Important tips to know before ordering replacement door hardware.

A well-maintained entryway door can last a lifetime if taken care of properly. Maintenance may include switching out the door’s existing hardware when it becomes worn. Or, when updating the look of the exterior of your home, a refinish of your entry door (or doors) might be called for, which should include an update to your door’s hardware to complete the new look. Knowing what you are looking for in replacement door hardware can save you hours of retrofitting headaches that might even damage the door. Accurately purchasing what you need will help you avoid those return trips to get the parts that fit right.

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Door Thickness

Knowing the door’s thickness is the first step in getting the right hardware for it. Standard doors range from 1 ⅜” to 1 ¾”.

Back Set Dimensions

Back set is the distance from the edge of your existing door to the center of the door handle/lever/deadbolt hole. Standard doors generally use a 2 ¾” to 2 ⅜” back set. This is determined by measuring from the edge of the door to the center of the hole where the lever or knob sits or where the deadbolts will be installed.

Handing of Door

Knowing how your door swings open is key to getting the correct hinges for it. For example, if you are on the outside of the door and the door swings in to the right, this would be considered a right-hand inswing. If the door swings out to the right, this would be a right-hand reverse. The same would apply to left-hand swing doors.

Mortise Lock Back Set Dimensions

A mortise lock is a lock that requires a pocket, or mortise, to be cut into the door edge. Much like measuring for a back set, this is determined by measuring from the edge of the door to the center of the hole where the lever or knob sits or where the deadbolts will be installed.

Most common mortise lock back sets are 2 ½” to 2 ¾” although there are some companies that produce them in 1 ½ to 2”.

Hinge size

After you’ve determined how your door swing you need the dimension of the hinges. Hinges come in four standard sizes: 3”, 3 ½”, 4”, 4 ½”. Check the top edge of the hinges. Most will have a square edge, but some will have a rounded radius in the corners, typically a ¼” to ⅝” radius. Check the hinge’s existing hole pattern as this can vary from hinge to hinge (zig-zag, straight or checkered).

When heading out to purchase your door hardware you should bring along detailed pictures of your existing doors, inside and out, as well as detailed pictures of the hardware, just in case any questions arise while making your choice. Make it a point to see the hardware up close before you buy the parts, as they might look great on your computer screen but the differences in patina and texture will make a huge difference when you see them in person.

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Answering Your Common Questions About Door Closers

Have a question about a door closer? We’re here to help answer it.

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Below, you will find a few commonly asked questions about door closers. We did our best to answer them, but our team of door hardware professionals is here to help if you still have questions.

P.S. We sell some of the best commercial door closers from top brands like Norton and Yale.

What Are Door Closers Called?

You may hear a door closer referred to as a closer or a door opener. To put it simply, it’s just called a door closer. There is no memorable, unique name for it unless you’re breaking it down by type, which brings us to our next question.

What Are the Different Types of Door Closers?

There are two main types of door closers: manual and automatic. Within those two categories are different styles of closers. There are several unique styles of interior door closers: surface-mounted, regular arm, parallel arm, spring hinge, self-closing hinge, top jamb mount, etc.

Can Door Closers Be Adjusted?

Yes, most door closers allow for adjustments to the closing speed, latching speed, and backcheck (resistance when the door is opened too quickly). These adjustments ensure the door closes smoothly and at the appropriate speed based on the environment and door usage.

What Is the Lifespan of a Door Closer?

The lifespan of a door closer can vary depending on its quality, frequency of use, and maintenance. High-quality door closers in high-traffic areas can last 7-10 years or more with proper care, while lower-quality or improperly maintained closers may fail much sooner.

Can Door Closers Be Used on Exterior Doors?

Yes, many door closers are specifically designed for exterior doors. However, when choosing a closer for an exterior door, ensure that it has features like backcheck to prevent the door from slamming in strong winds, and that it’s durable enough to withstand environmental elements.

What Are ADA Compliant Door Closers?

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant door closers are designed to ensure that doors are easy to open and close for individuals with disabilities. These closers typically require less opening force and allow for a longer delay before the door begins closing, giving people enough time to pass through.

What is Backcheck on a Door Closer?

Backcheck is a feature that controls the speed and resistance when the door is opened too forcefully. It prevents the door from slamming into a wall or being thrown open by wind, which can cause damage to both the door and the frame.

Can I Install a Door Closer Myself?

While it is possible to install a door closer yourself, especially surface-mounted ones, professional installation is recommended. Proper installation ensures the closer is mounted securely and calibrated correctly for smooth operation. If not installed properly, the door closer may malfunction, leading to improper door closure or excessive wear on the door and frame.

There are two main types of door closers: manual and automatic. Within those two categories are different styles of closers. There are several unique styles of interior door closers: surface-mounted, regular arm, parallel arm, spring hinge, self-closing hinge, top jamb mount, etc.  

How Do Door Closers Work?

Hydraulic and pneumatic door closers use damp vibrations (dampers) to allow the door to swing slowly open or closed. If you would like to know more from a technical perspective and nerd out on vibrations, you can read up on vibration reduction.

Is Hydraulic Better Than Pneumatic?

Not necessarily. Both hydraulic and pneumatic door closers have their strengths. The former is more robust and best suited for heavy doors, while the latter is usually cheaper and more suited for lightweight doors.

How Do I Know What Type of Door Closer to Buy?

To know what style of door closer you should purchase, you must first examine your door. Check both the height and width of the frame itself and the actual door. Heavy doors usually need a closer that packs some power for the best performance—vice versa for lightweight doors. Also, if you have a very narrow frame, a concealed door closer may be optimal.

What Are the Uses for Door Closers?

Door closers have many uses beyond just simply opening and closing a door. This type of door hardware is used for fire safety, security, noise control, privacy, hygiene (helps keep rooms free from dirt or pests by closing the door), and even room temperature regulation (again, by closing the door).

Park Avenue Locks – A Lock Above the Rest

Don’t let choosing the right commercial or residential door lock be a tedious process. If you don’t know where to start when selecting the proper hardware for your doors, then Park Avenue Locks can guide the way.

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