The main types of door functions are Passage (doors that don't require locking), Privacy (a door that can be locked by a button on the inside), Dummy (has no mechanical latch and acts only as a pull), and Interior Mortise (door with an active latch with skeleton key lock).
Dummy door knobs are one-sided “fake knobs.” They're usually installed on the surface of a door or behind it. Some come in pairs so you can use them on double doors. These types of door knobs don't have any working parts. They're good for a shallow closet or small pantry and the interior of French doors.
A passage door knob or lever is a handle set without an internal locking mechanism. The handle set will open and close by simply turning the knob or lever. Typically, a passage set is used on a door that doesn't require privacy, for example; between a living room and a kitchen or closet.
The main difference between passage and privacy door knobs is that passage door knobs do not lock and privacy door knobs only lock and unlock from one side of the door. Passage doors are often used for common rooms, closets, and children's rooms.
Different door knobs are useful for different purposes and, as such, one of the first things you should determine in your search for a door handle is the type you'll need. There are two main categories of door knobs: those made for doors inside a house, and those made for doors on the outside of a house.
The passage function is the most simple of the door locks we will discuss here. The latching mechanism can be retracted by both the inside and outside levers at all times. This door lock function is never locked and has no key or locking mechanism on either side of the door.
There are two main components in how a door is prepped. The large main hole that the door knob mounts through is called a Bore Hole. The smaller hole that is drilled on the edge of the door is where the latch is installed and is called the Crossbore.
The standard size for a door knob is a diameter of 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches and these will fit doors that have a thickness from 1 3/8 inches to 1 3/4 inches. Before purchasing a new door knob you should consider all these standard sizes to ensure a perfect fit.
Hall & Closet Passage Door Knobs
Can be paired with a smart lock or keyless deadbolt on exterior doors or with non-turning knob for the interiors of smaller closets.
A single dummy set includes hardware for one side of the door. The knobs or levers on this door set don't turn or operate a latch. These sets are ideal for closet doors, pantry doors, or side-by-side French doors (used with roller catch, flush bolts, or surface bolts).
PASSAGE SETS are used where doors do not need to lock. There is no key cylinder and no means to lock a passage set. PRIVACY SETS are often used for single-occupant restrooms or dressing rooms.
Passage Latch
Passage latches are almost the same as privacy locksets, except they don't have locks. The inside and outside knobs (or levers) are both retractable anytime and it doesn't require keys or any locking mechanism. Technically, the purpose of this latch set is simply to hold the door within the frame.
Single Dummy knob is installed only on one side of the door, while the double dummy door knob is a pair of single dummy knobs that are installed on each side of the door.
Are Doorknob Sizes Universal? Most modern doorknobs will fit most standard doors, but this is not a universal law, so doorknobs are not universal, so you will need to measure the borehole, backset, and door thickness before you install your doorknob.
Not all doorknob or lever sets are made for the 2-1/8" bore hole. There are some, like the Baldwin Estate Series hardware that use a small 3/4" bore hole. If your bore hole is as small as 3/4", give us a call and we can help you find a lock that will fit your door.
Standard Door Prep for Door Knobs & Levers:
Most interior doors are prepped with a single boor hole. The standard sized bore hole is 2 1/8" in diameter. Through the edge of the door there is a 1" cross bore that extends from the edge of the door through the bore hole.
Latch: The locking device that is used to keep a door closed. The latch can be on the inside of the door, as in a bathroom, or on the outside of the door. Left or Right hand: This refers to whether the door opens to the left or right.
Passage Door Knobs and Handles
Designed with a simple latch that can be turned as you rotate the knob or handle, they are similar to dummy style knobs, but with one key difference: Passage door knobs only lack a lock, whereas dummy door knobs are stationary and don't even turn.
A centre door knob, also known as a passage door knob, is a type of door hardware with no locking mechanism and is usually found on doors where privacy or security is not required, e.g. closet or pantry doors.
Hall and closet door hardware refers to non-locking knobs and levers, sometimes called Passage hardware. They are ideal for rooms and doors where locking is not needed, such as a closet.
In some cases, you may need a lever for functionality rather than security. Levers that do not require a key to operate are known as “passage” levers, as they always provide free passage. While these levers provide no security, they also provide the best price point of all the lever functions described in this post.