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Handles and Hinges Key Terms

Selecting a hinge or door handle seems a simple task until you begin shopping and face a plethora of types, styles, colors and finished surfaces of both hinges and handles. Do you want a handle or a knob? Should the hinge be invisible? If you decide to do the installation yourself, you will run into another set of terms.
Knowing handles and hinges key terms will be a big help in your selection process. To complete your project, you will need to decide on the type of hinge, the style of both hinge and handle, the material (such as metal, glass or ceramic) and the best method of installation.

Leaf

The hinge leaf is the flat plate part of the hinge that extends from the pin receptacle to the edge of the hinge. It can have a rounded or squared edged for rectangular-shaped hinges, or another fancier shapes. Hinge measurements refer to the leaf, its width, length and thickness or gauge.
Try: For full definitions of hinge parts, refer to Marlboro Manufacturing. Beside hinge leaf, you will find definitions for other hinge terms, such as swaging, offset and knuckle.

Butt hinge

A butt hinge is the type of hinge used on a bedroom or front door rather than a cabinet door. It works to ensure that there is no space between the door and the door frame when you close the door.
Try: Monroe Engineering shows butt hinges, along with other kinds, so you can compare of the different types.

Mortise

The mortise is the recess cut into the door or door frame that will accept the hinge leaf. Door latches and striker plates may also require mortising. If you are installing your own hinges or door handles, you will want to know about this key term.
Try: Ace Hardware explains how to cut the recess, or mortise, for installing a butt hinge, complete with illustrations. Its explanation also details types of butt hinges.

Stile

If you plan to install hinges or door handles yourself, you will need to become familiar with such terms as stile. The stile is the vertical part of the door to which you attach the hinges or to which you fit the door knob. The door rails are the top and bottom parts of the door. Together, the stiles and rails form the perimeter and shape of the door.
Try: By providing step-by-step instructions for repairing a door where the stile and rail separated, Hammer Zone.com gives you a good picture of the stile and rail.

Rosette

The rosette acts an escutcheon, covering the hole in the door through which you install the lockset. In some cases, it holds the lockset to the door with screws passing through it.
Try: Aubuchon Hardware presents three examples of rosettes. Direct Door Hardware has a selection of classic rosettes.

Finish

Finish describes the look of the surface of the hinge, handle or pull. For handles or knobs, various metals comprise finish choices, such as brass, bronze, chrome, nickel, pewter or stainless steel. Finish also includes choices of polished, satin, aged or oil-rubbed surface looks. Some finishes are available in different colors. Finish can also be glass or ceramic.
Try: Door Knob Discount Center presents a display of metal finish choices for door knobs. For glass knobs, check out Kilian Hardware.

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Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Handles and Hinges

Handles and hinges might seem insignificant, but when something breaks or won't open, they suddenly become a critical part of your business.

Virtually every business has handles or hinges somewhere; usually this hardware is on doors, drawers, or cabinets. The reasons why a business might seek new handles or hinges are as diverse as the options for new hardware. You might desire to update an outdated office, or you may wish to upgrade to sturdier cabinets. Regardless of the reason, you want to find handles and hinges that are durable and look good.

Attractive handles can give any business a modern feel, while older handles tend to be tarnished and dirty. Old ... more