What is Door Handing

What is Door Handing?

If you’re ordering a lock for your door you will be asked how your door is handed. You probably have no idea what that means.

That’s okay! Most people don’t. Door handing is what it sounds like, the hand you will use to open the door. Confused? Let’s make it simple.

This must be asked before purchase of a door lever. Door knobs can be turned with either hand. But a door lever is different. It needs to be installed so that the end of the lever is pointing towards the center of the door or it won’t fit. A left-handed door lever won’t fit in the left side of a door because the end of the handle will stick out past the doors edge and make it impossible to close.

So, how do you know which way your door is handed?
Here’s an easy way:

Stand on the outside of the door. Which side is outside? If it’s a front door entryset then you should be outside of your house. For a keyed lock it is the side that will need a key and for a privacy lock it’s the side that does not have a turnpiece.

Which side are the hinges on? The right or the left?

If they are on the right then you need a right-handed door, if they are on the left then you need a left-handed door. It really is that simple. Whichever side your hinges are on when your facing the outside of your door is how you want your door handed.

Posted on 09/16/08 // Posted in Door Hardware, Hardware Glossary, Home Hardware Tips