Use this hardware glossary to understand common terms found when shopping for door hardware, locks, cabinet hardware, hinges, drawer slides, lighting fixtures, and related products. Definitions are written in plain language to help homeowners, contractors, designers, builders, and property managers compare products and identify compatible hardware.

Hardware terminology can vary by manufacturer and application. Always review the dimensions, specifications, installation instructions, and compatibility information for the individual product before ordering.

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Door Hardware | Locks and Keying | Cabinet Hardware | Hinges | Drawer Slides | Lighting | Measurements | Finishes and Materials | Commercial Hardware and Standards

Door Hardware Terms

Backplate

A backplate is a decorative or functional plate installed behind a door knob, lever, pull, or other piece of hardware. It may protect the door surface, cover existing holes, or coordinate with the surrounding trim.

Backset

Backset is the horizontal distance from the edge of a door to the center of the main bore hole for a knob, lever, deadbolt, or lock. Common residential backsets are 2⅜ inches and 2¾ inches. Read our guide to measuring door backset before replacing a latch or lock.

Bore Hole

A bore hole is an opening drilled into a door for lock hardware. The large hole through the face of the door is called the cross bore, while the smaller opening through the edge of the door is called the edge bore.

Cross Bore

The cross bore is the large circular hole drilled through the face of a door for a knob, lever, deadbolt, or lock body. Its diameter must be compatible with the selected hardware.

Deadbolt

A deadbolt is a locking device that extends a solid bolt into the door frame. Unlike a spring latch, a deadbolt does not retract simply by pushing against the strike. Browse deadbolts.

Door Handing

Door handing identifies the direction in which a door swings and the side on which its hinges are located. Some levers, handlesets, mortise locks, and commercial products must be ordered for the correct handing. See the door handing guide for additional help.

Door Knob

A door knob is a rounded or shaped operating handle that is rotated to retract a latch. Door knobs are available in passage, privacy, keyed-entry, dummy, and other functions. Browse door knobs.

Door Lever

A door lever is a horizontal operating handle that is pushed downward to retract a latch. Levers can be easier to operate than round knobs and are available in residential and commercial configurations. Browse door levers.

Door Pull

A door pull is a fixed handle used to pull a door open. Unlike a knob or lever, a pull normally does not retract a latch unless it is part of a larger locking or exit-hardware assembly.

Edge Bore

The edge bore is the hole drilled through the edge of a door for the latch or deadbolt bolt. The latch diameter, faceplate, and backset must match the door preparation.

Escutcheon

An escutcheon is a decorative or protective plate installed around a key cylinder, knob, lever, pull, or other operating component. It may be round, square, rectangular, or formed as part of a full-length trim plate.

Faceplate

A faceplate is the visible plate installed on the edge of a door around a latch or deadbolt bolt. Common styles include square-corner, radius-corner, and drive-in configurations.

Fixed Dummy

Fixed dummy hardware is a non-operating knob or lever mounted to one side of a door. It is commonly used on the inactive side of double doors, closet doors, and doors held closed by catches.

Full Dummy

A full-dummy set generally includes matching non-operating trim for both sides of a door. Product terminology varies, so confirm whether the item includes one piece or a pair.

Handleset

A handleset is an exterior entry set that normally combines a long exterior grip with a thumb-operated latch and an interior knob or lever. Many handlesets are paired with a deadbolt. Browse handlesets.

Latch

A latch is a spring-loaded component that extends into the strike to hold a door closed. Turning the knob or operating the lever retracts the latch. Browse door latches.

Latch Bolt

The latch bolt is the beveled, spring-loaded part of a latch that projects from the edge of a door. The beveled face allows the door to close as the bolt contacts the strike.

Passage Function

Passage hardware operates a latch but does not lock. It is commonly used on hallways, closets, laundry rooms, and other interior openings where privacy is not required.

Privacy Function

Privacy hardware includes an interior locking feature intended for bedrooms, bathrooms, and similar rooms. It usually has an emergency-release feature on the exterior side and is not intended to provide the same security as an exterior keyed lock.

Projection

Projection is the distance that a knob, lever, pull, or other product extends outward from the mounting surface. Projection can affect hand clearance and whether the hardware interferes with trim, walls, shutters, or adjacent doors.

