Door Levers 101: The Basics

Door levers comprise two main parts: The lever and the rosette. The lever is the part you turn to open the door, and those come in a wide range of shapes. The most common door lever shapes are flat, round, scroll and drop, and each provides a distinct look. The rosette on a door lever is its base - the part that's affixed to the door. Rosettes come in several shapes and sizes, from standard round bases to intricately designed or ornate styles that add even more panache.

Exterior Door Levers

Exterior door levers are popular because they provide unparalleled ease-of-access, and they're available in keyed and keyless models.

Keyed entry door levers let you open and secure the door from the outside with a key and from the inside through a turning lock mechanism. Keyless entry door levers allow you to punch numbers into a pin pad or use a smartphone to unlock the door. Many manufacturers also make keyless entry door levers that use your own biometrics to let you in.

Interior Door Levers

You can use interior door levers for privacy, passage or looks. Here are the basics of each type:

• Privacy levers are best-suited to bedrooms and bathrooms. These types of door handles have a locking mechanism on one side, but rather than requiring a standard key to open from the outside, they usually have a punch hole for an emergency key.

• Passage levers don't have a locking mechanism, so they're ideal for well-trafficked rooms, hallways and closets. The handle operates from both sides, and there's no mechanism in place to prevent it from operating.

• Non-turning levers, sometimes referred to as dummy levers, don't have a mechanical latch mechanism. You don't need to install anything but the lever, which doesn't move, and they're purely decorative. Many people use them on double doors, closets and pantries.

Commercial Levers

Commercial door levers are heavy-duty counterparts to home door levers. They're often designed with all-metal construction for durability and meet ANSI/BHMA security standards.

What Are ANSI and BHMA Certifications?

The American National Standards Institute, or ANSI, is a nonprofit organization that provides across-the-board standards for products used in homes and businesses all over the U.S. The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association, or BHMA, grades products on hardware items; BHMA is accredited by ANSI.

When you see an ANSI/BHMA grade on a door lever, it means that lever has met or exceeded the durability, strength and performance standards for each of these categories:

• Grade 3 meets the standards for basic security.

• Grade 2 meets the standards for an intermediate level of security.

• Grade 1 meets the standards for the highest level of security.

Outfit Your Home or Business With the Right Door Levers From Build.com

Build.com has an extensive selection of door levers for residential and commercial use. Check out our accessible design door handles to find exactly what you need for your space, whether you're outfitting a new home, revamping your space or buying commercial-grade levers to keep your business secure.

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