Glossary
A collection of useful Ironmongery terms are defined below in alphabetical order.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Anodised Aluminium: - A hard corrosion resistant film on the surface of aluminium and it’s alloys usually opaque grey in colour but can also be dyed with a variety of tints.
Annulated: - A series on concentric grooves or rings on a nail or pin to improve the holding power.
Anti Thrust Bolt: - A bolt which cannot be pushed back, and only withdrawn by use of the key or operating knob . The feature which brings added security is usually achieved by a dogging device which is operated by a slide which is pushed in by the striking plate. Typically seen on night latches, lockset furniture and digital lock latches.
Antique Brass: - Typically a dark “old brass” finish with lighter patches but also used to describe antique style products made of brass.
Aperture: - When referring to a letter plate, this is the size of the opening in the letter plate for the letters.
Armour Bright: - A polished shiny steel or iron finish with some darker patches in the less accessible areas.
Backflap Hinge: - A hinge which is wider across the flaps relative to the length of the knuckle. The wider flaps can give added strength in some situations.
Backplate: - The fixing plate for the body of a night latch which also locates the cylinder fixing screws.
Backset: - The distance from the outside face on a lock/latch forend and the centre of the keyhole or follower.
Ball Catch: - A push pull catch with a spring loaded ball half protruding which retracts and catches into the receiver. Looks like a small barrel and is designed to push into a bored hole retained by interference fit.
Bale’s Catch: - Like a ball catch but has a forend plate with two fixing screws.
Barrel Bolt: - Door bolt comprising a round shoot in a guide on a back plate.
Bathroom Handles: - On the handle fitted to the inside of the door there is a button which when turned, operates the deadbolt on the bathroom mortice lock. On the handle fitted to the outside of the door there is an emergency release slot, usually operated by a coin or screwdriver, which can be used to unlock the door in an emergency. The turn button and the emergency release are connected by use of a smaller spindle, which passes through the bathroom lock.
Bathroom Lock: - Lock with a spring bolt operated by handles on either side and a dead bolt operated by a turn button on the inside and an emergency release slot on the outside.
Bolt: - The part of a lock which fastens by passing into the receiver.
Bookcase Strip: - Metal strip with slots to house bookcase studs which carry shelves a various heights.
Box lock: - Fits in the front of a box with a hinged lid. Lock engages with a linkplate fitted to the lid.
Box Staple: - A receiver staple typically used with a rim lock. Looks like a box which is open on one side where the bolt enters.
Box Striker: - A receiver plate for a mortice lock with an enclosed box where the bolt enters so that the receiver cavity is enclosed.
Brass: - A yellow metal made from an alloy of copper and zinc.
Brass Plating: - Electroplated brass coating typically on steel or zinc alloy to resemble solid brass.
British Standards: - A product standard issued by UK’s national standards body the Bristish Standard Institute. Usually denoted by a BS number and/or a kite mark and recognised in countries throughout the world. http://www.bsigroup.com/
Bronze: - An alloy of copper and Tin. Can be produced into a variety of finishes including antiqued (RBMA), highly polished etc.
BS: - See British Standards
Bumping: - A technique for picking open a pin tumbler cylinder lock using a special key (a bump key). Bump resistant cylinders are available to help prevent this type of attack.
Butt Hinges: - The most common type of hinge typically used on doors in a house. The knuckle length is longer than the open width.
Butterfly Hinge: - A decorative cabinet hinge which is exposed when fitted and looks similar to butterfly wings.
Cabin Hook: - An extended hook and receiver to hold a door open. Available in different lengths and also a silent pattern with a taper fitting hook and tighter jointed hinge knuckle.
Cabinet Hinge: - Smaller hinges of various types and sizes for fitting to cabinets and cupboards.
Cabinet Lock: - A general term for the locks fitted to furniture, cupboards, drawers, chests, boxes etc.
Card Frame: - A small frame on a door or drawer which can hold an information card. May incorporate a pull particularly when fitted to a drawer.
Casement Fastener: - A fastener fitted to a hinged window light usually engaging with a hook plate, a mortice plate or a wedge plate to hold the window firmly closed. There are also locking types for added security.
Casement Stay: - A stay to hold a hinged window open at a selected distance usually by means of a peg or friction slide. Locking types are also available for added security.
Casement Window: - A window which can be hinged open.
Cast Iron: - Pig iron re-melted to produce cast iron which is poured into moulds usually formed in sand. There are three main types.
i) Grey Iron. Although this is relatively easy and cheap to cast it is extremely brittle, in thin sections especially, and cannot be riveted, hammered or assembled with any ease.
ii) SG Iron. Although more durable than grey iron, it is difficult to cast into thin sections. It also does not inherit the toughness of malleable iron that is vital in everyday use of our door and window furniture.
iii) Malleable Iron. This is an iron that after casting is subjected to a heat treatment process known as annealing. In this process castings are heated to around 1000ºC for up to 100 hours whilst in contact with haematite ore. The ore acts as an oxidising agent, which removes carbon from the casting. It is the presence of carbon in cast iron that causes its brittleness and removing some makes the casting much stronger (malleable). This iron differs as it is stronger and more durable and can be cast and assembled into a wider range of products than the other two irons mentioned above.
