What is a “backset”?

If you’re buying a door knob or a front entry set then it’s very likely you’ll be asked what your backset is. It’s also very likely you won’t know what that is. That’s okay, you can admit it.

The backset measures how far into the door the knob will go. The exact measurement is from the edge of the door to the center of the hole the knob will go in. This is known in the hardware industry as the “knob-hole” or the “hole in the door where one day a knob will be, if everything goes according to plan.”

Measure from the edge of the door to the center of the hole.

Backsets are usually 2 3/8″ or 2 3/4″. The standard backset for most doors is 2 3/8″, but it doesn’t matter what the measurement is, as long as you have the correct one for your door. There is no advantage to having one measurement over another.

You’ll need to know the backset measurement because the length of your backset determines the length of your latch. The latch is the part of the doorknob that sticks out of the side of the door and slides into the door jamb so the door will “latch” shut. If your backset measurement is wrong then the latch won’t fit correctly and your door knob won’t work.

Backsets are important for all door hardware. Door Knobs, Door Levers, Handlesets and Deadbolts, measure your backset this way and you’ll be ready to go.

Posted on 02/02/09 // Posted in Door Hardware, Hardware Glossary, Home Hardware Tips