Rose or Rosette

A rose, also called a rosette, is the decorative trim surrounding the base of a door knob or lever. Rosettes may be round, square, rectangular, or decorative.

Spindle

A spindle is the shaft connecting the operating trim on one or both sides of a door to the latch or lock mechanism. Turning the knob or lever rotates the spindle and retracts the latch.

Strike Plate

A strike plate is the metal plate installed on the door frame to receive a latch bolt or deadbolt. The strike must align with the lock and may help reinforce the frame around the opening.

Thumbturn

A thumbturn is an interior component that is rotated by hand to lock or unlock a deadbolt, mortise lock, or other locking device.

Trim

Door trim refers to the visible operating and decorative portions of a lockset, including knobs, levers, roses, escutcheons, grips, thumbturns, and cylinder surrounds.

Lock, Cylinder, and Keying Terms

Cylinder

A cylinder is the part of a lock into which the key is inserted. It contains the components that recognize the correct key and permit the lock to operate.

Double Cylinder Deadbolt

A double cylinder deadbolt requires a key on both the exterior and interior sides. This configuration may be restricted by building, fire, or life-safety requirements in certain applications. Browse double cylinder deadbolts.

Electronic Deadbolt

An electronic deadbolt uses a keypad, touchscreen, wireless connection, credential, or electronic control instead of—or in addition to—a traditional key. Browse electronic deadbolts.

Key Control

Key control refers to procedures or product features used to limit unauthorized key duplication and track who has access to keys. The available level of control depends on the key system and manufacturer.

Keyed Alike

Keyed-alike locks are configured so the same key operates multiple locks. This is helpful when a customer wants one key to open several doors. Review the Factory Direct Hardware keying options.

Keyed Different

Keyed-different locks are configured so each lock operates with a different key. This is commonly used when separate doors or users require independent access.

Keyed Entry

Keyed-entry hardware has a key cylinder on the exterior and an interior locking or unlocking control. It is commonly used on exterior doors, offices, storage rooms, and other secured openings.

Keyway

A keyway is the shape and profile of the opening in a lock cylinder that accepts a particular type of key. Locks generally must use compatible keyways to be keyed alike or incorporated into the same key system.

Master Key

A master key is designed to operate multiple locks that may also have their own individual change keys. Master-key systems require careful planning and compatible cylinders.

Mortise Cylinder

A mortise cylinder is a threaded lock cylinder commonly screwed into a mortise lock, storefront lock, exit-device trim, or other commercial hardware component.

Rekeying

Rekeying changes the internal combination of a lock cylinder so it operates with a different key without necessarily replacing the complete lock.

Rim Cylinder

A rim cylinder is mounted through the face of a door and normally connects to surface-mounted hardware with a tailpiece. It is commonly used with exit devices, night latches, and other commercial applications.

Single Cylinder Deadbolt

A single cylinder deadbolt is operated by a key on the exterior and a thumbturn on the interior. Browse single cylinder deadbolts.

Smart Lock

A smart lock includes electronic features that may allow access through a code, mobile application, connected-home system, fingerprint, or other credential. Available features and connection requirements vary by product. Browse smart locks.

Tailpiece

A tailpiece is the flat or shaped component extending from a cylinder or thumbturn into the locking mechanism. Its length and orientation must be compatible with the lock and door thickness.

Cabinet Hardware Terms

Appliance Pull

An appliance pull is a larger, heavier pull designed for appliance panels, large cabinet doors, pantry doors, or other applications requiring greater gripping space. Browse appliance pulls.

Backplate

A cabinet backplate is a decorative plate installed behind a cabinet knob or pull. It can add visual detail, protect the cabinet surface, or help cover existing marks and unused holes. Browse cabinet backplates.

Bar Pull

A bar pull is a cabinet pull with a straight or mostly straight gripping section. Bar pulls are available in many lengths, diameters, projections, and center-to-center measurements. Browse bar cabinet pulls.

Cabinet Catch

A cabinet catch holds a cabinet door in the closed position. Common examples include magnetic catches, roller catches, friction catches, and touch latches.

Cabinet Knob

A cabinet knob is a compact piece of hardware usually attached with a single mounting screw. Knobs are used on cabinet doors, drawers, furniture, and built-ins. Browse cabinet knobs.

