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A doorknob is a popular type of handle used for opening and closing a door. In its simplest form, a doorknob provides only a place to grab so that the door may be pulled toward oneself.
On most modern doors, however, doorknobs can be turned to operate a latching mechanism, which normally holds the door closed. A doorknob may also have a lock built in, though in some cases it is beneficial for the lock to be separate.
Doorknobs can be difficult for the young and elderly to operate. If a person lacks a firm grip a doorknob must sometimes be operated using two hands. For this reason doors in most commercial and industrial buildings and in many households now use an operating lever, rather than a doorknob, as the lever does not require a firm grip. Levers are also beneficial on doors with narrow stile widths where the reduced backset leaves insufficient space to comfortably turn a doorknob.
Most household doorknobs use a simple mechanism with a screw-style axle (called a spindle) that has at least one flat side, which is passed through the door latch, leaving some length exposed on each side of the door to which the knobs are attached. Knobs are attached on both sides by screwing them directly onto the spindle, and then securing one or more retaining screws (set screws) through the knob perpendicular to the flat of the spindle. Doorknobs that lose traction can frequently be repaired by replacing or adjusting the set screw, which prevents them from slipping on the spindle.
The location of the doorknob on the door may vary between a few centimeters away from the edge of the door to the exact center of the door, depending on local culture, decorative style or owner preference. The distance from the edge of the door to the center of the doorknob is called the backset. (Source: Wikipedia)
Cabinet knobs and pulls are now being used by designers to add finer details to a home’s overall decorating theme. Manufacturers of decorative hardware are making the designer’s job easier by offering more styles and design options. Emtek Products is one of these companies who manufacturers door, bath and cabinet hardware in various collection styles so that homeowners can have hardware with consistent styles
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Who would be the best person to help you find suitable fixtures and fittings for doors and windows?
Architects are trained to create designs that are structurally sound, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. They also often have a basis knowledge of construction materials, though not the detailed knowledge required when choosing appropriate hardware.
Interior designers specialize in the decorating and furnishing of rooms and can offer
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On a recent visit to Sidmouth in South Devon, an English seaside town with many lovely period buildings, it was noticeable that despite the houses and hotels being beautifully presented, very few had appropriate door fittings, which would have given the finishing touch. In some places small rusting cheap door knockers were used, with door handles that didn't even match. It is understandably that
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