The lever handle has a major impact on both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of a door, so it's important to make the right selection. But how do you decided whether you need a lever latch, lever lock, lever bathroom, lever espag. or lever on rose?
In this helpful guide, we dive into the different types of lever handles available and when's best to use them.
Some of the most popular types of lever handles include:
- Lever on Rose - Sprung
- Lever on Rose - Unsprung
- Lever Latch
- Lever Lock
- Lever Euro Lock
- Lever Bathroom Set
- Espag. Lever Lock
Lever on Rose - Sprung
Lever on rose handles feature a small backplate (also known as a rose) which gives them a sleek, modern look. These handles can be used with both locking and non-locking doors.
For interior doors in living rooms, kitchens, and hallways where locking is not required, these handles can be used simply with a latch.
Where one-way locking is required, such as bathroom or bedroom doors, these handles can be used alongside a thumblatch or door bolt.
For exterior doors where additional security is needed, we advise using a lever on rose handle in conjunction with a sash lock and escutcheon & cylinder, or a euro lock and euro escutcheon & cylinder.
Lever on Rose - Unsprung
Sprung and unsprung lever on rose handles are visually identical. However, they vary mechanically as, unlike a sprung lever handle, an unsprung lever on rose doesn’t have the integrated spring which keeps the lever handle horizontal at rest. The absence of the spring allows unsprung lever handles to be used with multipoint locks and French door kits.
If you have an unsprung lever on rose handle which you’d like to use with a latch, bathroom lock, euro lock, or sash lock, we advise using the heavy-duty version of the latch/lock. The heavy duty mechanisms are equipped with enough strength to return the lever handle to its 90-degre resting position without the need for a spring in the handle. Using an unsprung lever on rose handle without a heavy-duty mechanism can cause the handle to droop. If your lack/lock is not heavy-duty, opt for a sprung (standard) lever on rose door handle instead.
Lever Latch Set
Lever latch handles are perfect for internal doors that don’t need locking, such as kitchens, hallways, and living rooms. They feature a plain, standard-size backplate for a traditional look.
Typically, these handles are used with a mortice latch which is fitted to the edge of the door and slots into a receiver plate within the door frame. If you have double doors, the receiver plate may be morticed into the second door which allows the doors to interlock with one another.
If you decide you want to add a locking feature alongside your lever latch set, we recommend fitting a deadbolt and escutcheon for key-operated locking (although a lever lock set would be preferable as the lock would be integrated with the handle). Alternatively, you could fit universal locks at the top/bottom of the door frames to allow for one-way locking.
Lever Lock Set
Lever lock handles are used on doors that need to be locked with a key. They feature a long backplate with an integrated keyhole; with our From The Anvil lever lock sets, the keyhole is cut 57mm below the handle. The handle is connected to a spindle which passes through the door and operates the latch to open and close the door.
Typically, lever lock sets are used with a sash lock, which is operated by a key.
Lever Euro Lock Set
Much like the lever lock sets, lever euro lock sets feature a standard size backplate, but they have a larger euro profile keyhole which accommodates a euro cylinder. The euro cylinder fits into the keyhole and locks/unlocks a euro lock when operated with a key.
For added security, you can use an anti-pick euro cylinder which are drill-resistant and offer more protection to your home. Euro cylinders are also available keyed-alike, meaning that a single key can be used to operate multiple locks. This is convenient if you have multiple locking doors in your home which you'd like to use without having to constantly search for the correct key.
Lever Bathroom Set
As the name suggests, lever bathroom sets are designed for use in bathrooms where one-way locking is desired. These sets feature a standard backplate with a coin and release thumbturn which is used to lock and unlock the door from the inside without the need for a key. The opposite side of the door features a coin and release slot which can be operated using a coin or similar-shaped item to unlock the door during an emergency (e.g. if a child were to lock themselves in the bathroom).
Typically, lever bathroom sets are used with a bathroom mortice lock which is operated via the thumbturn mechanism.
Espag. Lever Lock Set
Espagnolette (more commonly referred to as espag.) handles are designed to operate doors fitted with a multipoint lock or a French door kit. These sets feature a long, narrow backplate with an integrated keyhole; with From The Anvil lever espags, the keyhole is positioned 92mm below the lever handle. A spindle passes through the latch which opens and closes the door when operated.
Unlike most door handles, the lever of an espag. lock set can be lifted upwards; this engages the shootbolts of the multi-point lock along the edge of the door. Turning the key then locks these shootbolts into position, securing the door, Because the door locks at multiple points, this configuration offers a high level of security which is ideal for external use such as patios, back doors and front doors.
Lever espag. lock handles can also be paired with lever espag. latch handles on double doors when only 1 door requires locking. This is commonly seen on double patio or orangery doors.
We hope we’ve provided some insight into which type of door handle is best for your door!
Explore the full range of From The Anvil lever door handles here.