Castors: - A wheeled fitting used on various types of furniture for ease of movement. There are a variety of different types.
CE Mark: - CE marking is a declaration by the manufacturer that the product meets all the appropriate provisions of the relevant legislation implementing certain European Directives.
Centre Door Knob: - A fixed door knob used to pull a door closed.
Certifire: - Product certification for passive fire protection. The scheme assures performance, quality, reliability and traceability of all passive fire protection products and systems. The CERTIFIRE brand is recognised by regulatory authorities worldwide as an international mark of fire safety.
Chest Hinge: - A special configured hinge sometimes decorative for fitting to the body of a chest and the lid.
Chrome Plated: - A familiar white metal usually plated onto brass or zinc alloy. Has a highly polished reflective sheen with a blue tinge.
Circlip: - An open ended ring which is secured into place with a special plier to retain a component. Often used on the back of door handles to retain the operating lever or knob to the backplate.
Claw Bolt: - A lock which has a dead bolt with pivoting claws which swing out sideways when the bolt is shot and fold back in flush with the forend when the bolt is retracted. Sometimes used on box and drawer locks, roll top desk locks and sliding doors.
Cleat Hook: - A type of double hook with a leg projecting at either end so that a rope or cord can be wound around it.
Close Shackle Padlock: - A padlock with minimum amount of shackle visible when closed to reduce attack by forcing or cutting the shackle.
Clutch Bolt: - A pivoted spring bolt with an L shaped catch which fastens into the striking plate. Typically used on sliding doors, some types just latch the door and some are locking.
Combination Lock: - A keyless lock opened by an arrangement of numbers or letters.
Connecting Bar: - The bar in the back of a rim cylinder which connects the cylinder to the lock mechanism.
Counter Flap Hinge: - A hinge containing an intermediate jointed piece to enable the hinge to lie flush with the counter surface when the flap is down.
Covered Escutcheon: - A keyhole escutcheon which has a pivoted cover.
Cranked Knuckle: - A type of hinge construction where the leafs have an offset to bring the hinge flaps closer together in the closed position. There can be different amounts of swaging in different hinge types. This is designed to minimise the gap between the door and jamb where the hinge is fitted which in turn reduces the amount of timber that needs to be removed to mortice the hinge.
Cremone Bolt: - A door or window fastener which has up and down sliding bars operated from a central handle. Sometimes called an espagnolette bolt.
Cremorne Bolt: - Alternative name for a Cremone Bolt
Cross Garnet Hinge: - A tee hinge which has a knuckle shorter than the length of the vertical flap.
Cupboard Catch: - Fastener for a cupboard door
Cupboard Knob: - Small knob for a cupboard door
Cut Cupboard Lock: - A cupboard lock which is cut into the door so that it lies flush with the door.
Cycle Lock: - A special style of lock with a bar or chain to lock a bicycle.
Cylinder Key: - A key for a pin tumbler type of lock.
Cylinder Night Latch: - A latch which is operated by a pin tumbler cylinder.
Cylinder Lock: - A type of lock mechanism operated by pin tumblers.
Cylinder Rose: - The ring which surrounds the cylinder on the face of the door.
DDA Compliant: - The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) is a piece of legislation that promotes civil rights for disabled people and protects disabled people from discrimination.
Dead Bolt: - The bolt in a lock which is operated by the key.
Dead Latch: - Usually used to denote a night latch which can be deadlocked by the key but also may describe a night latch with an anti-thrust bolt.
Dead Lock: - A lock which has a dead bolt only.
Dead Locking: - Preventing a spring bolt from being pushed in by an extra turn of the key particularly on a night latch.
Diecast: - Pressurising or pouring molten metal into a die to give it a shape.
Differs: - In a given range of locks each will be opened by a different key.
Disc Tumbler: - A type of cylinder where the key acts on a series of spring loaded flat plates rather than pins. When the key enters the cylinder it passes through slots in the plates (tumblers) lifting them so that the ends are flush with the cylinder plug allowing it to turn.
Dogging Device: - A device used with Panic Bolts to hold the top and bottom shoots in the open position so as to ensure that the catch does not engage when the door closes.
Door Check: - A device to prevent a door slamming or being pushed back against a wall. The mechanism is usually used in conjunction with a door closer.
Door Closer: - A device to automatically close a door after opening.
Door Furniture: - A collective term for all the components that can be fitted to a door, finger plates, handles, hinges, door closer etc.
