REACH-IN HARDWARE TERMINOLOGY

  • Adjustment: An area with a series of parallel grooves and slotted holes that will mate with another grooved area. While the screws are loose, the latch or strike can be moved the full travel of the slotted holes. When the screws are tight, the grooves mate, holding the item at the proper adjustment. Using the incorrect screw size can reduce or eliminate the ability to adjust. A Micro turn strike can be adjusted by backing out the set screw, screwing the hook in or out, and re-tightening the set screw.
  • Edgemount: A latch or hinge that mounts vertically on the side of the door, as opposed to mounting on the front face of the door. Most reach-in doors have Edgemount latches. Not all hinges are Edgemount. Many are Pivot hinges.
  • Pivot Hinges: Hinges that mount to the top and bottom of the door. They often have spring cartridges that drop inside the door. The Cartridge Bracket (holds the spring cartridge) and the Pivot Bracket (has a pin on which the door rotates) mount on the unit itself.
  • External Mount: Refers most often to pull handles. The screws for the handles install from the front of the handle.
  • Internal Mount: Refers most often to pull handles. The screws for the handles install from the inside of the door.
  • Latch Complete: This means that the latch comes complete with the strike.
  • Hinge Complete: This means that the hinge comes complete with cover.
  • Magnetic/Mechanical: Refers to how the latch stays in the closed position. A magnetic latch uses the force of a strong magnet to hold the latch to the strike. A mechanical latch has a catch that hooks to the strike to keep the door closed. Some latches have both a mechanical and a magnetic strike.
  • Offset: This applies to hinges. Reach-in hinge offsets are measured differently by different manufacturers. We will refer to “total depth” of the hinge when there is confusion. This refers to the measurement from the back of the hinge (where it touches the unit) to the front.
  • Reach-In Hardware Terminology
  • Straight Handle: Refers to a vertical latch running flush with the edge of the door. This provides additional protection from abuse.
  • Offset Handle: Refers to a vertical latch with a “dog leg” lever. The lever extends past the door allowing easy access in tight situations.
  • Screw Centers: These measurements are helpful in identifying hardware. The measurements are taken from the center of the screw holes.
  • Surface Mount: Refers to latches that mount horizontally on the front face of the door.