The front door.  Giving it a face lift seems like a simple task but once you get into it, you realize there is a lot to know before you can buy a new knob and hinges.  Upon searching for my perfect Baldwin Door Knob, I had to do a lot of research so I knew I was getting the correct size and type for our existing door.  To save you some time, I’ve put together some visuals, breaking down the anatomy of a door in hopes this will help you look for new hardware with ease.

The Anatomy of a Door

Directions / swing of a Door

Doors are considered right handed or left handed. The Diagram below helps you identify what type of swing your door has.

Types of Door Knobs and handles

There are many different types of door knobs depending on the type of door you are buying hardware for.

• Dummy Door Knob  – These are fake door knobs that don’t have any functioning parts. 
• Passage Door Knob or unkeyed door knob – Door Knobs to go between rooms.  These do have functioning parts but do not have locks
• Keyed Entry Door Knob – These are used on exterior doors and garage doors entering your home.  They have a locking mechanism on each side of the door. 
• Privacy Door Knob – typically used in a bedroom or bathroom.  They lock from one side of the door.
• Handleset – Used on the front door.  Have an exterior handle, interior knob or lever and include a matching deadbolt. 

Measurements to note when searching for a door knob

Types and Shapes of Door Hinges

Door Hinges are typically 31/2 or 4 inches and can have either square corners or curved (radius) “corners” or sometimes both. If you’re replacing hinges on an existing door, make sure you select a door hinge that is the same shape and screw variation of the existing door. 

Closing

Going into this, I didn’t realize so much went into buying new door hardware, did you? What type of door are you tackling next?