Door Handle: - A handle used for pushing and pulling closed a door.
Door Holder: - A device for holding a door open.
Door Jamb: - The vertical part of a door frame.
Door Knob: - A rounded type of handle which may be turned to operate a latch or act as a pull.
Door knocker: - A device to alert arrival at a door.
Door Stop: - A device or rebate to prevent a door opening or closing further.
Double Ended Bolt: - A barrel bolt where the shoot can project and operate from both ends.
Double Ended Keyhole: - A keyhole with a round part for the key shank on either end of the slot, typically seen on double handed rim locks.
Double Handed Lock: - A lock which can operate as left or right hand (for either side of the door).
Double Locking: - A latch which can be deadlocked or a double throw lock.
Double Throw Lock: - A lock where by turning the key twice causes the bolt to throw further into the keep also requiring two turns to unlock.
Draught Excluder: - A device to prevent draughts around doors and windows.
Drawback Lock: - A lock with a sliding handle to withdraw the latch bolt.
Drawer Lock: - Fitted to the front of a drawer with a key to shoot a bolt upwards, sometimes called a till lock.
Drawn: - Drawing metal bar through a die to give it size and shape.
Drilled Spindle: - A spindle with a hole (or series of holes). A handle or knob with a screw in the neck will be designed to locate into or pass through the holes. May be referred to as a DT spindle.
Drilled and Tapped Spindle: - Similar to a drilled spindle but with the holes tapped to a particular thread.The screw in the neck of the knob will locate into the thread tapped in the spindle. May be referred to as a DT & T spindle.
Drop Bolt: - A bolt for the bottom of a door which falls by gravity and is held up in the open position by a holder.
Drop Forged: - A method to shape hot metal with a drop hammer. The hot metal is placed on an anvil and a mechanically raised hammer is dropped by gravity.
Drop Handle: - A handle with a hanging grip which falls back into place by gravity.
D T Spindle: - A drilled spindle.
DT & T Spindle: - A drilled and tapped spindle.
Duce’s Spindle: - A spindle which has grooves along two opposite sides and is threaded on the corners of the square. A knob is normally fixed to one end and the loose knob is threaded onto the other end. A grub screw in the neck of the loose knob locates into the grooves once it has been threaded to the correct position. Invented by Joseph Duce who patented it in 1842.
Easy Clean Hinge: - A window hinge which allows space for a persons arm between the window frame and the hinged side of the opener whilst in the open position. This is to assist with cleaning the window.
EJMA: - Used to describe a type of pin for use with casement stays and fasteners "EJMA pins". The letters stand for English Joinery Manufacturers Association and refer to a 9 degree splay profile on the outer frame and sash. The pins or fastener wedges are bevelled to accomodate this splay so that they are straight when fixed. Some manufacturers supply both types of pin or wedge with their product to accomodate this and some provide an adapter plate.
Electro Plated: - A process of producing electro-deposited finishes by passing an electric current between the item to be plated and the metal for plating (anode) in a chemical solution. The electric current removes particles from the anode and transfers them through the solution to deposit them on the item in a thin even coat.
Escutcheon: - A keyhole.
Espagnolette Bolt: - A door or window fastening where a central handle operates other fasteners along the full height of the door or window.
Euro Profile: - A type of cylinder shaped like a large keyhole. Euro profile handles have this enlarged keyhole shape cut out of the backplate and escutcheons can also be obtained with the cut out shape. The Euro profile cylinder is used to control a type of lock or latch designed for these cylinders.
Extruded: - Metal heated to become soft is passed through a shaped die and retains the shape as it cools.
Faceplate: - The outer forend or forend cover on a mortice lock usually giving the lock it’s decorative finish.
Falling Butt Hinge: - The opposite of a rising butt hinge, the door will lower as it opens due to the spiral on the knuckle. Typically used on a toilet cubicle door so that the door falls open by gravity.
Fanlight: - The window over a door or the top light in some window frames.
Fanlight Catch: - A catch used for inward opening fanlights.
Fanlight Opener: - An operator to open and close a fanlight fitted high up. Usually controlled by a cord or winder.
Fanlight Stay: - A stay to hold a fanlight open.
Field Gate Hinge: - A type of band and hook hinge but the band has a double strap to fit over the thickness of the gate.
Finger Plate: - A plate fixed on a door to protect the door from finger marks.
Floor Socket: - A socket fitted to the floor to receive the shoot from a door bolt.
Florentine Bronze: - An electroplated bronze finish which is sometimes shaded.
Flush Bolt: - A type of door bolt which is recessed flush with the edge or face of the door.
Flush Handle: - A recessed handle flush with the face of the door or window for pulling, lifting or sliding.
Flush Lift: - A flush handle for lifting a sash window.
