Terminology

Lockset: is the Handle hardware that makes up the locking or latching mechanism that can usually be found on a door.

Functions (Lock): A set of operating features for a particular type of lock or exit device which make it suitable for a specific application.

• Entry / Entrance / Office: Push button locking. Button on inside locks outside lever until unlocked by key or by rotating the inside lever. Inside lever always free.
• Passage: Latch retracted by levers at all times. Never locked.
• Privacy: Outside knob/lever locked by pushbutton on inside knob/lever. Rotating inside knob/lever or closing door releases/unlocks button. Emergency release in outside knob/lever.
• Storeroom / Closet: Outside lever always locked. Latchbolt retracted by key in outside lever or by rotating inside lever. Inside lever always free.

Deadbolt: A door lock that has no spring action, but is operated by a key or a thumbturn. The deadbolt is typically directly above the door knob/lever 

Cylinder: The portion of a lock containing the plug with keyway and a body with the pin tumbler mechanism. The properly cut key allows the cylinder to rotate the driver mechanism which unlocks the lock.

Latch: The "Tongue" spring mechanism that extends from the edge of the door into the door jamb to hold the door shut when closed.

Backset or B.S. (Lock): The distance from the edge of a door to the center of the hole drilled for a lockset or deadbolt.

Faceplate: Refers to the small, rectangle shaped price of that surrounds the door latch on the edge of the door.  Typically these are 1 1/8" x 2 1/4" in size

Strike plate: A metal piece attached to the door jamb. As the door closes, the latch mechanism strikes the plate mounted to the jamb and the strike plate catches the mechanism and holds the door closed. Strike plates are generally the same finish as the door knob set and mount to the jamb with screws provided.

ANSI: ANSI is short for the American National Standards Institute.

Door Closer: A mechanical device that closes a door, in general after someone opens it, or after it was automatically opened.

Self-Closing: When a door must close on it’s own, with the assistance of closing hardware. Properly installed door closers or spring hinges will make a door self-closing. Self-closing doors are required for fire rated openings.

Door Hinges: Door hinges are made of two metal plates that are attached together with pin. The metal plates are attached to the door and door jamb with screws. Hinges hold the door securely to the door jamb and allow it to swing open and closed.

Ball Bearing Hinge: A hinge with ball bearings between the hinge knuckles, to reduce friction.

Non Removable Pin Hinge (NRP): A hinge with a set screw in its barrel; to prevent the removing of hinge pin. Set screw is not accessible when door is closed. Used with outswinging exterior doors.

Exit Device: A door-locking device designed to grant instant exit by pressing on a cross bar that releases the locking bolt or latch.

Weather Strip: A narrow strip that is flexible which surrounds the door to protect from moisture and air coming in when the door is closed.

Threshold: A strip fastened to the floor beneath a door, usually required to cover the joint where two types of floor material meet.

Astragal: A strip of steel or wood, which covers or closes the gap between the edges of a pair of doors. Some types overlap, others meet at the center line of the gap.

Filler Plate: A blank plate used to fill mortised cutouts.

Door Viewer: A door viewer is a cylindrical viewer with curved lenses on the inside that magnify the view on the other side of the door. These viewers are easily mounted in the door by drilling a hole at eye level and installing the viewer. Door viewers are a great addition to your exterior doors and increase the security of your home by allowing you to view who is outside before opening the door.

Kick Down Holder: A type of door stop that kicks down to hold the door open; locks in the up position to allow the door to open freely.

Kick Plate: A protective plate applied on the lower rail of the door to prevent the door from being marred.

Latch Protector (Latch Guard): A piece of hardware (attached to door) that completely covers the latch area protecting the latch bolt from prying and shimming.

Door Slab: Only the door, no jamb, hinges, threshold, or door hardware.

20ga, or 18ga: Abbreviation for the steel gauge of a frame and/or door.

‍Handing: the swing of the door, e.g., right hand or left hand. To determine the hand of a door, view the door from the outside—the side that the hinges are on is the hand of the door—if the door swings away from the viewer, the hand is a regular hand, i.e., right or left hand— if the door swings to the viewer, the door is reverse swing, i.e., right hand reverse swing or left hand reverse swing

Cutout (Door): A piercing for Door lite for a glass

Door-lite : An assembly of a frame and glass panel, or glass window . Many doors have more than one lite or lites.

Fire Rated Door or Frame: A door/frame manufactured with the purpose to resist spreading fire if any part of your commercial structure catches fire

R-Value: The resistance a material has to heat flow. Higher numbers indicate greater insulating capabilities.

Knocked Down (KD) Frame: A door frame furnished in three or more parts for assembly in the field.

‍Expandable frame: A Frame with profile in two or more pieces that will adjust to accommodate several wall thickness—also known as adjustable frame

Rough Opening: The size of a wall opening into which frame is to be installed.

Finger-Joint: A series of fingers machined into the ends of two pieces of lumber to be joined together. They are then held firmly in position by adhesive. Finger jointed wood is very strong and has a lesser chance of warping than does a clear piece of wood the same length.