All about door knobs

We use them every day, often without realizing it: door hardware opens our doors. In Germany, the Door handle is the most common door fitting. Internationally, however, the doorknob is more widespread. Find out here what special features it has and where it is also often used in Germany.

In Germany, the door knob is rarely found on room doors, but mostly in the form of interchangeable sets or protective rosette sets with a fixed knob - usually made of stainless steel.

Since door knobs enjoy great popularity internationally, there are other types of door knobs with different functions:

A Lever handle set with one rotating knob on each side and Without lock case is in many countries the counterpart to the conventional Door handle for room doors that do not have to be lockable.

Lever handle sets are like a "little sister" of the Alternate set, with a rotating door knob with an integrated lock case on the outside. On the inside of the door it is complemented by a knob that also rotates, in the middle of which there is a knob. If the knob is not pressed, the set works just like the simple door knob set for room doors. If the knob is pressed, it can be opened from the inside by simply turning it, but from the outside only with a key. This variant is used mainly for side entrances of private houses, as well as in business premises and offices.

The same system is available without a lock case on the outside, i.e. the door can be opened only from the inside when the Knob is pressed. This is mainly used for bathrooms, WC and other rooms with desired privacy.

Regardless of function, doorknobs come in just about every design, style and material. For ergonomic reasons, most are round, but there are also cylindrical designs.

A hardware made of iron or brass with ornaments or antique patina fits wonderfully with Country style or very traditional interiors. A combination of Metal and Wood also goes well with this style - or to add a warm touch to a modern home.

Minimalist versions made of Aluminium, Chrome and Stainless steel are the all-rounders among door knobs. They are available polished or - now fully in vogue - matt brushed. This finish harmonizes particularly well with the Hygge style, but also with minimalist interiors. At Griffwerk, you can also get stylish and haptically pleasant versions in Black or Cashmere grey.

Plastic sets have the advantage of being very easy to clean and available in a great many colors. However, they are slightly less durable.

No matter what the purpose, door and style: beautiful door knobs are available for all.

A door knob is much more than just a functional building element - it can make a real statement. Particularly in modern furnishing concepts, the door knob is used specifically as a design element that emphasizes the design language and style of a room. Round, symmetrical knobs have a classic and restrained effect, while angular or unusually shaped variants can set specific accents. Playing with materials - such as glass, stainless steel or even black surfaces - also enables precise coordination with the respective living ambience. In addition to appearance, handling plays an important role: Does the knob turn easily? Is it comfortable to hold? Particularly for interior doors without a lock, the door knob is not only an eye-catcher, but also ensures an all-round harmonious user experience. If you make a conscious choice, the door knob is a fine detail that leaves an impression - on residents and guests alike.

• Application: Interior? → Knob-to-knob without lock. Front door/apartment door? → Interchangeable set (inside handle, outside fixed knob). More protection? → Protective rosette set.
• Lock/perforation: Check PZ (profile cylinder) or without lock (interior only).
• Escutcheon vs. rosettes:Long escutcheon (closed image) or rosette set (purist).
• Dimensions:Square/spacing/door thickness according to fitting/lock - different dimensions possible for entrance doors than for interior doors.
• Surface & style:Stainless steel matt/polished, graphite black, cashmere gray, brass look - select to match handles/profiles in the house.

What questions are most often asked about doorknobs? We found out using software that analyses which questions people ask voice assistants from Apple, Google and the like. We answer three of them here:

Fixed knobs (non-rotating, e.g. outside on interchangeable fittings), rotating knobs (inside/inside without lock) and knob sets with lock (e.g. outside key, inside rotating knob). The choice depends on the door type and security requirements.

Doorknobs can be made of different materials, each with their own merits. The most common materials are metal alloys such as stainless steel, brass and zinc alloys. These are durable and offer a wide range of finishes, such as polished, brushed or antique. There are also door knobs made of wood, glass or plastic, which can be chosen depending on the desired style or application.

The exact installation of a Door knob can vary depending on the model, but generally follow the steps below:

1. First, remove the old Door knob, if nn. This may require loosening screws and removing the escutcheons or covers.
2. Align the new Door knob on the door and insert the mounting screws through the appropriate holes in the door.
3. Tighten the screws to securely fasten the Door knob, but without overtightening them.
4. If necessary, install the escutcheons or covers to conceal the screws.
5. Test the Door knob to make sure it works properly and turns easily.

• Front door/apartment door:Interchangeable set - fixed knob on the outside, handle on the inside. Can only be opened with a key on the outside; visually harmonious with long plate or PZ rosette.
• Side entrance/commercial:knob-to-knob with outside lock (if operation is to be from both sides) - pay attention to load-bearing capacity and use.
• Interior (statement):Turn knob on both sides if no lock is required - deliberate design signal, choose ergonomically appropriate.