FAQ

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Frequently asked questions.

Everything you need to know about choosing door hardware, placing an order and getting your products delivered.

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PRODUCT ADVICE

Products & fitting

What door hinges do I need?

Choose hinges based on door thickness, weight and whether the door is fire rated.

Internal doors: Standard 35mm doors often use 76 × 50mm hinges. For heavier doors, three hinges are commonly recommended.

External and fire doors: 102 × 76mm hinges are common on thicker doors, with three hinges typically fitted. Fire doors require hinges approved for the specific doorset and installation.

Many hinges are sold in pairs, but always check the individual product listing and your door manufacturer's requirements.

What locks or latches do I need?

The types of locks or latches you need are the same for door handles on a backplate, door handles on a rose and door knobs. For information on lock and latch sizes please see FAQ; "How to work out what size lock or latch I need?"

Internal latch doors.

All non-locking internal doors need a tubular latch, we supply a contract latch or a better quality high-quality latch, the difference being the overall quality and spring tension. The one that you purchase will generally be determined by your budget. We always recommend the quality tubular latch as this feels solid and smooth in use whilst providing a long working lifespan. For un-sprung door knobs (all good quality door knobs are unsprung so they are not too stiff to turn!) we also recommend the high-quality latch. Please see below for recommended latch sizes.

Locking Doors.

Locking doors will need a 3 or 5-lever lock as below.

External locking doors. All external doors must have either a BS-certified 5-lever sash lock or a rim cylinder night latch used with a BS-certified 5-lever deadlock. This is a minimum security standard required by most UK household insurance companies. If you do not have these fitted to your external doors, your insurance company may contest your claim in the event of a break-in.

Internal locking doors. Doors that are required to lock from a key internally can use a 3 lever sash lock, providing they are not exit doors. We do not recommend locking internal doors for fire safety reasons.

Locking Door Handles

Bathroom doors.

All bathroom door handles supplied by Simply Door Handles require a bathroom lock. We supply a high-quality bathroom lock and a contract bathroom lock, the difference being quality. The quality lock is engineered to a high standard that will feel solid and smooth in use and provide a long working lifespan, the contract lock is engineered to a price. For door handles on a round rose, when using with a turn and release you may use any of the above bathroom locks or simply add a tubular bathroom deadbolt. Doing this lets you position the turn and release independently of the handle.

Bathroom Door Handles

Euro Cylinder locking doors.

Euro locking handles require two additional locks. The benefits of this handle and lock arrangement are that you have smaller keys, and the locks are easier to change when required (you are only removing the euro cylinder barrel). However, the main benefit is if the door is fitted with a cylinder and turn, a bedroom door, for example, can be locked and unlocked by the turn only that is fitted to the inside of the room. This is far more convenient in daily use, and it meets most UK building regulations requirements for fire safety reasons.

We supply a high-quality architectural euro sash lock or a contract euro sash lock which offers convenience locking without the need for security. Plus, you will need a euro cylinder to complete the lock.

Euro Locking Door Handles

How do I work out what size lock or latch I need?

Case depth is the total depth of the lock or latch body. Backset is the distance from the front edge of the faceplate to the centre of the handle spindle hole.

Drawing of Latch Sizes
Nominal case depth = YTypical backset = X
64mm44mm
76mm57mm
102mm82mm
127mm108mm
152mm134mm

These are typical measurements; confirm the dimensions on the product page. When replacing existing hardware, match the backset and other fixing dimensions. For door knobs, a deeper latch often gives better knuckle clearance.

Are handles supplied with locks or latches?

Generally, door handles are supplied without locks or latches, because different doors need different mechanisms and sizes. If your existing lock or latch is compatible and in good condition, you may be able to reuse it. Check the product specification for any exceptions.

Are door handles supplied in pairs?

Most lever door handles and mortice door knobs are supplied as a pair, enough for both sides of one door, with the relevant spindle and fixings. Cabinet handles, flush pulls, pull handles and centre door knobs are commonly supplied individually. Always check the product page.

What is the difference between latch, lock, euro and bathroom handles?

Latch handles operate a latch without a keyhole. Lock handles have a keyhole for a compatible mortice lock. Euro handles have a profile cut-out for a euro cylinder. Bathroom handles include a privacy turn or work with a separate turn-and-release set.

Are your products suitable for external use?

Only use products specifically identified as suitable for external installation. For coastal and more corrosive environments, marine-grade 316 stainless steel is often a better choice. Even weather-resistant finishes require appropriate care and maintenance.

ORDER INFORMATION

Orders & delivery

Do your prices include VAT?

Yes. Prices are displayed including UK VAT by default. You can select the VAT-exclusive display option on the website.

When will my order arrive?

Delivery times depend on the product, stock availability and destination. Please see our delivery information for current services and charges. Eligible stocked items may also qualify for next-working-day delivery.

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Returns & support

What is your returns policy?

We offer a 90-day returns policy for eligible unwanted goods, subject to the conditions set out in our returns policy. Please read the policy for packaging requirements, exclusions and how to arrange a return.

How can I contact you?

Call 01484 42 60 42 or email sales@simplydoorhandles.co.uk.

Telephone hours: Monday–Thursday 9am–5pm; Friday 9am–4pm. You can also use our contact page.