Finishing hardware consists of items that are made in attractive shapes and finishes and that are usually visible as an integral part of the completed building. Included are locks, hinges, door pulls, cabinet hardware, door closers and checks, door holders, exit devices and lock-operating trim, such as knobs and handles, escutcheon plates, strike plates, and knob rosettes. In addition, there are push plates, push bars, kick plates, door stops, and flush bolts.
Rough hardware includes utility items not usually finished for attractive appearance, such as fastenings and hangers of many types, shapes, and sizes-nails, screws, bolts, studs secured by electric welding guns, studs secured by powderactuated cartridge guns, inserts, anchor bolts, straps, expansion bolts and screws, toggle bolts, sash balances, casement and special window hardware, sliding-door and folding-door supports, and fastenings for screens, storm sash, shades, venetian blinds, and awnings.
Template hardware is used for hardware items that are to be fastened to metal parts, such as jambs or doors. Template items are made to a close tolerance to agree exactly with drawings furnished by the manufacturer. The sizes, shapes, location, and size of holes in this type of hardware are made to conform so accurately to the standard drawings that the ultimate fit of all associated parts is assured. In the case of hinges or butts, holes that are template-drilled usually form a crescentshaped pattern (Fig. 11.73).
Hardware for stock may be nontemplate; however, certain lines are all templatemade, whether for stock or for a specific order. Nontemplate items may vary somewhat and may not fit into a template cutout.
For use on wood or metal-covered doors, template drilling is not necessary;
nontemplate hardware of the same type and finish can be used. Generally, there is no price difference between template and nontemplate items.
The operating characteristics of hardware items govern their selection, according to the particular requirements in each case. Then, the question of material, such as plastics, brass, bronze, aluminum, or steel, can be settled, as well as the finish desired. Selection of material and finish depends on the architectural treatment and decorative scheme.
Wrought, forged, and stamped parts are available for different items. Finishes include polished, satin, and oxidized. When solid metal is desired rather than a surface finish that is plated on metal, the order should definitely so specify.
National standards defining characteristics, sizes, dimensions, and spacings of holes, materials, and finishes for many items can assist greatly in identification and proper fit of hardware items to the parts on which they will be mounted.
An important point to bear in mind in connection with selection of hardware for a new building is that, in many instances, it is one of the earliest decisions that should be made, particularly when doors and windows are to be of metal. This is true despite the fact that the finishing hardware may not actually be applied until near the end of the construction period.
