If the backset on a door doesn't match that of your door hardware, the latch or bolt won't work correctly. If the door backset is too long for a lockset or deadbolt lock, the latch or bolt may not extend far enough into the door frame to fully secure the door.
The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the bore hole. There are two common backsets for residential door locks: 2-3/8″ and 2-3/4″.
Determining the backset and overall length can be done by removing the existing latch and taking the dimensions. If the door handle or knob is still in place and you'd rather not remove it then you can measure from the edge of the door to the centre of the spindle hole (centre of the handle/knob).
In the U.S. there are two common backsets for residential door locks, 2-3/8" and 2-3/4". The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the 2-1/8" bore hole.
Most door latches on the market today are adjustable, so that you can change the backset between 2-3/8" and 2-3/4".
What is meant by 'Backset'? 'Backset' is the distance from the front of the lock to the centre of the spindle as shown here. If you intend to use new locks or latches on an old door, replacing your old ones, you will need to make sure the new one fits into the hole in the door.
Backset refers to the measurement that comes from the edge of the door to the center of the lock hole. Measure the distance from the edge of the door to the centerline of the lock hole. 2-3/4″ is the stand backset for commercial doors.
Choosing Latches for your Door Handles or Knobs
The most common size has a casing that is 64mm in depth and the distance to the middle of the square operating spindle is 44mm. This size of the latch is used for most lever handles on back plates, where the width of the backplate is about 40-45mm.
To determine the correct backset measurement for your door, you will need to measure the distance from edge of the door to the center of your bore hole. Two common backset measurements are 2 ¾ inches and 2 3/8 inches. At Nostalgic Warehouse, our standard measurement is 2 3/8 inches.
1. a setback; a reversal. 2. carpentry. the distance between the edge of a door and the point at which the door handle is attached.
As a guide the average undercut of your door should be between 8mm and 10mm, that's around ⅝ inch to ¾ inch from the bottom of the frame. if you are in doubt, shave or cut off a little and if it's not enough, shave off some more. Remember less is better or you may damage the door's structural integrity.
Having a gap allows for the smooth opening and closing of the door, preventing scraping and wear of the door itself or the floor underneath. There are safety concerns to consider as well. In general, the gap beneath an interior door will be between three-quarters of an inch and half an inch.
A well fitted door should have a 2mm gap on either side and at the top. The gap at the bottom will depend on the thickness of your flooring/carpet. Plane the door as required, using an electric plane will help you get an even finish, and sand for a smooth finish.
A commercial door is more likely than a residential one to be made of steel or fiberglass, and may be thicker than its residential counterpart.
The additional thickness adds an extra layer of security and insulation, helping to keep out noise, drafts, and potential intruders. These doors are designed to withstand more rigorous use and provide enhanced protection for the home or building.
The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the spindle mechanism on the latch. Usually a 63mm case measurement will have a 44mm backset and a 76mm case measurement will have a 65mm backset. The backset you choose is where your door knobs will sit on the door (where the spindle goes through).
Commercial locks are different from residential locks because they need to handle the unique demands of a business or commercial real estate property. Generally, commercial-grade door locks are durable, secure, and can be convenient for daily users.
Hinge backset is the dimension from the edge of the hinge to either the stop on the frame or to the edge of the door. For operating clearance, the hinge backset on the door is 1/16″ less than the hinge backset on the frame.
The backset is the horizontal distance from the edge of a door to the centre of a lockset; thus, the distance a lockset is 'set back' from the edge of a door is called its backset. It's usually 1 inches or 2 inches (or 44mm and 57mm).
If your door handle is not springing back correctly it is likely to be one of a few issues: The fixings have been overtightened causing the lever bearing to bind against the door face, or causing the door to compress the latch mechanism inside the mortice and stop it from operating correctly.