Glossary of Door Hardware and Installation Terms

Intro text

Active Door (in a pair of doors)

The leaf that opens first and the one to which the lock is applied.

Anchor Hinge

Butt-type hinge with extended angle plates on one or both leaves, which are mortised (anchored) into top edge of door and/or header.

Anti-Friction Bearing

Bearing used in a hinge for the purpose of reducing friction and improving efficiency. Normally balls, oil-impregnated or other anti-friction material is used.

Anti-Friction Latchbolt

The latchbolt of a lock that has been equipped with a device for lessening friction between bolt and strike. May be a small trigger attached to the bolt that contacts the strike and exerts a lever action to depress the bolt (three-piece latchbolt). May also be a latchbolt with some form of nylon insert or surface.

Approved Schedule

Schedule reviewed by the architect and stamped as approved.

Astragal

A member of combination of members applied to one or both doors of a pair at their meeting edges. The astragal closes the clearance gap for the purpose of either providing a weather seal, minimizing the passage of light between the doors or retarding the passage of smoke or flame during a fire. Some types overlay, others meet at the centerline of the gap (sometimes referred to as a “split astragal”).

Auxiliary Deadlatch

A supplementary latch, which, when the door is closed, automatically deadlocks the latchbolt against end pressure. It does not interfere with the normal operation of the lock.

Backcheck

Optional feature in hydraulic door closers, which takes effect at a certain degree of opening and controls the speed of the door during the balance of its opening cycle.

Backset (of a lock)

A term used in referring to the horizontal distance from the face of the lock to the centerline of the cylinder, keyhole or knob hub. On locks with beveled fronts, this distance is measured from the center of the lock edge. On locks with rabbeted fronts it is measured from the lower step of the center of the lock face.

Ball-Bearing hinge

A hinge equipped with ball bearings between the hinge knuckles to reduce friction.

Barrel

That portion of a hinge that is enlarged to receive the pin and act as the pivot point. It includes one or more knuckles from each individual leaf.

Bevel of Door

The angle of the edge of the door in relation to the inside and outside surfaces of the stile. Thin doors are not usually beveled. The commonly used bevel for heavier doors is 1/8” in 2”. (A beveled edge on a thick door is necessary for a close fit when the door is closed because of the arched swing of the door.)

Box Strike

A strike containing a housing in the back to enclose the bolt opening in the frame. May be a separate piece from the strike. Metal frames usually have a box already built into the strike area to protect it from mortar and cement.

Bright Finish

A term used to describe builders’ hardware that is polished and buffed to achieve a mirror-like surface.

Butt Hinge (or Butt)

A hinge mortised into both the door and frame.

Button-in-Knob

An inside knob with a built-in-button that controls the locking and unlocking of the outside knob. May be either push button or turn button.

Cam (of a cylinder)

A piece attached to the end of the cylinder plug. As the proper key turns the cylinder plug, the cam is rotated. This, in turn, moves the bolt or other locking mechanism.

Case (of a lock)

The box containing the mechanism.

Center Pivot

A special type of hanging device for heavy-duty doors that usually swing both ways (double acting).

Center-to-Center

Measurement from the center of one member to the center of another.

Change Key

A key that operates an individual cylinder. Also called “day key” or “ individual key.”

Circuit

The path for an electric current.

Clearance

A space intentionally provided between building parts, either to facilitate operation or installation, to insure proper separation, to accommodate dimensional variations or for other reasons.

Concealed Hinge

A hinge so constructed that no parts are exposed when the door is closed.

Conduit

A pipe or trough that carries water, electrical wiring, cables and so forth.

Construction Master Key (CMK)

A key normally used by builder personnel for a temporary period during construction. It operates all key cylinders designated for its use. The owner permanently voids this key when he accepts the building or buildings form the contractor.

Continuous Hinge

A hinge designed to extend for the length of the moving part to which it is applied. Also called “piano hinge.”

Coordinator

A device used on a pair of doors to insure that the inactive leaf closes first, before the active leaf. Necessary when an overlapping astragal is present, with certain exit device combinations and when automatic or self-latching bolts are used. Both door leaves must have closers.