Cabinet Pull

A cabinet pull is a handle attached to a cabinet door or drawer, normally with two or more mounting points. Browse cabinet pulls.

Center-to-Center

Center-to-center is the distance from the center of one mounting hole to the center of the next mounting hole. It is the most important measurement when replacing an existing cabinet pull. Review the cabinet pull center-to-center guide.

Cup Pull

A cup pull is a cabinet or drawer pull with a curved, enclosed, or partially enclosed shape that is gripped from underneath. It is also sometimes called a bin pull. Browse cup pulls.

Drop Pull

A drop pull has a movable handle suspended from one or more mounting points. It is often used on traditional, vintage, furniture-style, and decorative cabinetry.

Edge Pull

An edge pull mounts along the edge or rear surface of a cabinet door or drawer front, creating a low-profile grip. Browse edge pulls and finger pulls.

Finger Pull

A finger pull is a low-profile pull designed to be gripped with the fingertips. It may mount to the face, edge, top, or underside of a cabinet door or drawer.

Overall Length

Overall length is the complete end-to-end length of a cabinet pull. It is different from the center-to-center measurement and should not be used alone to determine whether existing mounting holes will align.

Projection

Cabinet hardware projection is the distance from the cabinet or drawer surface to the outermost point of the knob or pull. It affects gripping clearance and how far the hardware extends into a walkway or work area.

Ring Pull

A ring pull includes a movable ring attached to a mounting plate or base. It is commonly used on furniture, cabinets, drawers, pocket doors, and traditional decorative applications.

Wire Pull

A wire pull is a simple cabinet handle formed from a bent metal rod or similar profile. Wire pulls are often used for utility, commercial, traditional, and economical cabinet applications.

Browse the complete cabinet hardware collection for knobs, pulls, hinges, backplates, drawer slides, catches, and related components.

Hinge Terms

Ball-Bearing Hinge

A ball-bearing hinge uses bearings between the hinge knuckles to reduce friction and support smoother operation. It is commonly used on heavier, frequently operated, or commercial doors.

Butt Hinge

A butt hinge has two leaves joined by a pin and knuckle assembly. The leaves are commonly mortised into the edge of the door and the door frame.

Concealed Hinge

A concealed hinge is hidden or largely hidden when the cabinet door is closed. Many European-style cabinet hinges provide adjustment for alignment after installation.

Continuous Hinge

A continuous hinge extends along most or all of the height or length of a door. It distributes weight across a larger area and is also commonly called a piano hinge.

European Hinge

A European hinge is a concealed cabinet hinge commonly mounted in a circular cup bored into the back of the cabinet door. It may provide multiple adjustment points and optional soft-close features.

Face-Frame Cabinet

A face-frame cabinet has a frame attached to the front of the cabinet box. Cabinet doors and hinges may mount to or overlap this frame.

Frameless Cabinet

A frameless cabinet does not have a separate front face frame. Doors and hinges normally mount directly to the cabinet-box sides.

Full Inset

A full-inset cabinet door fits inside the cabinet opening and sits generally flush with the surrounding face frame or cabinet edge when closed.

Full Overlay

A full-overlay cabinet door covers most of the cabinet side or face-frame area available to that door. The exact overlay dimension depends on the cabinet and hinge system.

Hinge Leaf

A hinge leaf is one of the flat mounting sections of a hinge. One leaf normally attaches to the door and the other to the frame or cabinet.

Hinge Pin

A hinge pin is the rod passing through the hinge knuckles and connecting the leaves. Depending on the hinge, the pin may be removable, fixed, or non-removable for added security.

Inset

Inset describes a cabinet door positioned within the cabinet opening rather than covering the opening or face frame.

Overlay

Overlay is the amount by which a cabinet door overlaps the cabinet opening, face frame, or cabinet side. Correct overlay is important when selecting replacement cabinet hinges.

Partial Overlay

A partial-overlay cabinet door covers only part of the face frame or cabinet edge, leaving a visible space between adjacent doors or drawers.

Self-Closing Hinge

A self-closing hinge uses spring tension or hinge geometry to pull the cabinet door toward the closed position during the final portion of travel.

