What is the difference between passage and privacy door knobs?

Author: Leon Wehner  |  Last update: Monday, May 30, 2022

Privacy knobs have a locking system but do not require keys. If you want to unlock the door, you can use a privacy emergency key instead. For passage knobs, you cannot lock them. The knob is purely for easy access to another room.

What is the difference between a passage lock and a privacy lock?

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).

What is the difference between passage and privacy knobs?

2) Privacy Door Knobs - Privacy Door Knobs are generally used on bedrooms and baths. They are lockable but do not have a keyed cylinder. They can be unlocked with a generic tool that is provided. 3) Passage Door Knobs - Hall and Closet or Passage knob sets do not lock.

What is a privacy door knob?

Privacy door knobs have a twist or button lock that works from only one side. Some privacy door knobs with button locks have a pin hole on the outside knob and a generic key that opens the lock.

What are the different types of door knobs?

Doorknobs or Levers - There are four different types: keyed entrance, privacy, passage and dummy knobs. Make sure to check out our door knob parts diagram! Deadbolts - These are often forgotten. Most exterior doors are also pre-drilled for deadbolts.

Door Hardware Functions Explained

Can passage door knobs be used on exterior doors?

Passage door knobs can't be used on exterior doors without a deadbolt. Exterior doors must be locked securely. Therefore you must use a door knob with a locking mechanism. Passage door knobs don't have an internal locking mechanism.

Do all door knobs fit all doors?

To have the door function properly, you will have to make sure that the door knob you buy is the correct size for your door. The standard size for a door knob diameter is either 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches and these knobs will usually fit doors that are anywhere between 1 3/8 inches to 1 3/4 inches thick.

Do passage door knobs turn?

Passage knobs are interior non-locking door knobs that turn freely and don't include a key. They operate with a latch and require rotation of the handle to open the door. This type features two non-locking knobs on either side of the door and is ideal for hallways, closets, and rooms where privacy is not required.

How do I know what door knob to buy?

The main measurements you should determine are:
  1. Backset — The distance from the edge of the door to the center of the knob. ...
  2. Cross Bore — The hold along the edge of the door frame. ...
  3. Door Thickness — This usually ranges from 1 ¼ inches to 3”, with exterior doors frequently being thicker than interior ones.

What is a passage lock?

July 27, 2018. The passage/hall/closet function is ideal for doors in hallways, closets, and other rooms where a key is not necessary. The lock is freely operational from both sides of the door at all times.

What is passage set?

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.

Are all door knobs universal?

Door levers are left-handed, right-handed or universal. To determine what you need, look at the door from outside the house or room. If the hinges are on the left, look for a left-handed or universal lever. If the hinges are on the right, you need a right-handed or universal model.

What are dummy knobs?

Dummy knobs do not turn. They don't have locks, axles or latches. Dummy knobs are fake, fixed knobs used to open and close a door that doesn't have a traditional latch. Available in common designs including handlesets and levers, dummy knobs also are used to dress up inactive doors.

What do you call a door knob that doesn't turn?

Non-turning door hardware is sometimes referred to as dummy or inactive hardware. These knobs and levers are meant to be used as decorative door pulls, often found on interior French doors or pantries.

Which is better door knob or handle?

Door handles require less effort when opening compared with doorknobs. The style of the house can also influence when choosing the door handle or knob. Door handles integrate well with modern design, while doorknobs are good options for older styles.

Should all door knobs in a house match?

No, door handles and knobs don't need to match throughout your house. However, it is still crucial that each door handle remains consistent with the house's overall style. Also, the handles and knobs should coordinate with the style of the doors and rooms.

What is the standard size hole for a door knob?

Standard Door Prep for Door Knobs & Levers:

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. (This cross bore is where the latch is installed).

Is there a door knob that locks on both sides?

A double cylinder door knob is a door knob that is keyed on both sides of the door, or in a place where the door that needs the option of locking on either side of the door.

Do doorknobs have to match bathroom fixtures?

Bathroom faucets do not need to match doorknobs. If the sink faucet has a unique design element, you can highlight it with an accented metal finish. You would not want to match the doorknob to the faucet and detract attention from the sink.

What does half dummy door knob mean?

A half dummy door knob is essentially the same thing as a full dummy door knob but in this case, a single knob or lever is provided. This is perfect for a closet where you only need one doorknob rather than two. Like a full dummy food knob, you only need this for decoration and do not have any other functions.

Can you turn a regular door knob into a dummy door knob?

Yes, you can turn regular door knobs into dummy door knobs.

What does double dummy door knob mean?

A double dummy set includes hardware for each side of the door, yet with no lock or latch. The knobs or levers don't turn or operate a latch. Double dummy sets are ideal for closet doors, pantry doors, or side-by-side French doors (used with roller catch, flush bolts, or surface bolts).

Can you put any door knob on a door?

Many replacement doorknobs will work with either backset, but be sure your new knob is designed to work with your measurement. Tip: If you are purchasing a knob with a lock, you will want to know which side of the door the locking mechanism is on before you buy a new knob. Doorknobs are not reversible.

Do new door knobs come with keys?

Not all door knobs come with keys. It would depend on the type of door knob that you're getting. Keyed entry, storeroom, and privacy door knobs come with keys while passage and half dummy door knobs do not.

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