latching isn’t necessary.
Sliding Door Handles
Sliding door handles are designed specifically for sliding doors, which are often used for patio doors, closet doors, or sliding glass doors. These handles are built to slide along a track, providing easy access to the interior space. They come in various styles and finishes, such as pull bar external door handle black, and can be used for both interior and exterior door handles.
Door Knobs
While lever handles are the more commonly used type of door handle, door knobs are still highly popular, particularly in traditional homes. Door knobs come in various shapes and sizes, offering a wide range of functionality.
Dummy Door Knobs
Dummy door knobs are non-functional and are typically used for aesthetic purposes, such as on cabinets or non-working doors. They serve as decorative accents, adding a touch of style to the overall door design without providing any practical function.
Passage Door Knobs
Passage door knobs are used on doors that do not require a lock or privacy function. These are typically installed on interior doors like bedrooms or hallways where security isn’t a concern. Passage door knobs allow easy passage through the door without any locking mechanism.
Privacy Door Knobs
Privacy door knobs are designed for areas where privacy is needed but full security isn’t essential. These are commonly used on bathroom or bedroom doors, providing a simple locking mechanism that can be engaged from the inside.
Keyed Entry Door Knobs
Keyed entry door knobs are used on exterior doors, providing both security and functionality. These knobs come with an integrated lock that can be opened with a key. Keyed entry door knobs are ideal for front door handles and other doors that need to be locked for security purposes.
Door Levers vs. Door Knobs
When choosing between door levers vs. door knobs, several factors should be considered, including functionality, ease of use, and aesthetic preferences.
Ease of Use: Door levers are generally easier to operate than door knobs, especially for individuals with limited hand strength or dexterity. Levers require a simple push or pull, while knobs often require twisting, which can be challenging for some people.
Aesthetics: Door knobs tend to have a more traditional look and feel, which makes them ideal for vintage or period-style homes. Lever handles, on the other hand, offer a more modern or contemporary appearance and are often seen in commercial or upscale residential spaces.
Security: Both door levers and door knobs can be equipped with locks for security purposes. However, door knobs are typically preferred for exterior door handles because they offer better locking mechanisms, whereas lever handles are often found on interior doors.
FAQs
What Are Different Handles Called?
Door handles come in various forms, including lever handles, door knobs, pull handles, anti ligature door handles, and sliding door handles. Each type is designed for specific functions, such as door handle with lock, exterior door handle, or interior door handle.
What Is a Door Handle Called?
A door handle is the hardware used to open or close a door. It may include levers, knobs, pulls, or other mechanisms. Some door handles, like anti ligature door pull handles, are designed for safety and security.
What Are the Three Types of Knobs?
The three common types of door knobs are:
Dummy door knobs – purely decorative.
Passage door knobs – for doors that don’t need locking.
Privacy door knobs – for areas where privacy is needed, like bathrooms.
What Is a Grade 3 Door Handle?
A Grade 3 door handle is a designation used by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to indicate a lower level of durability. Grade 3 door handles are typically used in residential settings, offering a balance between affordability and quality.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of door handle depends on a variety of factors, including functionality, security needs, and aesthetic preferences. Whether you opt for a lever handle, pull handle, or door knob, understanding the differences can help you make the best choice for your space. Additionally, specialized handles like anti ligature door handles and sliding door handles are available to meet specific needs, such as safety or design considerations. With this comprehensive guide, you should be well-equipped to select the perfect door handles for your home or business.