Corner Bracket (Door Closer Bracket)

A bracket that is connected to a doorframe jamb and head at the upper hinge corner, to support an exposed overhead door closer.

Cremone Bolt

A device, of surface application, that by a turn of knob or lever handle locks the door or the sash into the frame top and bottom.

Curved-Lip Strike

A strike with lip curved to conform to the detail of the door casing.

Cylinder

The part of a lock that contains the tumbler mechanism and keyway. The cylinder will permit only the correct key to enter and turn, thus operating the locking mechanism.

Cylinder Ring (or Cylinder Collar)

A collar or washer that fits snugly around the head of a cylinder. It enhances the appearance of the installation, and in some cases, protects the cylinder from tampering.

Cylinder Set Screw

The setscrew in the front of a lock that prevents the mortise cylinder from being removed after installation.

Cylindrical Lock

A type of bored lock. The locking mechanism is usually contained within a cylindrical case, and actuated by a cylinder and/or a button in the knob.

Deadbolt

A lock bolt having no spring action, usually rectangular in shape, which is operated by a key or turnknob. It is locked against end pressure when projected.

Deadlock

One having a deadbolt only.

Deadlocking Latchbolt

A spring-actuated latchbolt with a beveled end and incorporating a plunger that, when depressed, automatically locks the projected latchbolt against return by end pressure. See Auxiliary Deadlatch.

Dogging

Term used with exit devices. A mechanism that allows the latchbolt to remain in a retracted position thus permitting free push-pull operation of the door from either side. Cannot be used on fire-rated exit devices.

Door Closer (or Door Check)

A device attached at the top of the door, either on the surface or mortised, to regulate and control the operation of the door.

Door Holder

Used for fastening a door in selected open positions.

Door Pull

A handle or grip, commonly mounted on a plate, designed for attachment to a door to facilitate opening and closing.

Door Stop

A device to limit the opening swing of a door. Also, that part of a doorframe against which the door closes.

Double Egress

A pair of doors that are comprised of two single-acting doors swinging in opposite directions both doors being of the same hand.

Double-Acting Door

A door equipped with hardware that permits it to swing to either side of the plane of its frame.

Double-Acting Spring Hinge

A device for hanging a door, permitting the door to swing in either direction and return to a closed position.

Drip

A molding designed to prevent rainwater from running down the face of a wall, or to protect the bottom of a door or window from leakage.

Dummy Cylinder

One without operating mechanism, for use where effect is desired.

Dummy Trim

Trim only, without lock. Usually used on the inactive door of a pair of doors to give balance.

Edge Plate

An angle-or channel-shaped guard used to protect the edge of a door.

Electric Strike

An electrical device that replaces a regular lock strike and allows opening of the door from a remote location or by special access equipment.

Escutcheon

An elongated plate, either protective or ornamental, contains openings for the cylinder, knob or thumbturn.

Exit Device

A door-locking device designed to grant instant exit from an area by pressing on crossbar, which releases the locking bolt or latch.

Extension Bolt

A flush bolt in which the connection between bolt head and operating mechanism is by means of a rod inserted through a hole bored in the thickness of the door.

Fast Pin Butt (Hinge)

A hinge in which the pin is fastened permanently in place, preventing separation of the two leaves.

Ferrous Metal

A metal containing or derived from iron.

Flat Lip Strike

A strike with a flat (non-curved) lip. May often be non-handed.

Floor Clearance

The size of the space between the bottom of a door and the finished floor.

Floor Closer

A door closing device that is installed in a recess in the floor below the door in order to regulate and control the opening and closing of the door.

Flush Bolt

A door bolt so designed that when installed it is flush with the face or edge of the door.

Foot Bolt

A bolt designed for attachment to the bottom of a door. Usually the bolt is controlled by a trigger, which holds the bolt against a spring. Release of the trigger permits the spring to move the bolt into the locking position.

Friction Hinge

A hinge designed to swing a door and hold it at any desired position by means of friction control incorporated in the knuckles of the hinge.

Front (of a Lock)

That part of a lock visible in the edge of a door after installation.

Gasketing

Certain items and equipment used for the control of environment, weather, sound, vision, smoke, etc.

