There are 2 kinds of Handleset Locking Mechanisms. Tubular Latches and Mortise Boxes.

Tubular Locks Tubular Handlesets are easier to install and can be done by novice DIYers. Many will fit most double bore pre-drilled doors and this is the most common type for front door handle replacement. Can be used on standard pre-drilled doors. Pre-Drilled Front Doors are prepped with two bore-holes: The top hole accommodates the locking cylinder deadbolt and the bottom is for the thumb-press on the exterior and the interior lever or knob. The most common type of entry door handleset.

Mortise Locks Mortise Handlesets are more secure. They grant more protection against intruders because they are resistant to brute force attacks. Many have anti-pick latches and anti-saw inserts. Usually considered to be high quality locks. The Mortise Box requires special installation since a bigger hole has to be chiseled out of the edge of the door to accommodate the size of the mortise lock body.

The following guide is for replacing a Tubular Style Handleset

1. Door Thickness To find the thickness of the door, measure the side / edge of the door. Most doors are 1-3/8” or 1-3/4” thick; and many standard handlesets will fit those 2 most common door thicknesses. For a thick door handleset, look to high quality door hardware brands such as Emtek Handlesets and Omnia Handlesets have thick door kits to accommodate thicker doors.

How to Measure Door Thickness

2. Backset The Backset is the measurement from the center of a bore hole to the edge of the door. This will be either 2-3/8” or 2-3/4” for and will determine the length of the Tubular Latches. Some of the more widely available handlseset brands like Kwikset Handlesets have adjustable latches that will fit either 2-3/8” or 2-3/4” backsets.

3. Bore Hole Spacing Latch to Deadbolt

Measured on the face of the door, this is the center of the deadbolt bore/hole to the center of the handleset latch bore/hole. Industry standard is 5-1/2” but many are not drilled to those specifications and this will determine if you can use a full escutcheon, 3/4 escutcheon, or sectional style handleset.

4. Center of Latch Bore to Center of Thru-bolt Hole

This is the measurement from the center of the handleset latch bore to the thru-bolt hole at the bottom of the handle. It will determine if the length of the handle is compatible and if it will use or cover the existing hole in the door.

The style will be determined by the bore hole spacing measurement. There are three basic handleset styles: Full Escutcheon Handleset, 3/4 Escutcheon Handleset, and Sectional Handleset.

• Full escutcheon handlesets have the deadbolt, handleset latch, and bottom handleset bolt all mounted to one solid plate on the exterior. A 5-1/2” center to center latch to thru-bolt bore hole measurement is required to use this style.
• 3/4 escutcheon handlesets have the deadbolt and handleset latch mounted to one plate and the bottom thru-bolt for the handle is on a separate, smaller plate. A 5-1/2” center to center latch to thru-bolt bore hole measurement is required to use this style.
• Sectional handlesets have the deadbolt, handleset latch, and bottom thru-bolt for the handle all on separate plates. You have more flexibility with the center to center measurements using this option since the cylinder latch and the latch plates are not connected.

Full Escutcheon

3/4 Escutcheon

Sectional

There are three main handleset functions: single cylinder handlesets, double cylinder handlesets, and dummy handlesets.

Single Cylinder Handleset

Double Cylinder Handleset

Dummy Cylinder Handleset

• Single cylinder handlesets are locked and unlocked by a thumb turn on the interior and by a key on the exterior.
• Double cylinder handlesets are locked and unlocked by a key from both the interior or exterior. These are typically used on entry doors with glass to prevent someone from breaking the glass and unlocking the door from the inside without a key. Although they add an additional level of security, they also prevent easy exit in an emergency.
• Dummy handlesets function only function as a pull and are used to match trim on the inactive side of a double door entry. They have no latches or locks.

Once you have gathered all this information, you can start shopping for a direct fit handleset right here on doorware.com. Read the product description carefully. The product description will tell you everything you need to know about the handleset, including the size, finish, and features. When you are shopping for a direct fit handleset, it is important to compare features aligned with your needs. You should also make sure that the handleset you choose is made from high-quality materials such as the ones we stock. If you are unsure of the handleset you need, please give us a call at 954-776-5340 or email us using the contact form here. If you are looking for a specific brand or style of handleset, please let us know. With a little bit of effort, you can find a direct fit handleset for your door.

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