Soft-Close Hinge

A soft-close hinge includes a damping mechanism that slows the cabinet door as it closes, reducing impact and slamming.

Browse cabinet hinges and related hinge products.

Drawer Slide Terms

Ball-Bearing Drawer Slide

A ball-bearing drawer slide uses ball bearings between metal members to provide controlled movement. Ball-bearing slides are available in side-mount, undermount, and other configurations.

Disconnect

A disconnect is a feature that allows the drawer or slide member to be separated from the cabinet-mounted portion for installation, removal, or servicing.

Drawer Slide Length

Drawer slide length is the nominal front-to-back length of the slide when closed. The correct length depends on the cabinet depth, drawer construction, mounting method, and manufacturer requirements.

Full Extension

A full-extension drawer slide allows the drawer to travel far enough for the rear portion of the drawer to become substantially accessible outside the cabinet opening.

Load Rating

Load rating is the amount of weight a drawer-slide system is designed to support under specified test and installation conditions. Ratings may vary based on slide length, mounting orientation, spacing, and application.

Over-Travel

An over-travel drawer slide extends the drawer beyond the full cabinet opening. This can improve access when a countertop or other obstruction extends over the cabinet.

Rear-Mount Bracket

A rear-mount bracket supports the back of certain drawer slides when the slide cannot be attached directly to a cabinet side or rear structure.

Self-Closing Drawer Slide

A self-closing drawer slide pulls the drawer toward the fully closed position during the final portion of travel.

Side-Mount Drawer Slide

A side-mount drawer slide installs between the sides of the drawer box and the cabinet. It normally requires clearance on both sides. Browse side-mount drawer slides.

Soft-Close Drawer Slide

A soft-close drawer slide uses a damping mechanism to slow the drawer and pull it closed with reduced impact.

Undermount Drawer Slide

An undermount drawer slide installs below the drawer box and is largely hidden when the drawer is open. It often requires compatible drawer construction, locking devices, clips, or notching.

Browse all drawer slides.

Lighting Terms

Beam Angle

Beam angle describes the spread of light produced by a lamp or fixture. A narrower beam concentrates light in a smaller area, while a wider beam distributes light across a broader area.

Bulb Base

The bulb base is the portion of a replaceable lamp that connects to the socket. Common base formats include screw bases, pin bases, and specialty bases. The bulb and socket must be compatible.

Canopy

A canopy is the decorative cover installed where a pendant, chandelier, sconce, or other fixture connects to the electrical box or mounting surface.

Chandelier

A chandelier is a suspended decorative ceiling fixture with multiple lights or branches. Chandeliers are commonly used in dining rooms, entries, living spaces, bedrooms, and large open areas.

Color Rendering Index

Color Rendering Index, commonly abbreviated CRI, is a numerical measure used to describe how accurately a light source reveals colors compared with a reference source. A higher CRI generally indicates better color rendering within the limits of the rating system.

Color Temperature

Color temperature describes the visual warmth or coolness of white light and is measured in Kelvin. Lower Kelvin values generally appear warmer or more yellow, while higher values generally appear cooler or more blue-white.

Damp Rated

A damp-rated fixture is intended for locations exposed to moisture or condensation but not normally to direct water. Always follow the manufacturer’s approved-location information.

Dimmable

Dimmable lighting can be operated at different brightness levels when used with compatible lamps, drivers, controls, and dimmers. Not every LED lamp or integrated fixture is compatible with every dimmer.

Downlight

A downlight directs most of its illumination downward. Downlights may be recessed, surface mounted, suspended, or incorporated into wall fixtures.

Driver

An LED driver regulates electrical power supplied to an LED light source. Integrated LED fixtures may include a built-in or replaceable driver depending on their design.

Dry Rated

A dry-rated fixture is intended for indoor locations that are not normally exposed to dampness, condensation, or direct water.

Fixture Height

Fixture height is the vertical dimension of the lighting fixture itself. For hanging fixtures, the total installed height may also include stems, rods, chain, cord, or other suspension components.

Flush-Mount Light

A flush-mount fixture installs close to the ceiling with little or no visible gap between the canopy and fixture body. It is useful where ceiling height or clearance is limited.

