Handle Sets

 

Entry Handle sets: The Ultimate First Impression

A handle set is the grand, statement-making hardware most often used for the front entrance of a home. It is more than a simple lock; it’s a piece of architectural jewelry that sets the tone for the entire property. A handle set consists of a complete set of exterior and interior hardware designed to work in aesthetic and functional harmony.

The Anatomy of a Handle set
A typical handle set is comprised of several distinct parts:

Exterior Grip: This is the large, vertical handle on the outside of the door. It is what you physically pull to open the door.

Thumb Latch (Thumbpiece): A small, mechanical lever integrated into the exterior grip. Pressing it with your thumb retracts the latch bolt, allowing the door to open.

Deadbolt: The primary security component. It is a separate cylinder and bolt, typically located above the handle, operated by a key from the outside and a thumb turn from the inside.

Interior Trim: The hardware on the inside of the door. This is usually a matching knob or lever that operates the latch from the interior.

Types of Handle sets: Monolithic vs. Sectional
Handle sets generally come in two primary configurations:

Monolithic (Full Plate) Handle sets: These feature a single, long backplate (escutcheon) that connects the exterior grip and the deadbolt into one continuous, visually impressive unit. This style offers a bold, traditional, and substantial look, often found on large, classic-style doors.

Sectional Handle sets: These have a separate grip and deadbolt, each with its own backplate or rosette. This offers a more modern and versatile aesthetic, allowing for more flexibility in placement and a cleaner look that suits contemporary, minimalist, and transitional architecture.

Interconnected vs. Non-Interconnected
A crucial functional consideration is whether the handle set is “interconnected.”

Non-Interconnected: The handle and the deadbolt operate independently from the inside. To exit, you must first turn the thumb turn on the deadbolt and then operate the interior knob or lever. This is the most common configuration.

Interconnected: The interior hardware is mechanically linked. Turning the interior knob or lever simultaneously retracts both the latch and the deadbolt in a single motion. This is a significant safety feature, as it allows for a panicked exit during an emergency (like a fire) without fumbling with two separate locks. Building codes in some areas may require interconnected locks for single-motion egress.

Security and Aesthetics
With a handle set, the security is provided almost exclusively by the deadbolt component. The handle itself is for latching the door and providing an elegant, welcoming look. Therefore, the quality of the deadbolt is paramount. We always recommend handle sets with ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Grade 1 deadbolts, which are certified to withstand the most rigorous tests against forced entry.

The aesthetic power of a handle set cannot be overstated. A heavy, solid brass handle set with a dark bronze finish can perfectly complement a Spanish-style villa in the Hollywood Hills, while a sleek, satin nickel sectional handle set can provide the perfect finishing touch to a modern home in Venice. The material and finish you choose will define the character of your entryway.

Lever Handles: Modern Style and Accessibility

Lever handle locks are a popular choice for both residential and commercial doors, prized for their ease of use and clean, modern aesthetic. Once primarily found in commercial or institutional settings, their blend of ergonomic design and sophisticated style has made them a favorite among homeowners and interior designers.

Accessibility: The Universal Design Standard
The primary advantage of a lever handle is its accessibility. Operating a lever requires a simple downward push, an action that can be accomplished with a hand, an elbow, or even a hip if one’s hands are full. This contrasts sharply with a traditional knob, which requires a tight grip and a twisting motion of the wrist—an action that can be difficult for children, the elderly, or individuals with arthritis or other mobility impairments.

This ease of use is why lever handles are the standard for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA guidelines mandate that door hardware be operable with one hand and not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. For any public or commercial space, levers are not just a preference; they are a requirement. For a home, they represent a smart investment in “universal design,” creating a space that is comfortable and accessible for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

Security Considerations: The Torque Attack and the “Clutch” Solution
While levers offer superior ergonomics, their design presents a specific security vulnerability known as a “torque attack.” Because the lever extends away from the door, it can be used as a fulcrum. An intruder can use a pipe or a heavy wrench to apply extreme rotational force to the lever. On a poorly designed lock, this force can be transferred directly to the internal retraction mechanism (the spindle and cam), forcing the latch bolt to retract and opening the door.

To combat this, we at Guardian Angel Locksmith strongly recommend high-quality “clutch” levers. A clutch lever is engineered with a breakaway mechanism in the spindle. When excessive force is applied, the clutch engages, allowing the lever to spin freely without affecting the latch. The lever will simply droop or turn 360 degrees, absorbing the force of the attack while the latch remains securely in place. Once the force is removed, the lever can often be reset to its normal horizontal position, and the lock remains fully functional and secure. This single feature transforms the lever from a potential liability into a robust and resilient security solution.

