Dummy door knobs have been with us for decades and even centuries. You might have seen one in your room, your parent’s closets, and even in your kitchen. But you might ask yourself, are there some dummy door knobs that turn the same as other door knobs at your home? We have looked for the answer to your question and would love to share it with you.
Dummy door knobs do not have any mechanism or parts to be able to rotate or turn. They are simply held to be pulled and pushed to gain access.
Dummy door knobs might look simple and straightforward, but there are still things that we know might help you. Continue reading as we guide you to understand dummy door knobs better and how you can install one for yourself.
How Do Dummy Door Knobs Work?
Dummy door knobs are installed on the exterior side of the door and used as a handle to pull the door open and push the door closed. Dummy door knobs are used for doors that do not require any security or privacy. They're ideal for a tiny closet or pantry, as well as the side of sliding doors.
Dummy door knobs do not have to be turned or rotated when opening or shutting a door. Instead, you have to pull or push the door knob to gain access.
Do Dummy Door Knobs Lock?
Unlike your conventional door knobs, dummy door knobs do not have any moving parts. You do not have to turn a dummy door knob to open or shut a door. These kinds of door knobs do not have keyholes, axles, and latches to be able to lock.
Dummy door knobs are not good at keeping your home or valuable things secured as they do not have the security that keyed door knobs possess.
Avoid using a dummy door knob at the door entrance of your home. Instead, use a keyed door knob. With dummy door knobs, you will not have the means to lock your door to prevent unwanted guests from coming in.
Also, avoid using dummy door knobs to closets or drawers where you secure your expensive and essential belongings. Remember that dummy door knobs are used purely for a decorative accent for your home or workplace.
When Can You Use A Dummy Door Knob?
You can use dummy door knobs when any latch or lock is not required to open and shut doors. Common examples are your closets, drawers, and appliances.
You can also use dummy door knobs for your kitchen pantries. These storages do not require latches or locks but would benefit from dummy door knob handles.
Some sliding doors can also benefit from dummy door knobs. It may give you additional grip when closing or opening the panel, which is somewhat essential.
And lastly, you can use dummy door knobs for room wardrobes and closets. A full dummy door knob is the desired door knob for the kind of door they have that opens side-by-side.
What Is A Full Dummy Door Knob?
A full dummy door knob is a door knob that comes as a set and is mostly used for aesthetics. These are full-size door knobs or handles that do not have a mechanical latch. Except for the screws you'll have to place into the hardware, they're attached to the door and don't require a hole through your door.
Typically, full dummy door knobs are used to beautify and open doors, but they still do not possess moving parts. Hence, they cannot be rotated or turned.
Check out this Emtek full dummy door knob set on Amazon.
What Does A Half Dummy Door Knob Mean?
A half dummy door knob is practically the same as a full dummy door knob, except that it only has one knob or lever. This is ideal for a closet when only one door knob is required rather than two. You just need this for aesthetics, and it has no further functionality, much like a full dummy door knob.
Half dummy door knobs are desired when you have a linen closet or pantry closet that only opens on one side.
Look at this Kwikset Pismo half-dummy modern door knob on Amazon.
Advantages Of Using Dummy Door Knobs
A great thing about dummy door knobs is that they are very manageable and pretty easy to install. Unlike other door knobs, dummy door knobs do not require drilling huge holes on your door in order to install them. They also require minimal effort and tools before installation.
If you want to add some texture and design to your closet or door, dummy door knobs can make a wonder. These types of door knobs are highly decorative and ideal for transforming your plain dull closets and drawers into something more stylish and appealing.
Dummy door knobs are perfect to use to spruce up a space, add some tone and vibes to your room, and provide a more finished look that can surely upgrade your home’s interior design.
The Disadvantage Of Using Dummy Door Knobs
One significant disadvantage of dummy door knobs is security. With dummy door knobs, your home might be in danger if you use them in specific locations where a keyed door knob or privacy door knob is essentially required.
Because they do not have moving parts, dummy door knobs are not made with keyholes to add a locking mechanism to provide security. Using a dummy door knob to a door leading the way inside your home might not prevent unwanted people from coming inside.
This is a significant concern, especially since your home must be your safe haven at all times.
How To Install A Dummy Door Knob?
- Place and trace the dummy door knob on your door where you want to put it. If you're going to use a full dummy door knob, make sure that the top holes are level to ensure evenness.
- Use a pencil or drill to mark your door knob’s top and bottom hole.
- Before installing the screws in the hole and outer portion of the door knob, drill holes based on your desired space on your door.
- Drill each screw into the door knob's top and bottom holes in order to attach it to the door.
What Is A Non-Turning Door Knob?
A non-turning door knob is a knob that does not require any moving mechanism and latching. A non-turning knob is commonly used as a decoration or style for closets and drawers that need no turning or rotating knobs to open. You just have to pull and push to access.
This particular knob is commonly seen on small cabinets and latches that usually don’t need proper security. It can vary in size and design, depending on what kind of interior you are having.
The general rule of thumb with non-turning knobs is to never use them in places that need to be protected or where privacy is desired. Never use a non-turning door knob to your door entrance, as it does not provide any security at all to prevent unwanted guests from coming in.
Are Dummy Door Knobs Universal?
Dummy door knobs are simple inactive knobs used to open and close certain doors. These kinds of knobs are universal, and you can use them at any place in your home or office as long as it does not require any security or privacy.
The Bottomline
Dummy door knobs do not have any mechanism to rotate or turn and do not provide any security and privacy for your home. These knobs are mainly used as aesthetics and decorations for closets and drawers to uplift your home’s interior design—nothing more, nothing less.
