Independent Doors, Pre-hung door specialists, Christchurch, New Zealand

Hardware

Independent Doors Limited is proud to offer a range of top quality residential and architectural hardware products to suit both residential and commercial applications.

 The range consists of mortice locks, lever and knob furniture, key in knob and key in lever sets, door closers, general hardware and hinges. The range also includes a wide variety of security entry locks for exterior doors and a selection of fire rated hardware for our firedoors.

Round knobs vs Lever handles

In helping you to decide whether to go for knobs or levers we think it is worth considering the relative physical merits of the two types of handles. "Lever handles" do sometimes catch on your sleeve. This is largely determined by the actual lever design though. One of the advantages of the levers however is that the design places your hand well away from the edge of the door when in operation. This is useful in the case of narrow door styles (often found in sets of French doors) which do not allow a large installation back-set from the door edge.

Another benefit of the "lever" design is that persons with arthritic problems can get more leverage and do not need to actually grab the handle as you do with "knob furniture". In addition levers can sometimes be operated with the elbow when the hands are full as you open the door.

Knob door handles are usually available with matching knobs of smaller dimensions for fitting to cupboard and wardrobe doors which can assist with your decorating ideas. One disadvantage of "Knob" furniture when installed closer to the door edge is that it may sometimes cause the knuckles of the hand to hit against the door jamb. Problems with actually turning the knob can also develop if the latch mechanism is not properly matched to the knob and the multiple operating springs can sometimes be hard to turn against. Poor installation can also add to this difficulty. Purchasers must be careful in selecting the correct latch mechanism and if in doubt ask for our assistance before making their choice.