Dummy door knobs have no connections to a latch, and you only pull the knob to open a door. These door knobs seem unnecessary. And so, you may be wondering if dummy door knobs are crucial to your home's security and where to use them. We have researched from the experts the suitable places for your dummy door knobs.
Dummy door knobs are only for decorative purposes. If you wish to embellish your interior doors, the suitable places to install dummy door knobs are on fixed and non-operative doors. You can usually find dummy door knobs on closet doors, pantry cabinets, or French doors. Whether your door knob is a full, half, or double-dummy, where you place the knobs depends on the door's function.
Regardless of the type of dummy door knob you choose, check whether the door is not at a high-security risk. Because dummy door knobs do not need a lock or key, personal belongings are susceptible to theft. Also, the people inside a house or property cannot lock themselves inside. There is a need to check the purpose of every door in your home before choosing a door knob. Read further to find out more about dummy door knobs.
Where To Best Place Dummy Door Knobs
Dummy door knobs are more of an ornamental piece rather than functional door hardware. These dummy door knobs do not add security to your home. There is no latch, lock, or keyhole to keep your space closed. To open a door, you do not need to turn the knob. Also, the installation of these door knobs is much easier compared to latching door knobs.
If you want to add life to a boring interior door, a dummy door knob is your best bet. Read further to find out the different types and suitable places for installation.
Types Of Dummy Door Knobs
The three types of dummy door knobs are half, full, or double-dummy. All these types are non-turning and do not need a latch to close. For each dummy door knob type, there are suitable places for installation. Each type will also depend on the function of the door. Read further to learn more about each type.
What Is A Half Dummy Door Knob?
A half dummy is also known as a single dummy door knob. A half dummy set provides only one knob handle instead of two. The knob is outside of a door, which you only need to pull to open. A tubular roller catch mounted on a door jamb is enough to close the door. There is no need to install another knob on the inside of the door.
In general, most install half-dummy door knobs for single and non-latching doors. The common places to install half dummy door knobs are linen closets, pantry doors, or side-by-side French doors.
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What Is A Full Dummy Door Knob?
Another type is the full dummy door knob. These are full-sized door knobs that come in a set, and there is no latch included. Instead of a roller or ball catch, this makes use of a flush or surface bolt. This bolt mounts on the face of the door without the need for a mortise or hole.
The same with half dummy door knobs, you can install full dummy knobs in closets and pantry doors. Aside from these places, you can also install the knobs on double doors and utility doors.
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What Is A Double Dummy Door Knob?
If you like to have matching dummy door knobs, you can choose a double-dummy door knob set. Unlike a half dummy set, a double-dummy door knob has two matching knob handles in a set. You can install the two knobs on both sides of the door. This type is comparable to an actual door knob set, but there is no latch or lock.
Aside from the closet or pantry door, you can also install a double-dummy knob for double doors. For example, French doors are double doors, which need two dummy door knobs on both sides of the door. For two-door closets, you can also use a double-dummy door knob. Choosing double-dummy knobs will solve your problem with matching.
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Always plan before purchasing your dummy door knobs. Regardless of the type, dummy door knobs only add some decoration to your doors. For all types, these are common in interior home doors. Also, be careful where you install the dummy door knob on doors that need a lock, like the main entry door of the house. If your interior door leads to the outside, it is best to use keyed or locking door knobs.
What Is A Dummy Door Knob Set?
A dummy door knob set includes one or two door knobs, screws, and rosettes. In the set, there is no mechanical latch or locking system. Most dummy door knobs you can find are round, but other brands offer oval or crystal-shaped ones. Different brands also offer different door knob finishes to match your home design.
With these inclusions, the installation of a dummy set is simple. A dummy door knob set does not require you to drill a standard bore to attach the knobs. When installing the door knobs in a standard pre-drilled door, you only need to mount the dummy cover rosettes with the screws provided.
Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing your dummy door knob. If you are replacing your dummy door knob with a new one, you can refer to these instructions.
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How Does A Dummy Door Knob Work?
Regardless of the type of dummy door knob, you only need to pull the knob to open the door. Likewise, when closing, you only need a simple push. There is no latch to operate when you use dummy door knobs. When closing a door with a dummy door knob, a magnetic or ball catch keeps the door shut. There are also roller catch, flush, or surface bolts that you can mount on the door jamb or the opposite surface.
What Is The Difference Between Dummy And Passage Door Knobs?
Another type of door knob based on functionality is a passage door knob. Passage knobs are for doors where privacy is not essential. A passage door knob is common for interior hallways, walk-in closets, and laundry rooms. Passage door knobs are also great to install in your children's rooms. You can also pair passage door knobs with a deadbolt if you plan to install them for your exterior doors.
Passage and dummy door knobs are so much alike. Read below to find out the similarities of both dummy and passage door knobs:
- Both dummy and passage door knobs do not have a locking function. Whether installed inside or outside, both of these types do not lock.
- There are also no keyholes or locking buttons for both types.
- Both of these types are ideal for interior doors.
- Both types of door knobs come in different styles and finish. You have the choice to coordinate your knobs with the style of your home.
After knowing the similarities, here are the differences between a dummy and a passage door knob:
- Passage door knobs have an active latch. This latch keeps the door closed instead of a ball catch or surface bolt for dummy door knobs.
- Passage door knobs turn freely, while dummy door knobs do not. Passage doors need some turning to open the door, while dummy door knobs will only need a simple push.
- Another difference is the type of door where you install the passage knobs. You can install a passage door knob as long as the door is operative. For a fixed and non-operative door, use a dummy door knob instead.
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In Closing
The security of your home is the primary goal of installing door knobs. That is why you need to plan where to install dummy door knobs in your house. For your fixed and non-operative interior doors, you can select a dummy door knob. You only need a simple pull and push to operate the door. In contrast to a passage door, it does not have a latch for the closing process. As much as possible, choose door knobs that match the functionality of the door.