Flush Ring: - A flush handle with a ring which rests flush with the door but may be lifted out for grip.
Follower: - The part of a lock or latch with a square hole where the spindle passes through. The follower usually has projections to control parts of the lock mechanism to withdraw the bolt or latch.
Foot Bolt: - A type of floor bolt with a spring release which is operated by foot pressure to press and release the bolt.
Forend: - The face on a lock or latch where the bolts project.
Forged: - A method for shaping metal which is usually hot by hammering or using hand tools.
French Window: - A glazed door or doors between a room and a garden.
Furniture: - A term used to describe the locks and handles fitted to a door.
Galley Lock: - Typically a hot dip galvanised heavy duty rim lock designed for a ships galley.
Galvanised: - A general term for zinc coating applied to steel and iron to protect it against corrosion. Different ways of applying the zinc afford different levels of protection. Hot dip spelter galvanising giving a thick coat for better protection than electro galvanising which is very thin with low protection.
Garage Door Bolt: - A spring loaded bolt fitted vertically high on a garage door which is released by pulling a ring on a chain which hangs from the bolt.
Gate Latch: - A gate fastener with a latch bar which is lifted from it’s keep.
Gate Lock: - Describes a range of locks of various sizes and types for fitting to a gate. The bolts are usually extra long and the lock is designed with suitable weather protection.
Gate Stop: - A stop fitted into the ground to prevent a gate swinging in both directions. Some types are hinged so that they can lie flush with the floor when the gates are open.
Gothic: - A style to go with the architecture that flourished during high and late medieval period and revived in the mid 18th Century onwards. Typically characterised by pointed arch shapes the style can particularly be seen in churches, cathedrals and civic buildings.
Grand Master Key: - Where a master key system has a series of sub suites (ranges of locks which can be opened by one key), the grand master key or GMK will open all the sub suites.
Grey Iron: - Common cast iron. Although this is relatively easy and cheap to cast it is extremely brittle, in thin sections especially, and cannot be riveted, hammered or assembled with any ease.
Grub Screw: - A metal screw of one diameter threaded along its full length and usually fixed with a hexagon key. Typically used to fix door handles to the spindle.
Gunmetal: - A bronze alloy primarily made of copper and tin although sometimes other metals are added. A darker colour than brass with fine texture and good resistance to corrosion.
Half Rebate: - A lock where the rebate is not in the centre of the door edge. The forend of the lock is L shaped when viewed from above and morticed with the L shape in line with the rebate. A standard striking plate is normally fitted.
Handed: - A product which is made in two different styles, left and right hand to satisfy the way it is fitted.
Handing: - Doors and windows can open in different ways depending on which side they are hinged. They may also be opened outwards or inwards. Many fittings therefore need to be handed so that they fit and work in the position they are fitted. Some fittings are double handed or reversible and some can be adapted for either hand.
Hand Rail: - A rail normally fitted to a stair case to provide support for the user.
Handles: - A broad term for the wide variety of hand operated devices including knobs, levers, turns, pulls and lifts etc fitted to open doors, windows, cupboards and the like.
Hardened: - Metal which has been treated to make it harder, e.g. by heating and quenching.
Hasp: - Typically used to describe the shackle of a padlock, the loop receiver part in a hasp and staple or the hinged arm of a case lock.
Hat & Coat Hook: - A type of large and small hook combination to hang a coat on the lower hook and a hat on the larger higher hook.
Helical Spring: - A coiled spring or a type of door or gate spring to close them.
Hinges: - A general term with a wide meaning for a bearing that connects two objects allowing a rotation between them.
Hook Bolt: - A curved shoot on certain types of locks used for sliding doors, desk locks etc .or a type of bolt used in fencing with a hook on one end.
Hook and Band: - A type of hinge comprising a hinge pin (hook) and a strap formed with an eye (band) which fits over the pin. Typically used on gates.
Horizontal Lock: - A mortice or rim lock where the spindle follower and the keyhole are side by side with the follower furthest away from the edge of the door.
Hot Dip Galvanised: - A protective coating of zinc applied by dipping the article into a bath of molten zinc. The deposit is thick and lumpy and so not suitable for working parts but the protection from corrosion is very effective.
Hot Pressed: - The shaping of metal by dies whilst it is hot being gradually pressed rather than stamped.
IBMA: - Stands for Imitation Bronze Metal Antiqued. An electro deposited finish to try and replicate RBMA (Real Bronze Metal Antiqued) which is solid bronze.
Indicator Bolt: - A door bolt to lock a door which has an indicator on the outside face to show whether the room is vacant or engaged (locked or unlocked).
Insurance Lock: - An extra secure lock, usually to a British Standard, manufactured to the standards required and approved for building insurance purposes.
Jalousie Catch: - An alternative name for a type of gravity door holder where a hinged hook latches into a fixed hook. Used on window shutters as well as doors.