Integrated LED

An integrated LED fixture has an LED light source built into the fixture rather than relying on a conventional replaceable bulb. Review expected life, color temperature, output, dimming compatibility, and replacement-component information before ordering.

Kelvin

Kelvin, abbreviated K, is the unit used to describe the color temperature of a light source. It does not indicate the fixture’s brightness.

Lumen

A lumen is a unit used to describe the quantity of visible light produced by a source. Lumens are a better indicator of light output than wattage alone.

Pendant Light

A pendant light is a fixture suspended from the ceiling by a rod, stem, chain, or cord. Pendants are commonly used over islands, counters, sinks, tables, and entry areas. Browse pendant lighting.

Sconce

A sconce is a wall-mounted light fixture used for decorative, accent, task, indoor, bathroom, hallway, entry, or exterior lighting. Browse wall sconces.

Semi-Flush Mount

A semi-flush fixture is mounted near the ceiling but has a short stem or gap between the canopy and the main fixture body.

Transformer

A transformer changes electrical voltage for fixtures or lighting systems that operate at a voltage different from the incoming supply.

Uplight

An uplight directs most of its illumination upward toward a ceiling, wall, architectural feature, or outdoor surface.

Vanity Light

A vanity light is designed for installation near a bathroom mirror or vanity area. The fixture’s approved mounting orientation and damp-location rating should be confirmed before installation.

Voltage

Voltage is the electrical potential for which a lamp, driver, transformer, or fixture is designed. The product voltage must be compatible with the electrical system and installation.

Wall Washer

A wall washer distributes light across a wall or vertical surface to create more even illumination or highlight architectural features.

Wattage

Wattage describes the electrical power consumed by a lamp or fixture. Wattage should not be treated as a direct measurement of brightness, particularly when comparing LED products with older lamp technologies.

Wet Rated

A wet-rated fixture is designed for approved locations where it may be exposed to rain, water, or other direct moisture. Installation requirements still depend on the specific product and application.

Browse lighting fixtures, including ceiling lights, wall lights, pendants, vanity fixtures, sconces, and outdoor lighting.

Measurement and Installation Terms

Center-to-Center

Center-to-center is the distance between the centers of two mounting holes or reference points. It is used for cabinet pulls, handlesets, door pulls, hinges, and other products.

Clearance

Clearance is the open space required around a product so it can be installed, operated, adjusted, or removed without interference.

Depth

Depth is the front-to-back dimension of a product or installation space. The reference points used for the measurement may vary, so consult the product drawing.

Diameter

Diameter is the distance across a circular object or opening through its center. It is commonly used for knobs, roses, bore holes, cylinders, rods, and fixture components.

Door Thickness

Door thickness is measured from one face of the door to the opposite face. Locks, latches, cylinders, mounting screws, and trim must support the door’s thickness.

Extension

Extension describes how far a moving product travels from its closed or retracted position. The term is frequently used for drawer slides and pull-out cabinet accessories.

Height

Height is the vertical dimension of a product or opening. Confirm whether decorative tips, mounting plates, canopies, or adjustable components are included in the listed height.

Length

Length is the end-to-end dimension of a product. Length may be different from mounting-hole spacing, usable length, nominal size, or center-to-center measurement.

Mounting Hardware

Mounting hardware includes screws, bolts, anchors, brackets, clips, plates, and other components used to attach a product. Included hardware may not be suitable for every surface or construction type.

Overall Width

Overall width is the complete side-to-side dimension of a product, including any projecting trim or decorative elements specified by the manufacturer.

Projection

Projection is the distance a product extends outward from its mounting surface. This measurement is important for door stops, cabinet hardware, lighting fixtures, hooks, pulls, and wall-mounted products.

Rough Opening

A rough opening is the unfinished framed opening prepared to receive a door, window, access panel, cabinet, or other installed component.

Template

An installation template is a guide showing the required hole positions, dimensions, alignment points, or cutouts for installing a product.

Finish and Material Terms

Antique Finish

An antique finish is designed to create an aged, darkened, highlighted, or patinated appearance. Color and variation may differ by manufacturer, base material, and production process.

Brass

Brass is a copper-based alloy commonly used for decorative and functional hardware. A product described as a brass finish is not necessarily made from solid brass.

