Door + Lock Hardware Reference
Why this matters
Locks + door hardware are universal across residential service. Locksmith + general service techs encounter every type. Customer's "key broke in lock" OR "door won't latch" require quick identification + fix. This is the field card.
Door types + sizes
Hollow-core (interior): lightweight cardboard honeycomb; thin face. Solid-core: solid wood OR composite; sound + fire resistance. Hollow-metal (commercial): steel + insulation; fire-rated 20/45/60/90 min. Exterior wood: solid OR engineered; heavy. Steel entry: insulated steel on wood frame; common new construction. Fiberglass entry: weather-resistant, paintable, premium. Sliding glass (patio): one fixed + one sliding. French (pair): hinged outward. Storm: outer + screen; aluminum/vinyl. Pocket: slides into wall. Bypass (closet): two panels slide past. Bi-fold (closet): two panels fold.
Sizes: width 24/28/30/32/36" (entry); height 80" standard, 84" tall; thickness 1-3/8" interior, 1-3/4" exterior; rough opening = door + 2" + frame.
Lock types
Knob lock: cylindrical lockset; common interior + entry; lower security than deadbolt. Deadbolt: throws solid bolt; higher security; single-cylinder (key + thumbturn) OR double (key both sides). Lever handle: ADA-compliant. Mortise lock: pocketed into door edge; high-end commercial + traditional homes. Privacy lock: thumb-turn only; bath + bedroom. Passage: no lock; closet, pantry. Smart lock: deadbolt + electronic/Bluetooth/Wi-Fi (August, Schlage Encode, Yale Assure). Combination/push-button: keyless (Schlage BE365, Kwikset).
Key types + cylinders
Standard pin tumbler: 5 - 6 pin (typical residential). Easy to pick by trained professional.
High-security: pick-resistant + drill-resistant; Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Abloy.
Keyed alike: multiple cylinders share same key.
Master keyed: master key opens all; sub-keys open subsets.
Restricted keyway: only the locksmith's authorized to cut. Anti-bumping protection.
Common entry hardware
Standard residential entry lockset: knob lock + deadbolt combo.
Multi-point lock (European-style): multiple bolts engage at side of door.
Door reinforcement: strike plate + screws (3" long min).
Heavy-duty strike: replaces flimsy stamped strike.
Door knocker / peephole / kick plate: accessory hardware.
Hinges
Standard residential: 3-1/2" × 3-1/2" (interior); 4" × 4" (exterior).
Heavy-duty (entry door): 4-1/2" × 4-1/2" OR 5" × 5".
Ball-bearing: smooth operation; long life; commercial.
Self-closing (spring-loaded): bath, garage-to-house.
Removable pin: standard residential.
Non-removable pin (NRP): security; outward-swinging doors.
Continuous (piano) hinge: full-length; cabinet OR specialty.
Door installation basics
Frame: 2×4 OR 2×6 framing; door rough opening.
Plumb + level + square: critical for proper operation.
Shims: between frame + framing; provides adjustment.
Trim (casing): covers gap between frame + drywall.
Threshold (exterior): bottom of door; seals against weather.
Sweep: bottom seal; flexible material.
Weatherstripping: around frame; foam OR rubber.
Lock terminology
Backset: distance from edge of door to center of lock bore. Standard 2-3/8" OR 2-3/4".
Bore hole: hole for knob/lever cylinder. 2-1/8" standard residential.
Edge bore: hole in door edge for latch.
Latch / strike: latch is on door; strike is on frame.
Latch retract: pulling back the latch to allow door to close.
Thumbturn vs key: deadbolt operation modes.
Cam: rotation transferred from key cylinder to latch mechanism.
Re-keying
Pull cylinder + replace pins: matches new key.
Same cylinder body: only pins change.
Common when: new homeowner; lost key; security concern.
Locksmith tool: pin kit + tools.
Lock installation
- Choose lockset based on door thickness + backset
- Measure for bore hole + edge bore locations
- Drill bore hole (2-1/8") with hole saw
- Drill edge bore (typically 1") with spade bit
- Install latch + strike plate
- Install interior + exterior plates of lockset
- Test operation
- Adjust strike if needed
Common door + lock problems
Door won't close: hinge sagged; tighten OR replace hinge screws (use 3" replacement); plumb door frame.
Lock won't latch: strike misalignment; adjust strike plate OR adjust frame.
Key won't turn: worn cylinder; corroded; foreign object; lubricate (graphite OR Teflon).
Key broken in lock: extract with tweezers / extraction tools; sometimes cylinder replacement.
Knob loose: tighten attachment screws.
Deadbolt won't extend fully: door swelled (moisture); strike misalignment; cylinder damage.
Squeaky hinge: lubricate (3-in-1 oil, graphite OR Teflon spray).
Common door + lock mistakes
Wrong backset (lockset doesn't fit door). Strike misalignment (lock doesn't latch). Reverse-swing door (handing matters; left-hand vs right-hand). Drilling too large bore (lockset rattles). Skipping strike-plate screws upgrade (security weak). Backstab spring-style latch (cycle fatigues quickly).
Lock hand designation
Right-hand (RH): hinges on right, opens away from you (you stand outside).
Left-hand (LH): hinges on left, opens away.
Right-hand reverse (RHR): hinges on right, opens toward you.
Left-hand reverse (LHR): hinges on left, opens toward you.
Most residential: RH + LH. Commercial often RHR + LHR.
Lockset must match handing OR be reversible.
Smart locks
Battery-powered: AA OR specialty; replace 6 - 12 months.
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth: connects to hub OR app.
Backup mechanical key: most have keyway.
Common brands: August, Schlage Encode + Sense, Yale Assure, Kwikset Halo.
Integration: HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home.
Install: replaces existing deadbolt; same bore hole.
Storm door + screen door
Aluminum frame: most common.
Vinyl frame: lower cost + maintenance.
Tempered glass + screen panel: interchangeable.
Hardware: included strike + closer.
Common service-call scenarios
Key broken in lock: extract + assess + possibly re-key OR replace.
Lost keys: re-key OR replace cylinder; offer key duplication.
Lockout: pick OR drill (last resort); offer re-key with new keys.
Garage door opener integration: smart locks integrate with some openers.
Bath / bedroom privacy lock: simple replace.
Door drag / scrape: adjust hinges OR re-hang.
Truck stock for locksmith / general
References
- ANSI/BHMA standards (lock hardware grades)
- BHMA Grade 1 (commercial), Grade 2 (residential premium), Grade 3 (residential basic)
- UL 437 (deadbolt key resistance)
- Manufacturer technical data (Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, Medeco)
- Manuall internal: Customer Property Protocol, PPE Selection