DOOR / LOCKSET TERMINOLOGY

1. What is the Backset and how do you measure it?
The Backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the bore hole.  The Backset applies to Deadbolt and Passage locks.  The two common backsets for residential locks are 2-3/8" and 2-3/4"

2. How do you determine the Door Handing?
You can determine the handing of your door by standing on the outside of the door.  If the hinge is on the left, it is a left handed door, and you need a left handed lock.  If the hinge is on the right, you need a right handed lock.  Please see the following diagram:

3. What is the Offset and how do you measure it?
The Offset is the distance from the center of the passage bore hole to the center of the deadbolt bore hole.  Our standard offsets are 5", 5 1/2", 6", and 9".  The offset for all mortis & grip set latches is 3 7/18".

4. What are the different Lockset and Handle Types?

Functional Tubular Latch Locksets - Tubular refers to the standard size door latches made to fit most pre-bored and pre-hung doors.  The tube is generally 1.0" in diameter and will fit in through the edge of the door.  The sets are sold complete with 2 3/8" or 2 3/4" backset latches and also come with matching face plate and strike.

Mortis and Grip Locksets - A mortise type lock refers to a type of lock that is mortised in through the edge of a door and contains a secure spring loaded latching mechanism with deadbolt.  The sets are sold complete with a 2 1/2" backset mortis latch in a handle to lever or lever to lever function.

Passage Locksets - A passage lockset allows easy access because it does not contain a lock.  These type of locksets are used on closets or other interior doors where privacy is not an issue.

Privacy Locksets - A privacy lockset does contain a lock and is used where privacy is an issue like bedrooms and bathroom.  The lock becomes active by depressing a button, or pressing and turning the knob.  A privacy lockset provides little or no security.

Dummy - A dummy is a handle type that stays in a fixed position and does not operate.  No latch is provided with a dummy and is normally not needed.  Dummy handles are surface mounted meaning that no bore holes are required.  Dummy handles are used mostly for decoration.