Styles for Every Interior
The aesthetic versatility of levers is another reason for their popularity. They are available in a vast array of styles:

Flat/Straight Levers: Offer a minimalist, contemporary look.

Curved/Ergonomic Levers: Provide a softer, more traditional or transitional feel.

Ornate Levers: Feature intricate details perfect for Victorian or classic homes.

These levers can be paired with different backplates, known as rosettes (circular or square) or escutcheons (long rectangular plates), to further customize the look. This allows for a cohesive design language throughout the home, from the front door to the bedroom and bathroom.

Knob Locks: Understanding Their Proper Role

Knob locks are ubiquitous in residential construction, but their role in your home’s security is widely and dangerously misunderstood. While they are a familiar and often cost-effective option, they should be used with extreme caution on any door that leads to the outside.

CRITICAL SECURITY WARNING: A Fundamental Design Flaw
Knob locks should never be used as the primary source of security for any exterior door.

The reason for this is a fundamental design flaw: the locking cylinder is located within the knob itself. The entire security mechanism—the pins, the springs, the cylinder—is housed in the part of the hardware that sits outside the protection of the door. This makes the entire lock highly vulnerable to brute-force attacks.

An intruder with basic tools can defeat a standard knob lock in seconds. The two most common methods are:

The Hammer Attack: A single, well-aimed blow from a hammer can shatter the housing of the knob, breaking it off the door completely and exposing the internal latch mechanism for easy manipulation.

The Wrench Attack: An intruder can grip the shank of the knob (the small post behind the knob itself) with a pipe wrench or locking pliers. With a sharp twist, the entire spindle can be torqued, forcing the latch to retract.

Because of these vulnerabilities, relying on a keyed knob lock for your home’s security is akin to leaving your front door unlocked.

A Glossary of Knobs: Knowing Their Function
To use knobs correctly, it’s essential to understand their different functions, which are best suited for interior doors:

Passage Knob: A non-locking knob. It has a latch to keep the door closed but can be opened from either side at any time. Ideal for closets and hallways.

Privacy Knob: A locking knob designed for interior privacy. It features a push-button or thumb-turn lock on the inside but has no key on the outside. It can be opened from the outside in an emergency using a small pin or a generic tool. Perfect for bathrooms and bedrooms.

Keyed Entry Knob: The type discussed above, with a key on the outside and a push-button or thumb-turn lock on the inside. This should only be used for interior doors requiring key access, like a home office or supply closet, never for an exterior door.

Dummy Knob: A non-functional knob used for pulling open a door that doesn’t latch, such as a closet with a magnetic catch. They are often installed in pairs on French doors.

The Right Way to Use Knobs: The Gold Standard of Security
For maximum security on an exterior door, you should always pair a high-quality, professionally installed deadbolt with a simple, non-locking passage knob or lever.

This two-part system is the gold standard for residential security. The passage knob or lever provides the day-to-day convenience of latching the door shut, while the deadbolt provides the real, reliable security. This separation of functions means that even if an intruder were to break off the knob, the heavy-duty deadbolt, which is protected deep within the door and frame, would remain engaged and secure.

A Spotlight on Baldwin: The Hallmark of Luxury and Legacy

When a client in Los Angeles desires the absolute pinnacle of quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design, we often point them to one name: Baldwin. For over 75 years, Baldwin has been synonymous with architectural hardware that is not just functional, but an heirloom piece designed to last for generations.

The Power of Solid Forged Brass
The core of Baldwin’s legendary quality lies in its materials and manufacturing process. Unlike many brands that use cast zinc or stamped brass, Baldwin creates its hardware from solid forged brass.

Casting involves pouring molten metal into a mold. This can lead to porosity and a less dense final product.

Forging involves heating a solid brass bar to a high temperature and then using immense pressure to shape it into a die. This process creates a much denser, stronger, and more durable product with incredibly crisp, clean detail. When you hold a Baldwin handle set, you can feel the substantial weight and see the precision in every line and curve—a direct result of the forging process.

Finishes That Endure: The PVD Advantage
A beautiful finish that tarnishes or flakes off is a common frustration with lesser hardware. Baldwin has pioneered advanced finishing techniques to ensure their products look stunning for decades. Their proprietary Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) finishes are a prime example. In the PVD process, a durable metal like titanium or zirconium is vaporized in a vacuum chamber and deposited onto the brass hardware, creating a surface that is molecularly bonded to the piece. This makes the finish highly resistant to scratching, tarnishing, and corrosion, even in the harsh salt air of coastal Los Angeles. Baldwin is so confident in this technology that they offer a Lifetime Finish Warranty on many of their PVD products.

