Let us help unpack the sometimes complex ironmongery world!..
The Rose
The rose is the plate to which the lever handles or knobs are attached. Some will be face fix, whilst others will have concealed fixings under another separate rose cover. Most commonly the rose is circular in shape but it is becoming more common in modern interiors to find square roses and sometimes rectangular roses. All our lever handles and mortice knobs have concealed roses apart from the Whitby Ebony Wood Mortice Knobs in our Old English collection.
Backplate
A backplate is a stamped or forged plate onto which levers are attached to create a lever on backplate. These are most commonly face fixed.
Sprung Vs Un-sprung
Sprung is a term which indicates if the lever or door knob is fitted with a spring in the backplate or rose. In sprung furniture, the handle or knob will return to position once released. Un-sprung refers to a handle or knob that will use the door lock to return to position. Un-sprung hardware will require a heavy sprung latch or lock.
Latch
A latch is a mechanism which holds a door closed using a sprung bevelled metal tongue. The tongue retracts or protrudes with the turn of the lever or door knob. A latch is operated by a door handle or door knob with a spindle. The latch keeps the door closed and when the handle or knob is turned, the latch allows the door to open. The shape of the case can be tubular or flat. Tubular latches are more common as it is considered easier to fit. Smart latches are designed to be easier again to fit. They only require one 25mm hole drilled sin the end of the door and one through the face of the door. The latch is then inserted in the hole in the end of the door.
Strike Plate
A strike plate is the metal plate attached to the door frame in alignment with the latch mechanism. As the door closes, the latch mechanism strikes the plate mounted to the door frame and the strike plate catches the mechanism and holds the door closed.
Hinge
Hinges are made from two metal plates that are attached together with a removable pin. The metal plates are attached to the door and door frame with screws. Hinges hold the door securely to the door frame and allow it to sing open and closed. There are numerous types and sizes of hinges for different applications. The base material is also different for different applications.
Spindle
The spindle is the metal bar that passes through the door connecting the handles together and then operates the latch or locking mechanism. Spindles come in various thicknesses and lengths but the most common size is 7.6 x25mm.
Escutcheon
The plate that surrounds a keyhole or lock cylinder.