Jamb: - The vertical part in a door or window frame.
Japanned: - A low cost black paint finish used to protect steel and iron. Usually applied by spraying or dipping followed by drying in an oven. Affords some protection against corrosion but not as good as hot dip spelter galvanizing. Conceals small blemishes making the article look better.
Keep: - The term may be used to describe a lock striking plate or the receiver hook staple on a Suffolk or gate latch or other types of receiver.
Key to pass: - Where more than one lock is operated by the same key the locks are described as to pass and the keys to pass the locks. Alternatively a key which operates a lock is said to pass the lock.
Kicking Plate: - A plate fitted to the bottom of a door to protect it from damage by foot. Usually made from aluminium but there are many other materials used such as stainless steel, brass, coloured nylon etc. mainly seen in commercial or public buildings.
Knob: - A round type of handle which may operate a lock/latch by gripping and turning or simply act as a pull type handle.
Knobset: - A type of lockset comprising two knobs connected to a retractor case inclusive with a special type of latch with anti thrust plunger. They are available with a variety of locking functions incorporating keys and turns for use on entrance doors, passage doors, privacy doors etc. Considered simple to fit however preparation requires a fairly large hole through the face of the door to house the mechanism. Difficult to return back to normal locks/latches once a door has been cut for a knobset limiting the choice available for handle styles.
Knurled: - Serrations formed on a knob or other component to enable fingers to grip more firmly.
Lacquer: - A transparent coating applied to finished metal surfaces (particularly brass) to prevent tarnishing and discolouration.
Laminated Padlock: - A padlock where the body is made up from a series of shaped plates riveted together.
Latch: - A type of fastening by means of a bolt which is withdrawn or lifted by a handle but not a key.
Latch Handles: - The handle to operate a latch or the thumb piece part of a Suffolk latch.
Leaf: - Where an item has two or more hinged parts each is referred to as a leaf. A butt hinge would comprise of two flaps or two leafs and a double folding door would comprise of two leafs.
Letter Plate: - The plain fitting with no handle or knocker where a postman posts letters. If the unit has a handle it is known as a Postal Handle and if it has a knocker it is known as a Postal Knocker
Lever: - A component inside a mortice lock which acts as a detainer. The lever is a flat piece of metal which swings on a pivot. It has a gating cut out of it at different heights to suit the step cuts on the key. When the gates all line up by use of the correct key, the lock bolt is allowed to throw by the action of the key. Generally the greater the number of levers in a lock will result in a greater number of key differs and a higher level of security.
Lever Handle: - A door handle where a lever is pressed to operate the spindle. Usually easier to operate than a knob.
Lever Latch: - Lever latch handles have a plain back plate and are used in conjunction with a tubular or mortice latch.
Lift Off Hinge: - A hinge where one flap contains a pin so that the other flap can be lifted off.
Live Bolt: - The bolt of a lock or latch which sprung.
Lock Handles: - The handle required for the operation of a lock. Lock handles have a keyhole cut into the back plate and are normally used in conjunction with a mortice sash lock.
Lock Plate: - The part of a lock to which the other pieces are mounted to make a working assembly.
Lock Spring: - The springs inside a lock fitted to the levers or detainers. Alternatively the spring attached to the sprung bolt so that it shoots out after having been withdrawn by a handle or a key.
Locker Lock: - A type of cupboard lock made for steel furniture.
Locking Bar: - A type of heavy hasp and staple used to fasten one leaf of a pair of doors to the other or the door frame. There is a swivel pattern where the hinged part swivels on a pivot over the eye where a padlock is attached.
Lockset: - A lock supplied complete with the lock furniture.
Loose Pin Hinge: - A type of butt hinge where the pin can be withdrawn to separate the two flaps.
Mace’s Rose: - A type of door knob rose with a sleeve which extends over the neck of the door knob. The neck of the knob has a grub screw to fix it to the spindle (normally a Duce’s spindle) and the sleeve on the rose has a hole to access the grub screw. Once the grub screw has been tightened the rose is rotated so that the sleeve hides the head of the grub screw.
Malleable Iron: - This is an iron that after casting is subjected to a heat treatment process known as annealing. In this process castings are heated to around 1000ºC for up to 100 hours whilst in contact with haematite ore. The ore acts as an oxidising agent, which removes carbon from the casting. It is the presence of carbon in cast iron that causes its brittleness and removing some makes the casting much stronger (malleable). This iron differs as it is stronger and more durable and can be cast and assembled into a wider range of products than the other two irons mentioned above.
Manganese Bronze: - Brass which has had manganese added to increase its strength, retaining the same appearance.
Master Key: - A key to operate a number of locks which all differ having their own servant keys.
Mild Steel: - Wrought iron with carbon added. Used as a constructional material and can be further treated for different applications.