Grand Master Key (GMK)

A key that operates all of a large group of locks, which contain two or more master key groups.

Hand

The term used to indicate the direction a door swings.

Handed Hardware

Locks, closers and other hardware, limited to use with doors that swing in a given direction.

Hardware Sets

A group of hardware listed in the specification, under execution, for a specific opening.

Hinge

Two jointed plates hinged together and attached to a door and its frame. Serves to support or “hang” the door and allows the door to swing or move.

Hinge Backset

Distance from back end of hinge to edge of inside door surface.

Hinge Jamb

Vertical member of door frame to which the hinges are applied.

Hinge Stile (of a door)

The door stile to which the hinges are applied.

Hinge Types

Classified according to installation method:

• Half-Mortise - Hinge with one leaf mortised in a edge of the door, the other leaf mortised in the edge of the door, the other leaf secured to the surface of doorjamb.
• Full Mortise - Hinge with one leaf mortised in the edge of the door, the door, the other leaf mortised in the doorjamb.
• Half-Surface - Hinge with one leaf mortised in doorjamb, the other leaf secured to surface of door.
• Full Surface - Hinge with one leaf secured to surface of door, the other leaf secured to surface of doorjamb.

Hospital Tips

A scheduling of “detailed” doors, frames and hardware. Done in a horizontal format, similar to what is found as a door schedule on some architectural plans.

Hotel Lock

A lock having special locking and access characteristics, especially designed for use in a hotel/motel.

Inactive Door

That leaf of a pair of doors that is bolted when closed and to which the lock strike is fastened to receive the latch of the active door.

Indicator

A device, usually an inward-or outward-moving button, used in connection with hotel locks to indicate whether room is occupied.

Inset

The distance from the face of the door to the face of the jamb.

Jamb

The vertical member forming the side of a door, window or wall opening frame. The hinge jamb is the jamb at which the hinges or pivots are installed. The strike jamb is the jamb in which a strike may be installed and away from which the door or window swings. A blank jamb is one that has not been prepared to receive hardware.

Jamb Depth

The width of a jamb, measured perpendicular to the door or wall face at the edge of the opening.

Keeper

Same as Strike.

Key Section

The cross-sectional shape or configuration applied lengthwise to a key blade that may restrict its insertion into the lock mechanism through the keyway. Each key section is usually assigned a designation or code by the manufacturer. (This is usually shown as a cross-section view from the bow toward the tip of the key).

Keyed Alike (KA)

A group of locks in which each is operated by the same change key.

Keying Schedule

A complete listing and explanation of all keys and keying requirements.

Key-in-the-Knob

A doorknob with built-in cylinder for locking and unlocking with a key.

Keyway

The shape or configuration of the hole in the lock mechanism that allows only a key with the proper key section to enter.

Kick Plate

A protective plate applied on the lower rail of the door to protect against the door being marred.

Knuckle

The enlarged part of a hinge into which the pin is inserted.

Labeled Door (or Frame)

A door or frame that conforms to all the applicable requirements- in respect to fire resistance- of a nationally recognized testing authority and bears a label designating that fire rating.

Latch Retractor

In a cylindrical lock, the device that is activated by the spindle, and in turn, retracts the latchbolt.

Latch Unit

That portion of a cylindrical lock that fits into the edge of the door housing the latchbolt and latchtail. In a tubular lock, it also contains the retracting mechanism.

Latchbolt

A lock component having a beveled end that projects from the lock front but may be forced back into the lock case by end pressure or drawn back by action of the lock mechanism. When the door is closed, the latchbolt projects into a hole provided in the strike, holding the door in a closed position.

Lead-Lined

A door, frame or lock designed for use in hospitals or other areas where there is a potential radiation hazard. The door or frame is lined with sheet lead. The lock is sheathed or lined with lead.

Leaf (of a hinge or butt)

One of the two movable plates which, when fastened together by the hinge pin, form a complete hinge.

Leaf (of a pair of doors)

One of the two doors forming a pair or a double door.

Lever Handle

A horizontal handle on a lockset or auxiliary lock.

Lip of Strike

The projecting part on which the latchbolt rides. It may be either a curved-lip or flat lip.

