Door Handing Explained
Handing is the single most common error we see on a hardware order. Get it wrong on a handed product and the hardware arrives and will not fit the door.
It takes thirty seconds to work out. Here is how.
How to determine handing
Stand on the outside of the door. The outside is the side you approach from, or for an external door, the side facing out of the building.
Look at where the hinges are.
- Hinges on the left, door opens away from you, that is a left hand door
- Hinges on the right, door opens away from you, that is a right hand door
- Hinges on the left, door opens toward you, that is a left hand reverse
- Hinges on the right, door opens toward you, that is a right hand reverse
If you can remember one thing, remember this: stand outside, hinges on which side. That answers it for most residential hardware.
When handing actually matters
Most hardware is non handed, meaning it can be reversed on site to suit either door. Standard lever sets, most latches and most knobs fall into this group, and you do not need to specify handing at all.
Handed products are made for one direction only and cannot be reversed. These are the ones to watch:
- Some lever designs, particularly where the lever is shaped or offset
- Longplate and backplate sets with an asymmetric layout
- Certain mortice locks, especially heritage and European
- Cup pulls and some shaped cabinet hardware
- Some entrance sets with a fixed exterior pull
If a product listing asks for handing, it is handed. If it does not, it is not.
Backset, and why it matters as much
Backset is the horizontal distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the handle or cylinder hole.
In Australia, 60mm is the most common residential backset, with 70mm and 127mm also in use. On a replacement job, measure the existing backset before ordering. A 60mm set will not mount on a door drilled at 70mm without a new hole.
Door thickness
Standard internal doors are usually 35mm. External and solid core doors run 40mm to 50mm or more. Most hardware is supplied for a standard range and needs a longer spindle or fixings beyond it.
If your doors are thicker than 45mm, tell us before you order and we will supply the right components.
Rebated doors
A rebated door has a stepped leading edge, which is common on double doors so the leaves overlap when closed.
Rebated doors need a rebate kit for the latch, and a second rebate kit for the deadbolt if the doors lock. This is one of the most frequent causes of a job stalling on site, because the hardware arrives correct in every respect except that it cannot close.
If your doors are rebated, say so when you order and we will include the kits.
Internal double doors
A typical double door set needs more than two handles.
- Active leaf: passage or privacy set, plus a rebate kit if rebated
- Inactive leaf: a flush bolt top and bottom to hold it closed, and optionally a dummy set so the hardware matches across both doors
- Both leaves: three hinges each, since double doors are heavier, particularly with glass
- If they lock: a deadbolt as well, with its own rebate kit
Still not sure?
Send us a photograph of the door taken from the outside, with the door open, and the thickness if you have it. We will confirm the handing, the backset and what the door needs.
Call 1300 522 163 or email sales@entry-point.com.au.
Working on a whole project? We will write the hardware schedule for you, door by door, with function, finish and handing confirmed on every opening, at no charge. See how it works.
