At The Handmade Handle Company, we are experts in architectural ironmongery and wish to make product specification for our customers as easy as possible.
When choosing door handles for your home there are many options to consider including shape, size, style and finish. As well as this, you must also consider the type of application and suitable lock/latch mechanism. This process can be quite overwhelming, therefore to make this process as easy as possible we have created a simple guide to determine which lock/latch you require with your chosen handle.
What Lock/Latch Do I Need?
Application
Latch
Description
Typically used as internal passage doors which don’t require locking. Available on rose or backplate
Lock/Latch Required
Lever handles on rose and backplate should be installed with a tubular latch.
Bathroom
Lever handle installed with a thumbturn to allow locking from one side of the door, increasing privacy. This type of handle is typically used in bathroom applications.
For this type of application, there are two options depending on your chosen lever handle:
- Lever on backplate – this type of lever handle should be installed with a bathroom mortice lock.
- Lever on rose – for lever handles on rose in bathroom applications we recommend purchasing a tubular latch to operate the lever handle, as well as a thumbturn set and a tubular deadbolt.
Lock
Lever handle installed with keyed lock to enable the door to be locked from both sides of the door. This type of handle is typically installed in applications which don't require high levels of security.
For this type of application, you have two options depending on the lever backplate chosen:
- Lever on backplate - Locking lever handles should be fitted with a sash lock which is supplied with a skeleton key. Sash locks are available in 3 lever and 5 lever options:
- 3 lever locks are typically suited to internal applications which require locking for privacy reasons – such as bedrooms.
- For external locking doors, garage entrance doors and other applications which require high levels of security, a 5 lever lock is recommended to be compliant with most home insurance policies.
- Lever on rose - for locking applications using a lever handle on rose, we recommend purchasing a tubular latch to operate the handle, as well as deadlock and escutcheon.
Euro Lock
Lever handle installed with euro lock to enable the door to be locked from both sides of the door. This type of handle is typically installed in applications which require high levels of security - such as external entrance doors.
For this type of application, you have two options depending on the lever backplate chosen:
- Lever on backplate - For euro locking lever handles on backplate, a euro sash lock and euro cylinder is required in addition to the lever handle.
- Lever on rose - If you wish to use a lever handle on rose for a euro locking application, you require a tubular latch to operate the lever handle, as well as a euro deadlock, euro escutcheon and euro cylinder.
What Size Lock/Latch Do I Need?
Once you have chosen which lock/latch mechanism, you may be asked what size you require. There are two measurements which are typically used to specify locks and latches – backset and lock size.
- Lock Size - This is the dimension of the lock/latch case which is installed into the door. This measurement is particularly important for glazed doors to ensure the lock case does not interfere with the glass within the door. Locks and latches are typically supplied in three sizes – 64mm / 2.5”, 76mm / 3" and 102mm / 4”.
- Backset - This is the measurement from the edge of the door to the centre of the spindle. This dimension will determine where the lever handle will be installed on the door. This measurement is important for panelled doors where the door furniture should be installed to the centre of the style. Locks and latches are typically available in three backsets sizes - 45mm, 57mm and 82mm.
What Colour Lock/Latch Do I Need?
At The Handmade Handle Company, we offer locks and latches in three finishes - Distressed Silver, Black or Satin.
If purchasing our Forged Steel lever handles - we would typically recommend the distressed silver finish by Atlantic. Distressed silver offers an authentic look for traditional or contemporary properties.
Locks and latches by Zoo Hardware in a black finish beautifully complement the Flat Black collection.
What Is A Heavy Duty Lock/Latch?
Some locks and latches are available as a 'heavy duty' variation. This type of lock/latch is perfectly suited to unsprung lever handles and door knobs to return the handle to its original position after use. As the Finesse range of door knobs are supplied unsprung, we would recommend installing heavy duty locks/latches with this product.
If you have any further questions as to which lock or latch you require, please contact our customer service team on sales@thehandmadehandlecompany.co.uk.