Choosing the Right Door Bolt
A good door bolt provides a simple and reliable way to secure or hold a door in position. Door bolts can be used as additional security on entrance doors, to secure the inactive leaf of a pair of doors, or as a practical fastening for internal doors, French doors, windows and traditional joinery.
The right type of bolt will depend on the door design, how the door opens, where the bolt will be positioned and whether the fitting will be used internally or externally.
Surface, Straight & Cranked Door Bolts
A surface mounted door bolt is fixed directly to the face of the door rather than being concealed within the door edge. This makes surface bolts relatively straightforward to fit and allows the ironmongery to become part of the appearance of the door.
Straight door bolts are suited to applications where the door and receiving surface are reasonably flush. A cranked door bolt has an offset design and can be useful where the door, frame or surrounding joinery requires additional clearance.
For traditional interiors, decorative styles such as monkeytail and shepherd's crook bolts can be coordinated with matching handles, window furniture and other architectural ironmongery.
French Door & Double Door Bolts
French door bolts are commonly used to secure one leaf of a pair of double doors. Depending on the installation, the bolt can engage with the floor, head of the frame or another suitable keep.
Longer bolts can make operation easier where the fixing point is positioned towards the top or bottom of a tall door.
Some door bolts can also be operated either horizontally or vertically, providing additional flexibility for different door and window arrangements.
Universal & Flush Door Bolts
A universal door bolt is a versatile option that can suit a variety of doors, windows and joinery applications. Different keeps allow the bolt to be adapted to suit the particular fixing arrangement.
Flush bolts provide a more discreet solution and are particularly useful where the bolt needs to sit neatly within or against the door rather than being a prominent decorative feature.
When selecting any bolt, consider the required length, bolt throw, fixing position and the type of keep supplied.
Choosing the Right Finish
Door bolts are often highly visible, so the finish is an important part of the overall appearance of the door.
Traditional properties can work particularly well with finishes such as Beeswax, Black, Pewter Patina, Aged Brass and Aged Bronze, while Polished Brass, Satin Brass, Polished Chrome, Satin Chrome and Nickel finishes can complement both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Where a bolt is being fitted to an external door or in a damp or exposed location, check that the selected material and finish are suitable for external use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of door bolt do I need?
The best bolt depends on the door, the fixing position and what you want the bolt to achieve. Surface bolts are suitable for many general applications, while French door bolts, flush bolts, cranked bolts and universal bolts are designed for more specific fixing arrangements.
What is a universal door bolt?
A universal bolt is designed to suit a range of door, window and joinery applications. Different keeps can allow the same style of bolt to be used with different frame and fixing arrangements.
What is a cranked door bolt?
A cranked bolt has an offset between the body of the bolt and its operating section. This can provide additional clearance where the door and frame do not sit on the same plane.
What bolts should I use on French doors?
French doors commonly use bolts to secure the inactive leaf of the door pair. Depending on the door construction, these may be surface mounted French door bolts or more discreet flush bolts positioned towards the top and bottom of the door.
Can door bolts be fitted vertically?
Many door bolts can be installed vertically, although this depends on the individual design. Some spring-loaded bolts are specifically designed to operate either horizontally or vertically. Always check the individual product specification before installation.
Are door bolts suitable for external doors?
Some door bolts are suitable for external use, but this depends on the base material, finish and level of exposure. For external and particularly exposed locations, choose a product and finish specifically recommended for those conditions.
What is a cabin hook used for?
A cabin hook is used to hold a door, shutter or similar piece of joinery in an open or fixed position. Unlike a security bolt, its primary purpose is normally to restrain movement rather than lock the door.
Need Help Choosing a Door Bolt?
With different lengths, fixing arrangements, keeps and finishes available, choosing the right bolt is not always straightforward.
Roundtower Hardware supplies a wide selection of door bolts, French door bolts, universal bolts, flush bolts and traditional architectural ironmongery throughout Ireland.
Browse our collection online or contact our team if you need help choosing a bolt to suit your door, window or joinery project.
