Ultimate Ironmongery Glossary: Your A-Z Guide

Access Control

Systems and products that enable an authority to control, monitor, and restrict access to areas and resources in any given physical location.

Activator

Ironmongery device (e.g., panic or push bar) which both unlocks the door set and opens it in one positive action.

Active Leaf

The first leaf to open in a pair of doors (followed by the inactive leaf).

Access Control Systems

Designed to enable authorities to control, monitor, and restrict access to specific areas and resources within physical locations.

Activator (Additional)

An ironmongery device, such as a panic or push bar, that unlocks and opens a door in a single positive action.

Active Leaf (Additional)

The first leaf to open in a pair of doors, followed by the inactive leaf.

Adjustable Frame Fixings

Also known as Screw-in Frame Fixings, provide flexibility in securing door frames.

Auto Bolting

Automatically engages a series of latches and triggers to secure a door once it's closed, typically used with a latching door closer for seamless closure.

Auto Flush Bolt

A self-locking bolt integrated into the leading edge of the active leaf of a double door set, automatically securing it without manual intervention.

Back Check

A setting on a door closer that prevents over-swinging, also referred to as a Restrictor.

Backplate

A stamped or forged plate to which levers are attached, commonly used for lever handles.

Backset

The distance from the leading edge of a door to the center point where the handle or key/turn is positioned.

Bathroom Lock

Allows for internal and external lever handle operation while providing locking via an internal thumb turn.

Cam Action door closers

Employ a smooth, low-force operation mechanism for opening and closing doors.

Cill

Also known as Threshold, refers to the horizontal member at the base of a door frame.

Combined weather & cold smoke Seal

A stick-on rubber trim, often made from intumescent material for fire door use, to seal air gaps at door hinges or edges.

Cylinder lock

Either oval or Euro profile, provides key access to doors and may include half or full cylinders, with options for external or internal unlocking.

DDA

Promotes civil rights and accessibility for disabled individuals, including building requirements related to doorways.

DDA Compliant Threshold

A low-profile threshold strip, mandated by disability legislation, to ensure accessibility.

Dead Lock

A secure locking mechanism that can only be operated by a key or internal thumb turn.

Delayed Action door closers

Keep doors open for a set time before closing at a controlled rate, useful for accessibility.

Door Closer

A mechanical device that automatically pulls a door shut without manual intervention, using springs or hydraulics.

Dog Bolt

Also called a security stud, prevents a door from being pulled out of its frame when closed.

Door Function

Determines the purpose of a door, such as Personal Entry, Emergency Escape, or Panic Escape.

Door Furniture

Refers to operational components like locks, handles, and restrictors.

Door Location

Specifies whether a door is internal or external to a building.

Door Reference

An individual identifier assigned to door sets for ease of identification.

Door Type

Selected based on anticipated use, ranging from security doors to fire-rated options.

Door Viewer

A glass peephole with magnification, allowing visual confirmation before unlocking a door.

Double Leaf

Consists of an active and inactive leaf, typically found in a pair of doors.

Door Seal

Typically made of rubber, ensures a uniform seal when the door is closed.

Emergency Escape devices

Such as push bars, allow safe exit during emergencies.

Escape Night Latches

Provide internal lever operation with external locking via a key cylinder.

Escutcheons

Protective faceplates around keyholes or door handles.

Europrofile

Refers to a standardized lock cylinder type used in Europe.

External Access devices

Allow unlocking and opening doors from outside secured zones or buildings.

Fire Rated doors

Designed to resist fire spread and are rated based on their fire resistance duration.

Flush Bolts

Secure the inactive leaf of a double door set.

Flush Pulls

Door handles that are recessed into the door face, commonly used for sliding doors.

Galvanisation

Protects steel and iron from corrosion by applying a zinc coating.

Handles

Provide means for opening doors, either by overriding a latch or providing a grip for pulling.

Hinges

Attach doors to frames and allow them to swing open and closed, available in various types and sizes.

Hold Open Devices and Stay mechanisms

Keep doors open at a set angle.

Hush Latches

Provide quiet operation for standard mortice latches.

Inactive Leaf

The second leaf to open in a pair of doors, following the active leaf.

Intumescent materials

Expand with heat to provide fire protection.

Ironmongery

Also called Door Hardware or Furniture, includes various door fittings.

Jamb-mounted door closers

Fitted to the side of a door frame.

Kick Plates

Prevent scuffing at the bottom of door leaves, especially in high-traffic areas.

Knobs

Door handles twisted or pulled to open or close doors.

Latches

Hold doors closed and are operated by handles, allowing for free opening.

Latching Door Closers

Ensure doors shut automatically, commonly used with Auto Bolting ironmongery.

Lever Handles

Override latches to open doors and are often self-latching.

Locks

Secure doors, either singly or in pairs, with a mechanism operated by a key or thumb turn.

Maglocks

Magnetic locks used for security.

Manual Flush Bolts

Manually secure the inactive leaf of a double door set.

Mortice fittings

Recessed into doors rather than mounted on the surface.

Night Latches

Provide controlled access with automatic deadlocking.

Outside Access Devices

Allow activation of emergency hardware from outside a building.

Panic Escapes

Provide instinctive door operation for untrained users during emergencies.

Pocket Door Systems

Allow doors to slide into walls to save space.

Pull Handles

Offer a grip for pulling doors open.

Push Plates

Prevent damage to door finishes when pushed open.

Restrictors

Prevent doors from swinging too far.

Rosettes or Roses

Plates behind door handles to attach them to doors.

Springs

In hardware allow handles to return to position after use.

Sprung Roses

Enable automatic re-latching of doors.

Stays

Restrict door swing.

Strike Plates

Catch latch mechanisms to hold doors closed.

Spindles

Connect door handles and operate latches or locks.

Thumb-turns

Provide keyless locking and unlocking, useful in emergencies.

Un-sprung hardware

Relies on door locks to return to position.

WC Turns

Allow locking and unlocking without a key, also known as Thumb-turns or snibs.

Yellow Passivated

Finishes protect metal from corrosion.

As we wrap up our journey through the intricate world of ironmongery, we hope this glossary has illuminated the path for you, whether you're embarking on a professional project or indulging in a DIY venture. Ironmongery, with its rich tapestry of terms and applications, is a field ripe for exploration, and knowledge is the key to mastering its art. Remember, this glossary is a living document, evolving with your contributions and the ever-expanding universe of ironmongery. So, if there's a term you encounter that's not covered, or if you have insights to share, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, let's continue to build this resource, making it an unparalleled guide for enthusiasts and experts alike. For those eager to dive deeper into the world of ironmongery and discover an extensive range of door accessories, our dedicated section on ironmongery and door accessories is the perfect next step. Here's to unlocking the full potential of your ironmongery projects with confidence and expertise!