Monkey Tail Bolt: - A square bolt where the handle is round with a knob at the end, similar to a bow handle bolt but with the different handle.
Mortice Bolt: - A bolt with a tubular body and face plate for morticing into a door.
Mortice Cylinder: - A pin tumbler cylinder for use with a mortice lock.
Mortice Dead Lock: - A dead lock to fix in a hole cut into the side of a door, the term mortice describes the method of fixing.
Mortice Latch: - A latch to fix in a hole cut into the side of a door, the term mortice describes the method of fixing.
Mortice Lock: - A lock with two bolts (latch and dead bolt) to fix in a hole cut into the side of a door, the term mortice describes the method of fixing.
Mortice Night Latch: - A night latch to fix in a hole cut into the side of a door, the term mortice describes the method of fixing.
Mullion: - The vertical part of a frame between two window lights or between a door and side window.
Mushroom Pin: - A type of pin used in a pin tumbler lock to resist against lock picking. Where the pin is incorrectly lifted whilst the cylinder is turned, it will tilt to catch against the cylinder body.
Nickel Plated: - Used as a decorative and/or protective finish on metal. Looks very similar to satin chrome but a with a very slight yellow tint.
Night Latch: - A latch bolt which is withdrawn by a knob or similar on the inside and a key on the outside. Usually has a snib on the inside to hold the latch open.
Night Vent: - An opening fanlight or a casement fastener with a locking position that leaves the window very slightly open for ventilation.
Norfolk Latch: - Same as a Suffolk latch but with the thumb piece pivoted behind the backplate .
Nozzle: - A circular projection on a lock which contains the keyhole. Designed to project through a hole cut in the door rather than fitting an escutcheon.
Old English Padlock: - A traditional style of padlock usually containing a lever mechanism.
One Way Action: - A latch where the spindle follower will only turn in one direction. OK with lever handles but not ideal with unsprung knob furniture where the knob may wished to be turned in either direction.
Oval Cylinder: - A pin tumbler cylinder which has an oval shape usually used in conjunction with an oval sash lock or dead lock.
Oval Profile Handles: - Handles with and oval shape cut out in the back plate to house an oval cylinder.
Pad Bolt: - A name for a padlock bolt. A bolt which can be secured by a padlock.
Padlock: - A portable lock with a shackle to pass through an eye or staple.
Padlock Bolt: - A bolt which can be secured by a padlock
Panel Lock: - A type of two bolt lock which was developed for a metal casement door.
Panic Bolt: - A special fire exit bolt for an emergency door. A top and bottom fastener is controlled by a horizontal bar across the door. People pressure on the bar will cause the door (which is hinged outwards) to open.
Panic Latch: - A single point latch fastener for an emergency exit door. The fastener is controlled by a horizontal bar which opens the latch under pressure.
Parliament Hinge: - A type of projection hinge with a cut away knuckle. When the door opens to 180 degrees the hinge provides clearance for skirtings and architraves so that it can lie parallel with a wall.
Passing: - A series of looks which can all be opened by one key are said to pass. A key which opens a lock is said to pass the lock.
Pass Key: - The key which opens a lock or a series of locks to pass which use the same key.
Pedestal Lock: - A box lock where the keyhole has been cut vertically for situations where the lock and link plate are mounted vertically.
Phosphor Bronze: - Bronze which has had phosphorus added to make it a harder tough springy material. Can be used for springs which need to be rustproof, or the bearing washers in hinges for wear resistance.
Piano Hinge: - A very long narrow butt hinge as may be seen on a piano lid.
Pins: - The pins contained in a pin tumbler lock.
Pin Tumbler: - The mechanism used inside a cylinder lock or latch.
Plain Spindle: - A plain spindle, used in door furniture, is a length of square metal bar which connects the door handles on either side of your door together. The spindle, located in the square holes found at the back of your door handles, passes through the tubular latch or mortice lock fitted into the door. When the levers of your door handles are pressed, the spindle rotates and operates the latch inside the door, allowing the door to open.
Plated: - A term for an electroplated item.
Postal Handle: - A combined letter plate with a pull handle.
Postal knocker: - A combined letter plate and pull handle where the pull handle also acts as a door knocker.
Press Lock: - A type of rim dead lock where the key activated bolt can shoot out of either side of the lock case.
Privacy Handles: - Handles where on the inside of the door there is a turn button and on the outside of the door there is an emergency release slot, usually operated by a coin, which can be used to unlock the door in an emergency. This type of handle is normally used with a tubular latch which is 2.1/2" or 3" long. When the turn button is operated, the tubular latch becomes 'locked' and the door cannot be opened, except by turning the button again or by using the emergency release from the outside.
Pull handle: - A door handle designed to pull a door open.
Pulleys: - A grooved wheel on an axel in a frame for cord or rope to pass over.
