NEWSLETTER
Enter your email:
Construction Topics
ADS
Become a FB fan
Construction Network
CONSTRUCTION KNOWLEDGE >>
DOORS & WINDOWS >>
HARDWARE
1. What are the Common Types of Builder's Hardware?
2. What are the Common Finishes of Builder's Hardware?
3. What Public Domain Documents are Available for Further Study?
4. Tricks of the Trade & Rules of Thumb for Builder's Hardware:
What are the Common Types of Builder's Hardware?
Getting builder's hardware right will matter to the Owner at occupancy and for the life of the facility. Builder's hardware gets touched and used often, so when it doesn't work quite right (or completely fails) it's a big deal. Here are the common types of builder's hardware:
- Door hinges: For some odd reason, door hinges are typically measured in pairs of hinges. So a door with 3 hinges gets noted as 1 1/2 pairs of hinges. The typical door hinges are plain bearing butt hinges, ball bearing butt hinges, spring hinges (self closing), pivot hinges (located at the top and bottom of the door) and piano hinges (continuous). The Builder's Hardware Manufacturer's Association also provides some useful information on hinges.
- Door locksets and latchsets: With the adoption of the American Disabilities Act (ADA) door knobs have almost become relics, as ADA requires door levels which can be opened with a fist. Pay attention to the many different lockset styles: privacy locksets for toilet rooms, storage locksets that always lock and open only with a key, office locksets that have a push button lock for locking while remaining in the room, and the many other possibilities. It's good to ask the end building user to verify that the functions of the locksets really do accomplish what he or she needs. The Builder's Hardware Manufacturer's Association also provides some useful information on types of locks.
- Door closers: as the name states, door closers close doors. Fire doors require door closers. In many other situations, door closers simply improve how the building functions. Door closers are available as surface mounted or concealed closers. Hold open function on the door closer, while not available for fire doors, is often a useful feature. It's good to ask the end building user if door closer hold-opens are desired. The Builder's Hardware Manufacturer's Association also provides some useful information on door closers.
- Panic hardware exit devices: The Code often requires panic hardware for doors in which the occupants need only push into the door device to exit. Prior to receiving panic hardware, determine how it will be operable from the exterior (lever, thumb-piece, dummy trim, etc.) Many Owner's are disappointed to find they need to "dog down" the panic hardware with an Allen wrench every day to keep it operable from the outside. The Builder's Hardware Manufacturer's Association also provides some useful information on exit devices.
There are many more kinds of builder's hardware which you'll work with over the years. Try to spend some extra time learning about what you are to install on each project and discuss with the building end user, if possible. You will greatly improve your perceived value to the project and help them get what will actually work best for them. In short, learn to see this tricky area as an opportunity for you.
What are the Common Finishes of Builder's Hardware?
- US3: Brass, polished
- US4: Brass, satin
- US9: Bronze, polished
- US10: Bronze, satin
- US10B: Bronze, oil rubbed
- US26: Chrome, polished
- US26D: Chrome, matte
- US32: Stainless steel, polished
- US32D: Stainless steel, satin
What Public Domain Documents are Available for Further Study?
The US Department of Defense provides a detailed general resource for Builders Hardware. This 19 page manual is officially called UFC 3-190-02FA (November 2003).
Tricks of the Trade & Rules of Thumb for Builder's Hardware:
- Ask building end user to verify that the types of locksets will work for what the occupants need.
- Ask building end user if door closer hold-opens are desired.