Glossary

Authentic Reproduction - manufactured hardware based on a historically accurate pattern.

Backset - distance from the edge of the lock or latch. 

Butt Hinge - hinge where one leaf is mortised to the jamb and one leaf mortised to the edge of the door exposing the barrel of the hinge. Decorative finials are available.

Casing - trim or frame applied to a jamb around a door opening.

Cast - products are shaped by pouring melted metal into mold to harden.

Clavos - a nail or screw with a large decorative head.

Cylinder - part of a lock where the key is inserted to lock or unlock the set.

Door Handing - determines the swing of the door.

Door Jamb - upright piece forming the side of a doorway.

Door Stile - the vertical flat panel of a door. It is important to note the stile width when selecting trim.

DT - door thickness. Necessary for lock and latch sets.

Dummy Strap Hinge - surface mounted, simulates the look of working strap hinges.

Dutch Door - door that has been cut horizontally so that the top half can be opened while the bottom remains closed.

Escutcheon - decorative plate that mounts around a keyhole.

Fire Welded - a traditional blacksmith technique that joins material with the aid of a forge, hammer, and anvil.

Flush Mount - refers to hardware mounted on two level surfaces. For example, the door is flush with casing.

Flush Pull - recessed pull used on sliding pocket doors.

Foliated - hand filed decorative end available on H & HL hinges.

Full Dummy - knob or lever mounted back to back on a door without a lock or latch mechanism.

Hand Forged - metal is heated very hot and hammered by hand into shape. 

Keeper - a metal piece used to retain a lock or latch.

Keyed Alike - keyed to the same number so that one key operates multiple cylinders.

Lever Strength - latch or lock manufactured with heavy duty springs for use with door levers.

Mortise - hole cut in to receive a projection on another piece, often to make flush. Not mounted on the surface.

Night Latch - an additional locking mechanism mounted on certain locks and latches.

Offset - bend in material to accommodate different level surfaces. For example, the offset in a shutter hinge.

Original - refers to authentic 18th and 19th Century hardware crafted by English, German, Dutch and American blacksmiths and locksmiths.

Passage Function - non-locking set with working handles. This function is recommended for doors that do not require privacy or security. Examples include closets, pantry and laundry room doors.

Pintle - strap hinges mount and operate on these. They are available as a surface plate, mortise place, angle plate, drive style, lag screw and bolt thru.

Privacy Function - locking set with working handles. It is typically locked by a turn piece on the inside of the door and can be unlocked with an emergency release key on the outside. Examples include bathroom, bedroom, and office doors.

Rail - the horizontal flat panel on a door. Example, lock rail. It is important to note the rail width when selecting trim, especially rim locks 

Retainer - a metal piece used to hold a bar to a door. One of the parts used on our bar latches and thumb latches.

Rolled Barrel - cost alternative method to manufacturing the barrel on a hinge. Recommended for secondary locations.

Rosette - decorative piece mounted with a knob or lever.

Set Screw - screw that correctly positions knobs or levers on a spindle.

Single Dummy - knob or lever mounted on one side of the door without a lock or latch mechanism.

Spindle - square shaft that attaches knobs or levers to a door. Typically comes in 7mm or 8mm width.

Strap Hinge - traditional early style hinge that is attached to the surface of the door and mounted on a pintle that is applied to the jamb. They are available in 1/4” or 3/16” material and are made using the traditional fire welded technique or a rolled barrel method. Numerous decorative ends and sizes are available. Typically strap hinges extend 2-3 inches from the edge of the door for additional strength and durability.

Surface Mounted - hardware installed by being mounted on the surface. Not mortised or cut in.

Thumb Latch - a latch that is operated by pressing the thumb piece down which lifts the pivoted bar mounted on the reverse side of the door and disengages the keeper. Thumb latches include the latch, bar, keeper and retainer.

Time Period - refers to an era in American history. Typically, they are classified under:
Colonial (1640-1790)
Georgian (1715-1790)
Federal (1780-1830)
Greek Revival (1820-1850)
Victorian (1850-1900)
Art Deco (1890-1920)
Modern (1920-Present)

Trim - refers to a knob or lever and the functions with how they are outfitted to a door. Also refers to the visible woodwork inside a building and specifically around a door.

Turn Piece - piece that operates the deadbolt on the inside of a lockset.