Parts of a Door Handle - Euro Backplate Lever Handles

Tonk strip = bookcase strip = adjustable shelving

Adjustable shelving = twin slot shelving = spur shelving

Holdback function = passage mode

Cable tidy = desk tidy = cable outlet

Bomber hinge = saloon door hinge = double action spring hinge

Strap hinge = hook and ride = hook and band hinge

The right language and the right words can mean specificity. The wrong words or the incorrect use of language can confuse.

Some may understand when you say one thing and mean another, like asking for a skeleton key when you need a master key, a keyhole cover when you need an escutcheon, or a box lock when a rim lock is needed. “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”, right? In some instances, yes, but in others, you’ll need to be bang on with your terminology or you may end up with a letterbox when you need a letter plate, or a digital lock when you need an access control keypad.

Here, we’ll arm you with the lingo that will open the door to clear communication when it comes to door handles at least. 

Types of Door Handles

Let’s start by detailing exactly what kind of door handles we’re covering.

Backplates. And, specifically, lever handles on backplates.

Whilst door knobs are available on a long plate, we’re taking a closer look at spring loaded levers on a plate.

Even within this designation, there are several variations: 

● Sub plates with covers - a handle can be fixed to a generic, multipurpose subplate that can be used with different cover plates. These cover plates can vary in design, so be square or radiused corner, or they can vary in profile, see below. 

● Fixed - some levers have a non-removeable backplate rather than a separate cover and fixing plate. External levers can have concealed fixings on the exterior side of the door and visible fixings on the inside half of the handle set.

● Face fixing - residential interior doors typically have levers with visible face fixing backplates. There is no concern over or need to mitigate tampering or misuse, and they can provide a more homely, less commercial feel.

● Profiles - euro or oval profile cylinder, traditional lever key, short or long latch, or bathroom - backplates come in different types to suit the many different types of door locks and latches. 

How Do Backplate Handles Work?

Like rose door handles, levers on backplate retract a latch bolt in a latch or lock mechanism when the handle is depressed. They can be used with different sized locks and mortice latches.

Tip - make sure the bolt fixings of the handles line up with the apertures in the lockcase.

When the levers are in the default horizontal position, the bevelled latch bolt protrudes from the lockcase or latch body. Make sure a strike plate is fitted to the door frame so the latch can easily ride over it when the door closes. For the door to open the latch bolt must be pulled back by using the lever handle, so that it disengages. The door can close with the latch bolt protruding, especially if an effective door closer is fitted. However, the door is under greater control when closed using the lever handle, particularly if no closer is installed.

Parts of a Door Handle - Lock Backplates

An overview of how backplate handles work doesn’t cover the detailed parts so let’s break these down:

● Lever handle/hand grip zone - the part your hand wraps around to operate the handle.

● Return - the usually 90° angle where the lever grip turns and fixes into the backplate.

● Sub plate - the fixing plate where the screws and/or bolt fixings secure the door handles to the door face.

● Bolt and screw fixings - face-fixing wood screws and through-the-door bolt fixings are used to prevent the sub plates from rotating and secure the handles together.

● Follower, spindle, and grub screw - a square handle follower accepts the 8mm spindle bar that connects the two handles through the latch or lockcase. The grub screw secures the handles to the follower. For bathroom backplates, there will be an additional 5mm spindle and follower for the thumbturn and indicator/release.

● Spring and spring stop - the spring returns the handle to the horizontal position after each operation. The spring stop prevents the lever from rotating too far when in use.

● Circlip and washer - these both hold the spring and spring stop from jumping out, retaining them in place.

● Cover plate - a decorative cover to mask the fixings of the sub plate, which also prevents the fixings from being tampered with. As we’ve said, different profiles are available. This provides flexibility of stock holding for facility managers and quick replacement of any damaged parts.

The model shown in the video above is the ARRONE AR361/13 euro profile lever handle. We haven’t labelled the euro profile cut out on the backplate. This is because this lever is also available with traditional key, latch, and bathroom backplate options. The terminology for the cover plate doesn’t change, but its function can change, so make sure to mention this when calling us about your handles.

Where to Fit Lever Door Handles on Backplate

If you have read our blog on lever on rose door handles, you’ll know they are versatile and able to be used with locks, latches, and cupboard catches as a fixed pull handle. Backplate handles can also be used with a range of locking mechanisms, on external and internal doors. Our comprehensive guide to UK locks takes you through over 25 types of common rim and mortice locks, many of which are operated by handles or knobs.  

In a residential property, you’d often find levers on backplate on external entrance doors, used with a multipoint espagnolette lock or a 5 lever sashlock. They are commonly installed with bathroom locks on WC and shower room doors. 

Entire properties can be outfitted with lever handles on backplates, domestic, commercial, or industrial. Short or long plates are available. They’re a useful retrofit option as the plates can cover previous fixing holes on the face of the door, and there is less making good required due to their coverage.

Centres. 

Leisure? City? Jam or custard? 

None of these. Lockcase centres in fact. 

As well as checking bolt fixing centres, make sure to check centres on new or existing lockcases before ordering door handles on backplate. Common cylinder locks vary between 47.5mm to 92mm. Bathroom locks could be 57mm or 78mm with DIN standard lockcases. So, we’d always say to check your centre measurements, as below, as there are no set standards for residential or commercial environments. 

Ready to Choose with Confidence

Hook and eye = cabin hook

Fail safe = fail unlocked

Fail secure = fail locked

Whilst we cannot give you one definitive name for all aspects of door hardware, we can clear up lever handles, just a bit.

Latch handles or knobs, bathroom door handles or unsprung multipoint lock levers, some door handle parts are pretty universal so with this guide, and our other blogs, you won’t go far wrong. You can now talk with certainty about your door handle needs or issues.

So, if you’re ready to make the call with confidence, or need help with any hardware hesitation, contact our customer services team today: 01305 263300 or [email protected]