Uncompromising Security and Design
Baldwin’s commitment to excellence extends to its security features. Their deadbolts are typically ANSI Grade 1, featuring hardened steel inserts to resist drilling and heavy-duty construction to withstand force. Their mortise locks, often found in their premier Estate collection, are complex, high-security mechanisms that integrate the latch and deadbolt into a single, massive cassette inside the door, offering unparalleled strength.

From the grand, traditional designs of the Estate collection to the more accessible yet still premium Reserve collection, Baldwin offers styles that complement the most discerning architectural tastes, be it a historic Craftsman bungalow or a lavish Bel Air estate. Choosing Baldwin is an investment in security, beauty, and enduring quality.

A Spotlight on Emtek: The Architect of Customization

For homeowners who crave personalization and want to infuse their unique style into every detail of their home, Emtek is a game-changer. While Baldwin represents heritage and timeless luxury, Emtek champions modern customization and design flexibility. Their core philosophy is built around a “mix and match” approach that empowers homeowners to become their own hardware designers.

The “Mix and Match” Philosophy Explained
Traditionally, when you bought a lock, you were limited to the combinations of knobs, levers, and backplates the manufacturer offered. Emtek revolutionized this by unbundling these components. Their process allows you to:

Choose a Function: (Passage, Privacy, Keyed Entry, etc.)

Choose your Knob or Lever Style: Select from dozens of designs, from sleek minimalist levers to sparkling crystal knobs.

Choose your Rosette or Backplate: Pair your chosen knob/lever with any style of backplate—round, square, rectangular, ornate—in their collection.

Choose your Finish: Select from a vast palette of finishes, including popular choices like Satin Nickel, Flat Black, and Polished Chrome, as well as unique options like French Antique and Satin Brass.

This assembled-to-order model means you can create a truly custom look. For example, you could pair a modern, angular Helios lever with a classic round rosette for a transitional look, or a vintage crystal knob with a sleek square rosette for an eclectic “modern classic” statement.

Creating a Cohesive Look for Your Entire Home
Emtek’s system is brilliant for ensuring a consistent design aesthetic throughout a property. You can use the same lever style but change the function (passage for closets, privacy for bathrooms) and backplate (a grand escutcheon for the front door, a simple rosette for interior doors) to match the scale and purpose of each room. This level of coordination elevates a home’s interior design from good to professionally curated.

While Emtek offers robust and reliable security with their solid mechanisms and high-quality deadbolts, their primary appeal lies in this unparalleled design freedom. They offer a perfect balance of durable, dependable hardware and endless stylistic possibilities, making them an ideal choice for the modern Los Angeles homeowner who values both security and self-expression.

Expert Installation is Key: The Guardian Angel Difference

For all hardware—whether it’s a grand Baldwin handle set, a custom Emtek lever, or a simple knob—proper installation is the final, critical step that determines its performance and longevity. A lock is only as good as its installation. This is not simply a matter of screwing hardware onto a door; it is a precise process that requires expertise.

Our technicians at Guardian Angel Locksmith ensure every detail is perfect:

Backset: This is the measurement from the edge of the door to the center of the bore hole (the main hole for the lock). The two common residential backsets are 2−3/8 inches and 2−3/4 inches. Using the wrong latch will cause the lock to be misaligned and not function properly.

Handedness: Levers, in particular, are “handed,” meaning they are designed specifically for right-handed or left-handed doors (doors that swing in or out, with hinges on the left or right). Installing a lever on a door with the wrong handing will result in the lever pointing up instead of down, making it awkward and potentially damaging the mechanism.

Bore Holes and Mortising: We ensure the bore holes and the cross-bore (the hole through the edge of the door) are perfectly aligned. We also ensure that the strike plate and latch plate are mortised (recessed) into the door and frame to the correct depth, allowing for a flush fit and smooth operation.

Improper installation can lead to a lock that binds, a latch that doesn’t engage properly, premature wear and tear on the components, and, most importantly, a severe compromise in the lock’s security.

Choosing the right hardware is a balance of style, function, and security. It’s a decision that impacts your home’s curb appeal and your peace of mind every single day. Don’t leave it to chance.

Call Guardian Angel Locksmith today for a consultation, and we’ll get right to work helping you find the perfect, professionally installed solution for your Los Angeles home or business.

Learn more about our Residential Products here:

• Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV)
• High Security Locks-MT5+
• Mul-T-Lock 800 High Security 
• Mul-T-Lock Grade 1 Deadbolt 
• Intercom Systems
• Safes
• Rekeying/Cylinder Combination Change
• Card Access Control Systems/Keyless Entry
• Smart Locks
• Keys Duplication
• DoorBird
• DoorKing
• Access Control