Lock Front

A plate fastened to the edge of a door through which the bolts pass.

Lock Rail (of a door)

The horizontal member of a door that receives the locking mechanism.

Lock Stile (of a door)

The vertical member of a door to which the lock is applied, as distinguished from the hinge stile.

Lockset

A complete lock or latch assembly, includes the lock or latch mechanism and trim (knobs, levers, handles, roses and escutcheons).

Loose Pin Hinge

A hinge having a removable pin to permit the two leaves of the hinge to be separated.

Louver

A ventilating window covered by sloping slats to exclude rain.

Masonite

A hardboard trade name.

Masonry

Material such as stone, brick and block used by a mason.

Master Key (MK)

A key with baiting arranged to operate two or more locks of different changes in a group, each lock also being operated by its own individual key.

Meeting Stile

The vertical edge of a door or window, in a pair, which is adjacent to the other door or window. A parallel bevel meeting stile is one, which has a beveled edge paralleling the edge of the other door. A round (radius) stile is one having a rounded edge. A V-bevel meeting stile has edges that bevel in opposite direction, thus forming a “V”.

Molding

Strips used for ornamentation.

Mop Plate

A narrow plate, similar to a kick plate, of sufficient height only to protect against the swish of the mop.

Mortise

An opening recess or cutout made to receive a lock or other hardware. Also the act of making such an opening.

Mortise Bolt

A bolt assembly designed to be mortised into a door (in opposition to being surface mounted).

Mortise Cylinder

See Cylinder. A cylinder with a threaded body and a cam. Normally used with mortise lock.

Mortise Lock

A lock assembly designed to be mortised into the edge cut out in a door.

Mullion

A fixed or movable vertical member dividing a door opening.

Muntin

The small members that divide the glass in a window frame.

Non-Ferrous

Metals that do not contain iron.

Offset Pivot

A special hanging device for heavy-duty doors, used on doors swinging one way only.

On Center

Measurement from the center of one member to the center of another.

Opening Size

The size of a doorframe opening, measured horizontally between jam rabbets and vertically between the head rabbet and the finished floor. The opening size is usually the nominal size and is equal to the actual door size plus clearances.

Overhead Concealed Closer

A closer in the frame header with an arm connecting to the door at the top rail.

Oxidation

The natural tendency of compounds to break down and return to their basic, original forms. This characteristic is both beneficial and detrimental in builders’ hardware. Rust and corrosion and detrimental, destructive form of oxidation. On the other hand, a finish that darkens with use, i.e., oxidized bronze or copper’s “patina” are examples of attractive, essentially non-destructive forms of oxidation.

Panic Hardware

See Exit Device.

Paumelle Hinge

A style of hinge using a single, pivot-type knuckle. Generally modern, or streamlined design.

Piano Hinge

See Continuous Hinge.

Pivot-Reinforced Hinge

Butt hinge combined and interlocked with a pivot to increase shock load resistance.

Plain-Bearing

A standard hinge without ball, oil-impregnated or anti-friction bearings.

Plug (of a lock cylinder)

The round part containing the keyway and rotated by the key to transit motion to the bolt, or other locking mechanism.

Primer

A liquid coating applied to a surface prior to application of one or more coats of paint or other applied finish.

Push Plate

A plate placed on the surface of a door to protect it from wear and soiling, as a result of persons pushing the door open.

Rabbet

A term used to define that portion of a doorframe into which the door fits. Also a term used to describe the abutting edges of a pair of doors or windows so shaped as to provide a tight fit. One half of the edge projects beyond the other half, usually 1/2”.

Rabbeted Lock (or Latch)

A lock whose front conforms to the rabbet on the edge of the door.

Rail

A full-thickness, horizontal structural member forming the top or bottom edge of a door or sash. May be located at an intermediate height in a door, separating panels or glazed area.

Removable Core Cylinder

A cylinder containing an easily removable core assembly, which incorporates the entire lumber mechanism including the plug, tumblers and separate shell. The cores normally are removable and interchangeable by use of a special key (called a “control key”).

