Understanding hardware sets, lockset functions, closers, and accessibility requirements

Door hardware encompasses all the functional components that allow doors to operate: hinges, locksets, closers, exit devices, stops, seals, and electronic access control. Hardware is specified in hardware sets — grouped by door type and function — and documented in the door hardware schedule (typically Division 08 71 00 in the project specifications). Getting hardware right is critical for life safety, security, ADA compliance, and building function.

Lockset Functions

Lockset function defines how a door locks and unlocks from each side. BHMA (Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) standardizes these functions. The function must match the room's security needs while maintaining code-required free egress from the inside. You will find lockset functions referenced in the door schedule on architectural drawings.

Passage (F01)

A/B Hall & Closet

Latch operated by lever from both sides. Never locked.

Use: Corridors, closets, storage rooms where no locking is needed

Privacy (F19)

A/B Bathroom

Inside thumbturn or push-button locks. Emergency override from outside.

Use: Restrooms, changing rooms, private offices

Entrance (F04)

A/B Entrance

Outside lever locked by key or thumbturn. Inside lever always free.

Use: Office entry doors, suite entries

Classroom (F05)

A/B Classroom

Outside lever locked/unlocked by key only. Inside lever always free.

Use: Classrooms, conference rooms — lockdown-capable

Storeroom (F07)

A/B Storeroom

Outside lever always locked, opened by key only. Inside lever always free.

Use: Electrical rooms, mechanical rooms, storage

Apartment (F10)

A/B Apartment

Outside lever locked by thumbturn or key. Inside always free. Auto-deadlatch.

Use: Apartments, hotel rooms, residential units

Asylum (F29)

A/B Asylum

Both sides require key to operate. No free egress.

Use: Psychiatric facilities, specialized secure areas (requires special code approval)

Office (F04/82)

A/B Office

Locked/unlocked from outside by key. Inside thumbturn or always free depending on variant.

Use: Individual offices, administrative spaces

Hinge Types

Full Mortise Butt Hinge

Leaves mortised into both door edge and frame. Standard commercial door hinge.

Weight Class: Standard/Heavy Weight

Size: 4-1/2" × 4-1/2" (standard door)

Full Surface Hinge

Both leaves surface-mounted — no mortising required. Visible on both sides.

Weight Class: Standard

Size: 4-1/2" × 4-1/2"

Continuous (Piano) Hinge

Full-height hinge running the entire door height. Maximum support and durability.

Weight Class: Heavy duty

Size: Full door height

Concealed Hinge

Hidden within door and frame when closed. Used for clean architectural appearance.

Weight Class: Varies by manufacturer

Size: Per manufacturer

Spring Hinge

Self-closing hinge with built-in spring. Can replace or supplement door closers.

Weight Class: Standard

Size: 4-1/2" × 4-1/2"

Pivot Hinge

Mounted at top and bottom of door. Used for heavy or tall doors, offset pivots allow door to clear frame.

Weight Class: Heavy duty

Size: Per door weight rating

Hinge Count: Standard doors (up to 60 lbs, up to 7'-0" tall) require 3 hinges. Add one hinge for every additional 30" of door height. Fire-rated doors must use steel or stainless hinges — never aluminum.

Door Closers

Surface-Mounted (Regular Arm)

Mounted on push side of door. Arm extends perpendicular to door face. Most common type.

Arm projects into room when door is closed

Surface-Mounted (Parallel Arm)

Mounted on pull side of door. Arm runs parallel to door face. Used where aesthetics matter on push side.

Minimal projection — arm is parallel to door

Surface-Mounted (Top Jamb)

Closer body mounted on frame head, arm attaches to door. Used for doors opening toward closer.

Body on frame, arm to door top

Concealed Overhead

Hidden in door or frame header. Used for clean appearance in high-end spaces.

No visible hardware

Floor-Mounted (Floor Closer)

Mechanism embedded in floor below door. Used for pivot doors and heavy glass doors.

Flush with floor

Panic Hardware & Exit Devices

Exit devices (panic hardware) are required on doors serving spaces with occupant loads of 50 or more (per IBC). They allow immediate egress with a single motion — pushing the bar or touchpad. The occupant load thresholds that trigger this requirement are covered in detail in our egress path basics guide.

Rim Exit Device

Surface-mounted with latch at the strike jamb. Most common type. Vertical rod versions latch at head and threshold.

Mortise Exit Device

Mechanism housed within the door stile. Provides a cleaner appearance and more latch options. Higher cost.

Concealed Vertical Rod

Rods hidden inside the door, latching at head and threshold. Used for pairs of doors without a mullion.

Touchpad Exit Device

Low-profile touchpad instead of crossbar. ADA-friendly — operable with minimal effort. Modern aesthetic.

ADA Hardware Requirements

Operating Force

Interior doors: 5 lbs maximum opening force. Fire doors: minimum force allowed by code (not to exceed listed closer adjustment).

Hardware Height

Operable hardware between 34" and 48" AFF (above finished floor). No tight grasping, pinching, or wrist twisting required.

Lever Handles

Lever-type handles required (not knobs) for ADA compliance. Must be operable with one hand without tight grasp.

Closing Speed

Door must take at least 5 seconds to close from 90° to 12° from latch. Prevents doors from slamming on users.

Threshold Height

Maximum 1/2" height for hinged doors, 3/4" for sliding doors. Must be beveled with max 1:2 slope.

Clear Width

Minimum 32" clear width when door is open 90°. Standard 36" door provides 33-3/4" clear.

Maneuvering Clearance

Level landing required on both sides. Pull side: 60" depth, 18" strike-side clearance. Push side: 48" depth.

Keying Systems

Keying defines which keys operate which locks. The keying schedule is developed by the hardware consultant in coordination with the owner's security requirements.

KD (Keyed Different)

Each lock has a unique key. No key operates any other lock. Maximum security, least convenience.

KA (Keyed Alike)

Multiple locks operated by the same key. Groups of similar-function doors can share one key.

MK (Master Keyed)

Individual keys for each lock, plus a master key that opens all locks in the group. Common for building management.

GMK (Grand Master)

Hierarchical system where grand master opens all locks, master opens a group, and individual keys open one lock.

Construction Keying

Temporary keys used during construction. Permanently voided when the owner's keys are first used.

Related Resources

How to Read a Door Schedule

Interpreting door schedules in construction documents.

ADA Accessibility Guide

Complete guide to ADA compliance in construction.

Egress Path Basics

Occupant load calculations and exit width requirements.

Fire Rating Guide

Fire-rated door and wall assembly requirements.

Door Schedule Disasters

Common door schedule errors and how to avoid them.

Schedule Verification Feature

Automated cross-checking of door and hardware schedules.

Automate Hardware Schedule Review

Articulate's AI can cross-reference door schedules with hardware sets, flag ADA compliance issues, and verify that exit device requirements match occupancy loads — catching errors before they become costly field changes.

Try Automated Drawing Review

Sources

DHI (Door & Hardware Institute) — Technical Reference Manual

BHMA A156 Series — Hardware Standards

ICC/ANSI A117.1 — Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities

NFPA 80 — Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives

Door Hardware Guide for Construction