Pullman Catches: - A type of catch used on panic hardware that allows the door to be slammed shut without the need to operate the bolts, allowing a smooth and quiet closing function.
Push Plate: - A finger plate which may have a push sign on it.
Quadrant Stay: - A rigid stay to limit the movement of a bottom hinged window.
Rack Bolt: - A type of door or window bolt with a toothed rack mechanism which is operated by a splined key or turn. The key/turn acts like a pinion to create a rack and pinion action.
Rails: - The horizontal construction parts of a door or window are known as rails.
RBMA: - Abbreviation for Real Bronze Metal Antique. RBMA is a finish that requires the material to be solid Bronze as the name implies. With RBMA the colour produced is a unique iridescent patina that reflects back various colours whilst the underlying shade is a mid bronze. The finish is created by taking a highly polished solid bronze product and putting it through a special process which rapidly oxidises the surface.
Rebate: - A stepped shape recess cut along the meeting edges of a pair of doors which overlap in the closed position, the same shape on a single door or the door stop in a door frame where it is an integral part of the frame. Rebated locks and latches have special forends designed to fit along the step.
Reflex Hinge: - A type of cabinet hinge where one part lifts off the other. Typically seen on dressing table mirrors.
Reversible Bolt: - A bevel bolt on a lock or latch which can be changed to suit the opening direction.
Rim Cylinder: - A pin tumbler cylinder of the type typically seen on a night latch.
Rim Deadlock: - A dead lock which fits on the face of a door
Rim Latch: - A latch which fits on the face of the door.
Rim Lock: - A lock with latch and deadlock (two bolts) which fits on the face of the door.
Rim Night Latch: - A night latch which fits on the face of the door.
Rising Butt Hinge: - A hinge with a spiral bearing in the knuckle so that the door rises as it opens and will usually close on it’s own by gravity.
Roller Bolt: - A type of bolt which acts like a latch but can operate in two directions (e.g. for double swing doors). The spring bolt, which can be withdrawn by the follower in the usual way, has a roller on the end which locates into a receiver plate. Whilst roller pressure can be adjustable, the bolt does not usually provide a strong closing force which could be overcome by wind pressure.
Rose: - The circular or symmetrical part which lies against the surface of the door in a set of door handles and usually contains a return spring and mechanism for the handle. Alternatively a finishing piece that goes behind the face on a pin tumbler cylinder.
Round End Forend: - The shape at the ends of the forend on a lock. May help to facilitate fitting by the use of an auger bit or a router bit used in a jig.
Sand Cast: - A procedure of pouring molten metal into a mould made of sand which has been previously formed by a pattern to obtain a particular shape.
Sash: - The sliding part of a sash window.
Sash Eye: - A fitting used to lift a sash window which has an eye for a finger or cord.
Sash Fastener: - A device which fastens the two lights of a sash window.
Sash Lock: - An upright two bolt mortice lock.
Sash Pulley: - A pulley used with the cord connecting a sash window to the balance weight.
Sash Roller: - A roller in the side of a sash window to help the sliding action.
Sash Weight: - A weight attached to a sash window via a cord and pulley to balance the weight of the window making it easier to open. Usually seen on older windows the function has been replaced by a spiral spring sash balance on modern windows having the same function as the weight but using a spring.
Sash Window: - A type of window where the opening light lifts vertically up and down in a frame.
Shackle: - The part of a padlock that fastens to a staple or loop as appropriate. Can be hinged or sliding.
Sheradised: - A corrosion resistant protective coating for iron and steel. The heated articles are coated in a zinc powder over a period of time causing the zinc to impregnate the surface leaving a dull matt grey finish.
Shoot: - The movement of the bolt on a lock sometimes called the throw on a dead bolt.
Shutter Fastener: - A device used to hold a shutter open against a wall.
Shutter Knob: - A simple round knob fixed to a shutter for opening and closing.
Side Hook: - A small flat hook which pivots on a screw and locates into an eye or over a pin.
Skew Butt Hinge: - A rising or falling butt hinge.
Skylight: - A window in a roof.
Skylight Opener: - An opening device for a skylight.
Sliding Door Latch: - A type of latch for a sliding door where a projecting bolt head hooks into the receiver plate and is released by either a handle or key on the side of the door.
Sliding Door Lock: - Usually a mortice style lock typically operating either a hook bolt or a claw bolt (a pivoted claw that swings out sideways on a pivot when the bolt is thrown).
Spelter Galvanized: - Another term for hot dip galvanised
Spindles: - A component in door handles, typically with a square section, which passes through the follower on a lock or latch to operate the bolt when the handle is moved.
Spindle Size: - A standard UK spindle is No.1 British Imperial Wire Guage which equates to 7.6mm square. Occasionally some European spindles can be 8mm and some Countries use 7mm or even some other size. Bathroom and turn spindles are usually smaller in size around 5mm.
