About Doorknobs
A doorknob is the handle used to open a door, but not every doorknob is knob-shaped. Doorknobs come in a variety of grades and styles to fit almost any residential or commercial need. Most come as part of a door lock set, although older and retro versions occasionally have separate replaceable or interchangeable doorknobs to match the style of the rest of the house or business. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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A typical door knob is spherical in shape. Handicapped-accessible doorknobs come in other shapes, such as ovoids or levers that provide an easier to grip surface. Doorknobs can be made from many different materials, including solid brass, brass-plated steel, glass, copper, and a variety of other, less commonly used materials. Most commercial doorknobs are made of stainless steel for durability and long life in environments where they see frequent use.
Function
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The purpose of a doorknob is to provide a gripping surface to which you can apply rotational force to unlatch and open a door. The knob is usually attached to the locking or latching mechanism of the door and will open regardless of which way the knob is turned. Lever doorknobs have the same function, but are easier to grip when opening, closing, and turning.
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Size
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Doorknobs are sized to be as comfortable and easily-gripped as possible by average adult hand. Most doorknobs are approximately 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Lever-type door knobs are generally 4 to 5 inches in length, although handicapped and industrial/commercial lever-type door knobs can be in excess of 6 inches in length.
History
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It is unclear precisely when or by whom the doorknob was invented, but examples date back several hundred years. Before doorknobs became commonplace, the method of latching and unlatching doors varied considerably. Many doors had a small hand-lever and a rigid handle such as that found on modern sheds and barns, while others had wood hardware moved by a thumb lever. Doorknobs probably became popular because they simplified door mechanisms and allowed doors to be opened with one hand. Most older door-latching mechanisms required both hands to operate.
Considerations
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Select a door lock-set that has a knob style you are happy with, because few options exist in modern lock set design for the replacement of included knobs. One option is to special order the style you like; several companies provide lock sets for the entire house that use the same style of knobs for every latched door in the house. Lever-type doorknobs are easier to open, which can be beneficial for the disabled and those who have joint problems, but can create a safety hazard for young children.
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