How to Order Door Hardware — Handing, Function, Backset Guide
Ordering the right door hardware requires knowing a few key details about your door: which way it swings, what function you need, and what your backset measurement is. This guide walks you through everything. If you still have questions after reading, contact us or call 954-776-5340.
Step 1
Determine your door handing
Most door lever sets — and some other types of door hardware — require you to specify whether your door is right hand or left hand. Most door knobs do not require handing.
View from outside the room or house
How to determine handing
Stand outside the room or house, facing the door. It does not matter if the door swings in or out.
• If the hinge is on the right → Right Hand Door
• If the hinge is on the left → Left Hand Door
Note for handlesets: Even though the lever is on the inside of the house, you still stand outside to determine handing.
Step 2
Choose the right function
Key outside, turn or push button inside. Use when a keyed lock is needed — front doors, exterior doors, restricted areas.
Emergency tool to open from outside; turn or push button inside to lock. For bedrooms and bathrooms — doors that may need locking from inside.
No locking on either side — latches but does not lock. For hallways and closets where locking is not needed.
Non-locking and non-latching — decorative only. Used as a pull handle or to match trim on closets, bi-fold doors, or the inactive door in a double door set.
Step 3
Measure your backset
The backset is the distance from the center of the bore hole (or backplate) to the edge of the door. Measure carefully — backset is normally either 2-3/8" or 2-3/4".
Most door hardware fits doors between 1-3/8" to 1-3/4" thick. If your door is thicker, specify its thickness in the "Additional Comments" field during checkout.
Deadbolts
Single cylinder vs double cylinder deadbolts
Single Cylinder
Keyed on the outside, turn lever on the inside. The most common choice for residential entry doors.
Double Cylinder
Keyed on both sides. Ideal when glass sidelites are present — an intruder can't break the glass and reach in to unlock. Keep a key accessible in case of emergency.
Keying Options
Keyed alike, keyed different, and master keying
Keyed Alike
Select this on every lock you order if you want one key to operate all of them.
Keyed Different
Each lock comes with its own unique key.
Non-Keyed
Select for passage, privacy, and dummy sets.
For master keying, grandmaster keying, construction keying, and keyed alike services, see our Lock Keying Services guide.
Double Door Handlesets
If you have double doors and want matching hardware on both, order a single or double cylinder handleset for the active door and a dummy handleset for the inactive door.
Also helpful:
Find a Direct Fit Replacement Handleset Lock Keying Services How to Choose the Best DeadboltStill have questions?
We're happy to help you order the right hardware. Contact us or call 954-776-5340. You can also return to the Help Center for more guides.