Door knobs

Types of door knobs

A door knob is a rounded handle used to open, close, or secure a door. A knob is just one part of a door hardware set, which also includes the latch, strike plate, and rosettes. The different kinds of knobs for doors mentioned below can be grouped based on where they are installed and what function they perform.

• Passage Door Knobs

  These knobs are commonly found in rooms that do not require a lock, such as closets, pantries, and laundry rooms. They are usually less expensive than locking knobs because they are made without the locking mechanism. They rotate to open the door and can be pushed or pulled to close. The knob spindles are the same length as those used on other types of knobs and can be replaced if one breaks, making them a convenient option.

• Privacy Door Knobs

  These knobs are an excellent choice for any room in the home that needs some privacy but not complete security. They are commonly found in bedrooms and bathrooms. While the knob will turn freely from the outside, the knob on the inside locks the door and prevents it from being opened without permission. It can be unlocked from outside in an emergency using a small tool, and it can be unlocked from the inside in an emergency using a small tool.

• Dummy Knobs

  These knobs serve a decorative purpose and are not functional. They do not have any moving parts and cannot turn. They are used when a door does not need to open or close, like on an area where a handle is needed to pull something, or to finish the look of a door without a knob on one side. They are installed on the side of the door that faces the room and are smooth and plain on the other side.

• Entry Door Knobs

  These knobs are found on exterior doors and will withstand constant use and provide security. They are made with a locking mechanism and are usually installed with a deadbolt for additional protection. Most entry knobs are available in various finishes to match the look of other knobs in the house.

• Mortise Door Knobs

  These knobs are installed in a rectangular cut-out in the door and are used when a heavier knob is needed to withstand constant use, like on an exterior door. A mortise plate is attached to the edge of the door frame that holds all the knobs and deadbolt in place, making them more secure than other kinds of knobs. These knobs are more expensive than cylindrical knobs because the door must be cut differently to install them. However, they are a good choice where security is critical, like in an office or store.

• Smart Door Knobs

  These knobs have the latest technology and are a good choice for any home that wants to be more secure and also uses smart devices. They can be locked and unlocked using a code, fingerprint, smartphone, or other devices. Depending on the model, they can also be used to lock doors automatically at certain times, send alerts when someone enters or leaves, and be controlled remotely. They are easy to install if the door already has a smart deadbolt but may be more expensive than other kinds of knobs.

Functions and features of door knobs

When considering the door knob as an important part of any home, it is crucial to look at the features and functions of the door knobs in detail so that the right choice can be made.

Functions of the door knob:

• The basic function of a door knob is to open and close a door. The door knob should be easy to turn so that the door can be opened or closed without any problem. It should also be able to lock the door in the closed position so that it can be easily secured.
• Another important function of the door knob is to provide security by keeping the door secure. The knob should have a locking mechanism that will keep the door from being opened from the outside without the proper key or knob.
• Some door knobs have a feature that allows the door to be locked from the inside in case of an emergency. This is called an emergency lock feature.
• Another function of the door knob is to provide privacy. The door knob should provide privacy for the people inside the room. This is done by keeping the door closed and locked.

Features of the door knob:

• The door knob's material is important because it provides the durability and strength needed for the knob to work properly. The materials can also make the knob look good and match the decor of the room.
• The finish of the door knob is important because it not only makes the knob look good but also makes it easy to clean and keep it looking good. The finish can also add to the durability of the knob.
• The size of the door knob is an important feature because it determines how easy it is to use to open and close the door. A larger size may be needed for bigger doors, while a smaller size may work for smaller doors.
• Some door knobs come with decorative features that make them look better. This can include different shapes, sizes, and styles that make the knob stand out. This can also include lights on the knob that make it easier to see in the dark.

Scenarios door knobs

The door knobs serve as an interface between the inside of a room and the outside. They are used to access any room or cabinet. So, the applications are pretty broad. Here are some of them:

• Residential Applications

  In a typical home setup, the door knobs are used in the following places:

  For the entrance of the home. Here, the knobs are more secure and with a locking mechanism.