Bronze

Bronze may describe a base metal, an architectural finish family, or a color designation depending on the product. Oil-rubbed bronze, Venetian bronze, and aged bronze are not necessarily identical finishes.

Brushed Finish

A brushed finish has fine directional lines or texture that reduce reflectivity and create a softer appearance than a polished finish.

Chrome

Chrome finishes generally have a silver appearance and may be polished, satin, brushed, or otherwise textured. Finish names and color tones vary by manufacturer.

Finish

Finish refers to the visible color, texture, coating, plating, patina, or surface treatment of a product. Products with similar finish names from different brands may not match exactly.

Living Finish

A living finish is intended to change in appearance over time through exposure, handling, oxidation, environment, and use. Changes in color and patina are part of the finish’s character.

Matte Finish

A matte finish has low reflectivity and a relatively flat visual appearance. Matte black is a common example, but tone and sheen can vary between manufacturers.

Polished Finish

A polished finish has a smooth, reflective surface. Polished finishes may show fingerprints, water spots, or surface marks more readily than some satin or textured finishes.

Satin Finish

A satin finish has a soft sheen that is less reflective than a polished finish. Satin nickel, satin brass, and satin chrome are common hardware finish families.

Solid Brass

Solid-brass construction means the principal identified component is formed from brass rather than merely receiving a brass-colored finish. Verify which individual components are included in the construction claim.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant metal alloy used in hardware, appliances, fixtures, and commercial applications. The grade, surface treatment, and environment affect its performance.

Zinc

Zinc and zinc alloys are commonly used to form decorative and functional hardware components. The final appearance is usually created by plating, coating, painting, or another surface treatment.

Commercial Hardware, Ratings, and Standards

ADA

ADA commonly refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act and related accessibility requirements. Product design may contribute to an accessible opening, but complete compliance depends on the full installation and application.

ANSI

ANSI is the American National Standards Institute. Hardware specifications may reference standards developed or accredited through ANSI processes.

BHMA

BHMA is the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association. Door hardware may be tested and classified according to ANSI/BHMA standards for performance characteristics such as strength, security, and durability.

Commercial Grade

Commercial grade is a general description that should not be relied on without reviewing the product’s specific testing, grade, standard, warranty, and approved applications.

Door Closer

A door closer is a mechanical device that controls and closes a door after it has been opened. Adjustments may control closing speed, latch speed, backcheck, delayed action, or other functions depending on the model.

Exit Device

An exit device is door hardware operated by pushing a crossbar, touchpad, or similar component from the egress side. It is also commonly called panic hardware, although the terms may have different code-related meanings.

Fire-Rated Hardware

Fire-rated hardware is intended for use as part of an approved fire-door assembly when installed according to applicable listings, instructions, and code requirements. A single rated component does not by itself make the complete opening compliant.

Grade 1

Grade 1 generally represents the highest performance level within applicable ANSI/BHMA grading for a particular hardware category. Testing requirements differ by product type.

Grade 2

Grade 2 generally represents an intermediate performance level within applicable ANSI/BHMA grading for a particular hardware category.

Grade 3

Grade 3 generally represents a basic residential performance level within applicable ANSI/BHMA grading for certain lock and hardware categories.

Handicap Accessible

Handicap accessible is a broad phrase and should not replace verification against applicable accessibility requirements. Lever operation, mounting height, opening force, clear width, thresholds, closers, and other parts of the opening can affect compliance.

Mortise Lock

A mortise lock has a lock body installed into a rectangular pocket cut into the edge of the door. Mortise locks are commonly used in commercial, institutional, multifamily, and architectural applications.

Panic Hardware

Panic hardware is an exit device designed and listed for certain egress applications where panic hardware is required. The correct device depends on the door, occupancy, fire rating, and applicable code.

UL Listed

UL Listed indicates that a product has been evaluated for specified requirements and uses under a particular listing. The listing details, limitations, and installation instructions should be reviewed for the intended application.

Need Help Identifying a Hardware Term?

Product terminology and dimensions can vary between manufacturers. When requesting assistance, provide the brand, model or part number, application, required measurements, door or cabinet construction, finish, and clear photos of the existing installation whenever possible.

Continue learning through the Factory Direct Hardware Learning Center, or browse our door hardware, cabinet hardware, and lighting collections.