doorHandle

A door handle is a hardware component used to operate a door latch or lock. It is typically mounted on a rose, escutcheon, or plate and comprises a handle or knob, a spindle or shaft, and the latch mechanism that engages the door frame via a strike plate. When the handle or lever is moved, a spring-loaded latch bolt retracts, allowing the door to open. Some designs include a locking function for privacy or security, and others are non-locking or keyed for entry.

Common designs include lever handles, doorknobs, pull handles, and push-bar or panic bars. Lever handles are widely used for their ease of operation and are often favored for accessibility. Doorknobs provide a traditional feel, while pull handles are typical on wide or double doors. Locking variants may employ a privacy turn or a keyed cylinder, and passage or dummy versions are available for doors without locks. Many mechanisms use cylindrical or mortise configurations, with backsets and strike plates sized to fit the door and frame.

Materials, finishes, and construction methods vary. Typical materials include brass, stainless steel, zinc alloy, and plastic, with finishes such as brass, chrome, satin nickel, or bronze. Construction can be cylindrical (surface-mounted) or mortise-in-wood; some doors feature multipoint or integrated lock systems. For accessibility, lever handles are preferred by many standards bodies, and proper installation ensures operability with a single hand and minimal force.

Maintenance and replacement involve cleaning, lubricating moving parts, and periodically replacing worn latches or failing locking components to maintain security and function.