  For bedrooms and bathrooms. The knobs for these rooms are usually the same but without a lock for the bedrooms.

  For closets. The closet knobs are usually the same as those of the bedrooms. They are mostly without a lock.

  For kitchen cabinets and drawers. The knobs are usually small and sometimes part of a pull to enable easy opening of the drawer or cabinet.

• Commercial Applications

  The door knobs for commercial applications are generally more durable and functional than those for residential applications. This is because they will be used more often and by different people.

  The kinds of knobs mentioned before are all still relevant here. However, the ones with a lock are more relevant in this application. They are used for office doors, conference rooms, storage rooms, and file cabinets.

• Institutional Applications

  Door knobs for institutional setups are more secure, durable, and design-focused. They are usually bought in bulk and installed by professionals.

  They are used in dormitory rooms, hallways, and common areas. The knobs for these rooms are usually more residential-like but more durable.

  In hospitals, the knobs are mostly touch-free or push-operated. This is to prevent the transfer of bacteria or for easy use by disabled patients.

  For schools and universities, the door knobs are usually the same as those for offices because they will be used by students and staff members.

• Specialized Applications

  Some door knobs are designed specifically for some applications. These are specialized door knobs. For example, the hospital doors will have knobs that are push-operated for easy use by patients on wheelchairs. Also, for public restrooms, the knobs will be anti-microbial to prevent the spread of bacteria.

How to choose door knobs

When choosing the right kind of door knobs, it is important to consider a few factors before making the choice. Some of them are as follows:

• Know the kind of doors:

  Before choosing a door and the kind of knob, it is important to know what kind of doors will be installed. Knowing the doors will help in knowing the right kind of knobs to get. Front doors, bedroom doors, bathroom doors, and closet doors all require different kinds of knobs.

• Quality of the material

  When choosing door knobs, it is important to look at the quality of the material. This will greatly affect how long the knob will last and also how it will look on the door. If the material is of good quality, it will be able to withstand all the weather and still function properly.

• Safety and Security

  One very important factor to consider when choosing a door knob is safety and security. Some knobs are better than others when it comes to keeping people safe inside. Look at the kind of lock that comes with the knob and also how sturdy the knob is.

• Finish and Style

  The finish and style of the door knob play an important role, as it should complement the look of the door. This is because the door and the finish of the door knob need to work together to make the room or home look complete.

• Functionality

  When choosing a door knob, it is important to look at the functionality of the knob, as this will determine how well it works. If the knob is easy to turn and push, then it is a good choice. Also, consider the sound it makes when it is turned; if it is a squeaky sound, then it might need to be oiled.

• Handedness

  This is a word used to describe if a person is left-handed or right-handed. It is an important thing to consider when choosing a door knob because some knobs are made for left-handed people, while others are made for right-handed people. Knowing one’s handedness will help in choosing the right kind of knob for the door.

door knobs Q&A

Q: What are the main components of a door knob?

A: The basic components of a door knob include the knob/lever, rose/plate, spindle, and latch. The knob is the part that turns to open the door. The rose/plate are the parts that go on either side of the door and hold the knob in place. The spindle is the rod that connects the two knobs/levers and the latch is what actually locks/unlocks the door.

Q: Are door knobs or levers better?

A: Whether knobs or levers are better depends on personal preference. Knobs take up less space and have a more compact design. However, levers are easier to use, especially for people with disabilities or young children, as they require less gripping motion to operate.

Q: What is the most durable type of door knob?

A: Knobs made from solid brass or stainless steel are considered very durable. Look for ones that are double walled or have a hardened steel core. Brass and steel exterior surfaces are also very long-lasting.

Q: What does a passage knob mean?

A: Passage knobs are non-locking and meant for rooms that don't require privacy, like hallways or closets. They allow the door to swing open and closed but won't lock it. The latch can be used with passage knobs to keep the door from swinging open on its own.

Q: What is the difference between a knob and a rose?

A: The rose is the plate that surrounds the knob and is mounted on the door. It acts as a support for the knob. The rose also houses the mechanism that operates the locking and unlocking of the door. The rose can be of different shapes and sizes, such as round, square, or long-rose.