Removable Mullion

A mullion separating doors vertically within a doorframe. Required for the normal operation of doors by designed to permit its temporary removal so the entire width of the opening can be utilized.

Reveal

The dimension from the inside face of the door to the face of the frame at the side opposite from the direction of the door swing.

Reverse Bevel

A term used to designate the hand of a door when the door swings to the outside/key swing.

Rim Cylinder

See Cylinder. Mounted through the door independently of the lock, usually by screws from the reverse side, and engaging the lock mechanism by means of tailpiece.

Saddle

See Threshold.

Satin Finish

Builders’ hardware that has been scoured with an abrasive to achieve a dull luster.

Shear Line

The interface between the plug and shell in a cylinder that is normally obstructed by the pin tumblers. The pins must be raised to the sear line by the correct key to allow the plug/key to turn.

Silencer

A small piece of resilient material attached to the stop on a doorframe to cushion the closing of the door.

Sill

The stone or wood member across the bottom of a door or window opening. Also the bottom member on which a building frame rests (sill plate).

Single-Acting Door

A door mounted to swing to only one side of the plane of its frame.

Sliding Door Pull

A pull that is either flush with the edge of the door or with the face of a sliding door.

Soffit

The under surface of the stop at the frame head. That portion of a doorframe between the rabbets on a double-rabbeted frame or between the rabbet and the outer edge of the frame on the stop side of a single-rabbeted frame. Sometimes referred to as the “stop width.”

Specifications

A written document that accompanies the working drawings, which sets forth standards for, the materials used in the construction of buildings. It also covers all conditions relating to that construction; labor, bidding, purchasing, payment, etc.

Spindle (of a knob)

The bar connecting the knobs or levers and passing through the hub of the lock for the purpose of transmitting the knob/lever action to the latchbolt.

Split Astragal

An astragal that is split through the middle, allowing each door leaf to operate independently.

Spring Hinge

A hinge containing one or more springs to move the door into a closed position. It may be either singe-or double acting.

Stile

The vertical members of a door to which the lock and hinges are applied.

Stop (of a lock)

The buttons or other manual device to lock or unlock the outside knob or thumbpiece. A similar device in an auxiliary lock to keep the latchbolt retracted.

Strap Hinge

A surface hinge of which both leaves are of considerable length.

Strike

A metal plate or box that is pierced or recessed to receive the bolt or latch of a lock. Sometimes called a “keeper.”

Sub-floor

The rough flooring under the finish floor.

Surface Bolt

A rod or bolt mounted on the face of the inactive door of a pair to lock it to the frame and/or sill; operated manually.

Surface Hinge

One having both leaves secured to the surface of the door and frame.

Swaging

A slight offset of the hinge leaves at the barrel, which permits the leaves to come closer together.

Swing

The direction of opening of a swinging door Synonymous with the “hand of a door.”

Tailpiece

The connecting link attached to the end of a rim cylinder, which transmits the rotary motion of the key through the door, into the locking mechanism.

Template Hardware

Any item of hardware that is made to template, i.e., exactly matching the master template drawing as to spacing of all holes and dimensions.

Terrazzo

Floor covering of marble chips and cement ground to a smooth finish. Metal strips are used to separate different colors and create designs.

T-Hinge

A surface hinge with the short member attached to the jamb and the long member attached to the door.

Throw

The distance that a deadbolt or latchbolt projects when in the locked position.

Transom

A small window over a door.

Trim

A decorative member applied to the face of the doorjambs. Often used to cover or hide the joint between a doorframe and the adjacent wall surface. Also, decorative as well as functional components of a lockset, i.e., knob, rose or escutcheon. Also, decorative and/or functional components applied to a door to assist in its operation, i.e., push plates, pull plates, pulls, and kickplates.

Tubular Lockset

A lockset made up of three components: outside knob, rose and spindle assembly; latch unit with retracting mechanism; and inside knob and rose assembly.

Turnknob

A small knob usually crescent or oval shaped, with spindle attached, for operating the deadbolt of a mortise lock.

Vestibule

A small lobby or entrance room.

Weather-strip

Narrow strips made of metal, or other material, designed so that when installed at doors or windows it will retard the passage of air, moisture or dust around the door or window sash.