Door Knobs

Greatly visible and used on a day by day basis, door knobs and locks are significant to a home's appearance and convenience. Not to mention that they provide the first line of defense against intruders. When it comes to doorknob assemblies, there are two general types; mortise-mounted and bore-mounted.

Of the two types, mortise-mounted hardware is the more expensive choice. This type of door knob assembly relies on a bulky, rectangular metal box to hold its moving parts. Because of its dimensions, it must be installed into a hand-chiseled door cavity. It provides better security, but installation is more difficult and the materials in which it is made of are more reliable. These two factors contribute to its higher price.

In the past, as far back as the turn of the century, mortise-mounted assemblies were the only type of door hardware available. Nowadays, this type of door knob assembly is reserved mainly for exterior main entry doors, occasionally in restorations. Due to its high cost, its use for interior use has yielded. It is still very much available, but mortise-mounted hardware is now considered the finer of the two types.

For interior use, homeowners are looking for a door knob assembly that is easy to install and less expensive. This is where bore-mounted hardware comes into play. Bore-mounted hardware costs less and doesn’t require a hand-chiseled door cavity. In fact, bore-mounted door hardware only requires the drilling of two holes into the door for installation. Compared to mortise-mounted hardware, installation is quick and easy and relatively inexpensive.

As far as door knobs are concerned, you get what you pay for. In other words, if you spend a minimum amount of money on your door knob then expect it to be made of flimsy materials that will wear and tear easily. Inexpensive materials are susceptible to scratches and the knobs are made of thinner and less expensive metals giving them a weak, tinny feel. As a rule of thumb, if the door hardware you purchase is under $25, chances are the finish will fade in two or three years if not sooner. Furthermore, if a key-lock is included, the less costly ones can typically be opened by most amateur burglars.

Exposed vs. Concealed Mounting Screws

If you have decided to go with bore-mounted hardware then you have two basic styles to choose from. You can tell the difference between the two by examining the trim ring of the hardware. The trim ring is located between the knob and door.

Exposed mounting screw type: Screw heads can be seen on the trim ring. Appearance is lacking and less pressure is applied to the concealed mounting plates that hold the doorknob in place. If too much pressure is given then there is a chance of bending the plate.

Concealed mounting screw type: Screw heads are concealed on the trim ring. This type typically looks better, requires less maintenance and it also applies more pressure to the concealed mounting plates that hold the doorknob in place.

In addition to the two types of bore-mounted hardware, there are also two basic choices for a locking method which include a manual relock key and an auto relock key. With a manual relock key you must manually relock the door every time you open the latch. With an auto relock key the latch opens, but the hardware remains in locked position. Auto relock locking methods are generally used on main entry doors where one will find comfort in having the door always locked. This type of locking system separates the key passage and the lock-unlock function. Keep in mind, you will typically see the auto-relock function in mortise-mounted hardware, but is also available in the bore-mounted type.

Looking For More Information On Doors?

Replacing your home's doors is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right doors for your house and your budget. We offer Free Door Price Quotes from local, prescreened replacement door contractors.