Split Follower: - A lock follower in two parts to enable each of the handles on the door face to have a different action. e.g. the inside handle may operate the shoot when the outside one is made inoperative.
Staple: - A term used for part of a hasp and staple, a U shaped fastener or the box like receiver on a rim lock/latch.
Stile: - The vertical outer member on a door or window (casement or sash).
Straight Cupboard Lock: - A simple face fixed cupboard lock typically double handed with the bolt shooting out of either side.
Strap Hinge: - A hinge with two tapering flaps like the long flap on a tee hinge.
Striking Plate: - The plate fixed to a door jamb which acts as the receiver for a lock or latch. May be handed or double sided and also rebated versions for rebated doors.
Submaster key: - The key to open a sub suite of locks where there will usually be other sub suites under a Grand Master Key. The Grand Master Key will open all locks in all sub suites.
Suffolk Latch: - A type of door or gate latch with a pull handle and thumb latch on one side which operates a latch bar on the other side of the door. The latch bar locates in a keep fitted to the door frame or gate post.
Suited: - A series of locks with differing keys that can also be opened by a single key in a master key system.
Tapped: - Where a thread has been cut inside a hole to match a screw.
Tarnishing: - The discolouration of certain non ferrous metals due to oxidisation on the surface. The action does not harm the material and is in fact protective to the metal, however some people find the effect unattractive.
Tee Hinge: - A type of hinge where one flap has a long tail to extend across the door. Ideal on ledge doors where the tail can extend across the door construction for added strength. There are different weights from light to heavy patterns known as Weighty Scotch Tee Hinges.
Thread Escutcheon: - A type of escutcheon which pushes into the door timber leaving the edge flush with the door face. The visible edge leaves a keyhole shaped narrow band on the door face.
Threshold: - A sill fixed on the floor in a door opening usually to prevent draught and water ingress through the bottom of the door.
Thumb Latch: - A latch operated by thumb action, e.g. a Suffolk latch.
Thumb Turn: - A fitting which is gripped between finger and thumb and turned to operate a bolt, latch or some other locking mechanism
Till Lock: - A drawer lock.
Top Centre: - The top pivot on a door fitted with a floor spring or pivot hinges.
Tower Bolt: - A barrel bolt with short guides partially exposing the bolt instead of one long guide on a backplate.
Transom: - The horizontal part of a window frame between two lights or the top horizontal part of a door frame.
Transom Fastener: - A catch used on inward opening fanlights, a fanlight catch.
Transom Opener: - A fanlight opener which could also be a fanlight catch.
Upright Lock: - A lock where the handle and keyhole are above each other.
Uncranked Knuckle: - A type of hinge construction to provide a flat back to the hinge when fully open. Results in a gap equal to the pin diameter between the leaves in the closed position meaning that the hinge has to be morticed to ensure a close fit between the door and frame.
Vitreous Enamel: - A finish where powdered molten glass containing a dye is fused to steel in a furnace.
Ward: - Projections in or around a keyhole which prevent a key from turning or entering the keyhole unless it is correctly shaped and cut to avoid the projections
Wardrobe Lock: - Similar to a cupboard lock with a dead bolt operated by a key, may also have a spring bolt.
Weighted Lock: - A lock which has a weight inside instead of a spring to make the latch bolt shoot out. The latch bolt is withdrawn by a lift up action usually from a thumb latch style pull handle similar to a Suffolk latch. The lock may also incorporate a key operated dead bolt.
Wilkes’Rose: - A loose rose used where a knob is fixed to a Wilkes’ spindle with a grub screw.
Wilkes’ Spindle: - A spindle with a series of countersunk dimples along its length. The point of a grub screw in the handle neck locates and screws tightly into the dimple.
Window Jamb: - The vertical part of a window frame.
Wrought Iron: - An almost pure form of iron made from refining pig iron. Not as strong as mild steel and liable to crack if bent cold.
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Yale: - The name comes from Linus Yale senior an American born lock maker who developed the pin tumbler mechanism used previously in Ancient Egypt. Following in his father’s footsteps in 1848 Linus Yale junior developed the smaller cylinder lock with a small flat key which later became corrugated and then shaped in section. Linus Yale junior teamed up with Henry R Towne an English descended engineer in 1868 to form Yale & Towne manufacturing Co. Today Yale is a trading division of Assa Abloy Ltd. Yale is not a type of lock unless it has been made by them, although the term is often used to describe a cylinder night latch. This term has evolved from the Yale’s invention for which they are renown.
Zinc Alloy: - An alloy comprising around 95% zinc together with aluminium and a trace of copper and other elements. Used for diecasting components.
Zinc Plated: - A rust preventive finish used on items made of steel or iron. May be bright or dull grey in appearance.