Door handles are an eye-catching element of any home interior. If you want to quickly refresh the look of your space without breaking the bank or replacing every door in it, upgrading the handles is a quick and cost-effective way of refreshing its appearance.
But the question is, are door handles universal? The answer is a clear ‘NO’; all the door handles have unique measurements that fit well with the specific door measurements. Universal door handles are a myth because every door has a different measurement.
Types Of Door Handles
Door handles must be selected according to the door's function because there is no universal indoor-outdoor application. In the following paragraph, you will learn about the different types of door handles, which will teach you about the proper fit of handles on the door.
Exterior Door Handles
The primary purpose of the exterior door handles is to keep the door closed and protect your privacy. Following are the few types of these handles:
- Knob handles - These are the typical round knobs you turn to open a door. The shapes and dimensions of knobs can vary based on who makes them and what kind of door they're for.
- Lever handles look like levers you push down to open the door. Lever handles come in different styles and sizes.
- Pocket door handles - Sliding pocket doors have a built-in pull or handle sunken into the door frame rather than a sticking-out knob or lever.
Interior Door Handles
Door handles and knobs for inside rooms are lighter and smaller than ones for outside doors. Made to close doors inside, they focus on working well rather than keeping things secure, so most don't have locks. These door handles and knobs fall into three groups:
- Privacy Knobs: These knobs are without any keys. They have an internal lock system and are primarily fitted in bedroom and bathroom doors. Privacy knobs are suitable for exterior doors because they are lightweight and have a keyless function.
- Passage Knobs: These doors do not have actual locks and are found on room entrances and closet doors.
- Dummy Knobs: These knobs and handles serve an aesthetic purpose and don’t turn at all. They are usually mounted on the surface of a door or behind it, making them a good choice for shallow closets, small pantries, and the interior of French doors.
- Digital Handles: These are electronic internal locks that can only be opened by a specific code.
Door Handle Compatibility
To find out the answer to your question: are door handles universal? You must know about the compatibility of your door handle, which depends upon the following factors:
Door Thickness
The thickness of a standard door varies from 34mm to 44mm, so we have doors of different thicknesses. Some doors are thicker while others are thinner, like hollow doors, so we should correctly measure the thickness of the door and buy our door handle accordingly.
Measurement Of Backset
The distance between the edge of the door and the centre of the hole where the door handle is installed is called backset. Most common backset measurements include 2-3/8 and 2-3/4 inches. Selecting a door handle with the appropriate backset measurement is crucial to ensure a proper installation.
Door Handle design
Door handles are available in different designs, such as dummy knobs, digital handles, and passage handles. Every design has a specific function. It shows that door handles are not universal because every handle has a specific function and will only fit some doors.
Functionality Of Door Handles
As you have learned about the compatibility of door handles, you will now learn about the function, and this will clarify more about the non-universal nature of door handles.
Residential setting
Door handles in residential settings, such as doors in rooms. These handles are simple and elegant. These handles enhance the overall look of a door.
Commercial Setting
Commercial settings involve office buildings and public facilities, which have more secure door handles with strict guidelines and codes in case of emergency.
Exterior Application
Door handles for exterior applications require specific criteria because these handles will face weathering and have security concerns. These handles are mainly made of stainless steel and brass because they are durable and weather-resistant. Deadbolts and keyless entry systems have increased security features.
Special Application
Healthcare or industrial facilities require specific door handles because they have properties like microbial growth experiments and harsh chemicals that may react with the open environment and cause an explosion. These special door handles come with unique locks.
Are They Right-Handed or Left-Handed?
When buying door handles, think about style, function, and how they're mounted. "Handing" means which way a handle points when it's on the door. Most handles can be flipped to work on doors that open left or right, but some need you to pick a specific direction when you order.
To figure out if your door is left- or right-handed, look at where the hinges are from outside. If the hinges are on the left, it's a left-handed door. Handles that flip around, if you still need to, you'll have to get handles made for right-handed doors.
Handle sets with keys come with a latch you can work with your thumb and a deadbolt that needs a key. They're great to keep things safe or make access easy. Pick one based on your door needs - secure or easy to open. You can get these sets for both left and right-handed doors.
Are Door Handles Adjustable?
Door handles may look basic, but they're specific hardware that needs careful thought. Things like backset cross-bore size and what they're made of play a significant role when picking the correct handles for your house. Knowing these facts makes it easier to choose whether to update or buy new hardware.
Before buying, measure the backset to ensure it fits well with what you already have. The material also counts; brass and copper handles can reduce germs spreading. Levers are more straightforward for people who struggle with grip, while knobs can be more challenging to use. For easy access, go for handles you can adjust or ones with fixed bars that are easier to use.
Conclusion
Based on our discussion, it's evident that door handles aren't universal. They come in various types and are influenced by different factors. Each door handle is designed to fit the door's specific measurements and requirements.