GENERAL INFORMATION
DOOR HANDLES
Levers On A Backplate
These Levers are generally the more traditional style of door furniture. However there are now many different types of Finishes available to suit all decorating styles.
There are 4 main variations offered on our website;
- Lever Latch - A plain backplate (ie. no key hole), with a sprung handle using a spindle to operate a latch inside the door. Suitable for internal doors that do not need a lock.
- Lever Lock - The same backplate and handle but with a pre-cut keyhole to access a standard Sash / Mortice Lock inside the door using a key. Note- You can usually specify which shape of keyhole you require (See later note on Escutcheons).
- Lever Bathroom - The same backplate and handle but with a built in Turn & Release Bolt using a 5mm Spindle to operate a specific Bathroom Lock inside the door - (Check our Locks and Latches for details).
- Lever Privacy - The same backplate and handle but with a built in Turn & Release Lever which stops the handle from moving and turning the latch. This does not require a separate lock.
Remember - When replacing existing backplate handles it will often look best to replace these again with backplate levers. This will conceal the previous fixing marks which might otherwise show if you were to change to Levers On Rose furniture, without some repairs to the doors.
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Levers On A Rose
These Levers are generally of a more contemporary design, and are a popular choice currently in the Chrome finishes. However, please note that many of these levers are available in other finishes as well.
Nearly all Levers On A Rose have concealed fixings. The screws are covered by a separate rose fitting. The rose will usually be a screw-on cover for an extra quality fit.
By the nature of the design these handles can only be used to operate a latch inside the door. This would be either a simple Tubular Latch, or a Sash / Mortice Lock or Bathroom Lock.
If the door does have a lock, then a separate Escutcheon or Thumb Turn & Release will be required.
NOTE - We offer a range of both Escutcheons and Turn & Releases. Some care is required when ordering these as it is important to get a direct match to complement your chosen handle. (Please call us on Tel: 01228 674999 if you are at all unsure on which one to choose.)
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Knob Furniture
Traditionally viewed as a very Classical type of handle suited to older properties. However we also have a very exciting and modern range of Knob Furniture, with some particularly unusual designs in the Crystal range.
Remember - Knobs are a different design to Lever furniture.
- As such it can be more difficult to use for small children, and those with mobility issues such as Arthritis.
- When fitting, we recommend that you use a lock or latch with a long Backset. We recommend a minimum of a 76mm Backset. (The Backset measurement determines the distance of the Knob away from the edge of the door.) A longer Backset will prevent any scraped knuckles on the door frame when turning the knob!
By the nature of the design these handles can only be used to operate a latch inside the door. This would be either a simple Tubular Latch, or a Sash/Mortice Lock or Bathroom Lock.
If the door does have a lock then a separate Escutcheon or Thumb Turn & Release will be required.
NOTE - We offer a range of both Escutcheons and Turn & Releases. Some care is required when ordering these as it is important to get a direct match to complement your chosen handle. (Please call us on Tel: 01228 674999 if you are at all unsure on which one to choose.)
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ACCESSORIES
Locks & Latches
If you are simply replacing handles on doors that are already fitted you will likely have existing locks and latches in place. Any new handles you choose should work well and fit with existing locks and latches.
However you may like to consider;
- Whether the existing locks still operate properly?
- If they will fit with your new handles ?- Particularly if you have opted for a Bathroom Lock Turn & Release.
- Does the finish of the Strike Plate and Forend on your existing locks match with your new handles?
- Do the external locks meet your current Home Insurance Policy standards?
For detailed information on the different types of Locks & Latches see the individual product details for each one.
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Escutcheons (or Key Hole Covers)
Escutcheons are especially required when using Lever On Rose, Knob Furniture, and Dead Locks . There are a range of different styles available in the Accessories Section of the website.
Remember - When ordering make sure you choose the correct shape of keyhole opening to match your locks;
- Standard Profile - For a concealed lock - typical with Chubb-style stem keys
- Euro Profile - For a cylinder lock - typical on PVC doors
- Oval Profile - For a cylinder lock - typical on commercial designs
NOTE - We offer a large range of Escutcheons. Some care is required when ordering these as it is important to get a direct match to complement your chosen handle.
(Please call us on Tel: 01228 674999 if you are at all unsure on which one to choose.)
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Thumb Turn & Release
Most useful when choosing Lever On A Rose or Knob furniture.
A Turn & Release is used with a 5mm spindle to operate a lock inside the door - usually in a specific Bathroom Lock or a Dead Bolt.
Remember - If you have not fitted these before;
- You need a specific Bathroom Lock or Dead Bolt.
- Care is required to choose a direct match to complement your chosen handle.
NOTE - We offer a large range of Turn & Releases. Some care is required when ordering these as it is important to get a direct match to complement your chosen handle.
(Please call us on Tel: 01228 674999 if you are at all unsure on which one to choose.)
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Pull Handles
Pull Handles can be fixed in a variety of different ways:
- Bolt Through Fixings - Bolted through from the reverse side of the door. The visible bolt fixing is then usually hidden by a separate finger plate.
- Concealed Rose Fix - A separate Rose is first bolted onto the handle. This rose can then be screwed onto the face of the door. The screw fixings are then hidden by the rose cover.
- Secret Face Fix - A Fixed Bolt on plate is first screwed onto the face of the door. The Pull Handle is then fixed onto the bolt using a grub-screw fix.
- Back To Back Fixings - Used to fit 2 Pull Handles to both sides of a door. Factory-prepared Back to Back fixings allow for a simple grub-screw fix for the 2 Pull Handles to be fitted to both sides of the door.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Clean all products using a cloth moistened with soapy water or alternatively wipe over with a soft cloth and beeswax. METAL CLEANERS AND AEROSOL POLISH SRAYS SHOULD NOT BE USED.
Brass Products
Our products are carefully chosen for their reputation of long term quality, and under normal use will provide many years of service. However please note that after a period of time the lacquer coating applied to brass products can suffer a possible breakdown, usually on external fittings. The life of the lacquer is beyond the manufacturer’s control and therefore cannot be guaranteed.
If the lacquer coating has begun to break down remove the brass fittings and treat with an acetone thinner to completely remove all of the lacquer (e.g. “Nitramors” applied with a soft brush according to the manufacturer’s instructions). Ensure that the fitting is completely dry and then apply a metal polish such as “Brasso” or “Duraglit”. This can be reapplied whenever it is required or the fitting can be re-lacquered.
Florentine Bronze
These products should be treated in the same way as brass products. As the bronze is an applied finish it will weather over time enhancing the antique effect.
Chrome Products
Chrome is an almost maintenance-free finish. Over time deposits may accumulate, particularly on external fittings. To ensure the original appearance is maintained these products should be cleaned regularly with a soft cloth and non-abrasive wax polish.
Stainless Brass - PVD
These products have an advanced vacuum treated process known as "Physical Vapour Deposition" which renders the surface impervious to damage in normal use, including oxidation, wear and abrasion. Once again simple wipe over cleaning will keep this product looking brand new. We offer a full 25-year replacement guarantee with this finish.