All About Door Knobs

Category: Home & Garden

They work hard for you each and every day, performing a vital service in the home. Any time you need them, they are there for you. You might think that the simple but practical door knob has a rich history dating back hundreds or maybe even thousands of years, but that is not the case. In fact, famous people like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln, never had the pleasure of turning a door knob to enter a room or a building. Here are some interesting things about door knobs and some helpful ideas for replacing them, from your provider of cabinet hardware for less. The door knob was not invented until the latter part of the 19th Century in the United States. In 1878 an African American by the name of Osbourn Dorsey applied for a patent on his invention known as a “door holding device”. Before that, most doors used simple latches that were operated by grasping the handle and pressing down on a lever with the thumb, and no knobs were turned. The original door knob assembly featured a round knob that turned levers. The levers were attached to a long rod that extended into a metal holder on the other side of the door. In short, the door was kept shut by a long metal rod across it. Everything was designed to do its job externally or outside of the door. There is not a great deal of information on the life of Mr Dorsey. However, it is known that he was a free man most or all of his life. Mr. Dorsey is also credited with inventing the door stop, and although it was a relatively simple wedge shaped piece of wood, it was highly effective. Before then, people simply used whatever was heavy and available like large stones or bricks. Since then, door knobs evolved to have knobs, latches, and rectangular or square metal plates called escutcheon plates. These became common in houses and many featured the old fashion skeleton keys for locking and un-locking. Types of Modern Door Knobs Today’s door knobs are as beautiful as they are practical and some are very intricate and ornate. You have four basic types in which to choose: Entry knobs Entry knobs are commonly used on the exterior of homes. For instance, they are on the front and back doors of most houses. Entry door knobs are locked with a key. They are made to be very sturdy, as entry doors must be secure to protect the contents of homes and places of business. Privacy knobs Privacy type door knobs have a locking mechanism that is simple but effective. For example, if you want the door to lock you only need to press a button or twist a flat knob. Since these knobs are usually located on bathroom and bedroom doors, they do not utilize keys, and the reason is quite simple. Most of the time, there is no need to lock a bedroom or bathroom door if you are not inside of the room, but these knobs can be unlocked with a simple tool if you become locked out. Passage knobs Passage type door knobs are very simple in design. In fact, there is no kind of locking mechanism. This makes them perfect for bedroom closets or linen closets. They are also used for pantry doors, and you can use them on most interior home doors that you do not want to lock. Dummy knobs A dummy knob or door handle is designed to look just like a passage or entry handle, but is used on doors that employ simple catches. Dummy knobs are a great choice when you want all your hardware to match. For example, if you have bronze cabinet knobs in the kitchen it makes sense to use something similar for the back and pantry doors. Finishes and colors When you shop for door handles or knobs you have many choices for colors and finishes. Some will give your home a most distinctive look, and can be used to complete a kitchen, bathroom, or other kind of makeover. Here are some of the choices that you have. Matte Black Matte black is sometimes referred to as flat black. It is basic black color that is not glossy. Satin black has some shine and gloss, but not a great deal. Flat black is a very popular choice in homes today. Bronze Bronze is increasing in popularity and it is not unusual to see beautiful bronze door knobs on interior and exterior doors these days. Bronze takes a little TLC to keep in good condition, especially if you decide to go with oil rubbed bronze. However, a little care is well worth the effort when you see how beautiful bronze hardware looks in your home. Satin Nickel Satin nickel is sometimes referred to as brushed nickel. This finish is usually created by plating a material like brass with nickel. Satin nickel gives you a finish that is not glossy or shiny. If you have stainless steel in your kitchen, satin nickel is an excellent choice for your door knobs or cabinet hardware. In fact, in many cases it is a perfect match. To care for satin nickel finishes use a soft cloth to wipe them down. Mild dish soap can be used but it is best not to use any soap if possible. Many times, fingerprints can be removed by buffing or polishing with soft cloths. Make sure to stay away from abrasive cleaners and do not scrub the finish hard. Polished brass Polished brass is one of the most common finishes you will find for door knobs. Many people consider this to be a classic look. It is very shiny and can be impressive when cleaned and polished. Brass is one of the more durable finishes you will find and is a good choice for families with children. To clean brass, try a soft cloth that has been dampened. This usually works well because most brass finishes are protected by lacquer. After rubbing, buff to make sure that all moisture has been removed. Choosing Quality If you want your home hardware to hold up to everyday use and provide years of service, always opt for quality selections. However, you do not have to pay too much for your hardware. In fact, it is possible to buy high quality items at affordable prices, if you know where to shop. Today’s door knobs come in a large amount of selections and you can find just what you need when you visit a trusted supplier that offers discount cabinet knobs and door knobs online.