How to measure door fittings?

Measuring door fittings is always the first step when purchasing new door fittings. It is of course important to know exactly how big this should be so that it fits properly in your door. Door knobs , handles and handles are available in all shapes and sizes, so it is important to make the right choice, especially if you want to install a secure lock in the door. You can easily find out the dimensions by measuring different distances: the PC size, the backset, the thickness of the door and the hole profile of the door shield.

Measuring door fittings and measuring the PC size

When measuring door fittings, it is important that you know the industry standardized sizes and names. By the PC size of door fittings we mean the distance between the center of the handle hole and the center of the profile cylinder, i.e. the hole where the keyhole will be placed. In normal homes in the Netherlands, both on the inner and outer doors, a PC distance of 55 millimeters is the most common size. However, this differs per country, but also per lock, so it is wise to measure this size carefully before purchasing the door fittings.

Measuring the backset

The backset of a lock is the number of millimeters between the front plate and the center of the handle hole or the profile cylinder. The most common backset for homes in the Netherlands is 50 millimeters, but this size can vary greatly per lock. The sizes are available in steps of 5 millimeters, up to a distance of no less than 120 millimeters. For example, if stronger locks need to be used or the doorknob used is very large, it is desirable to use a larger backset. However, if a lock needs to be placed on a window or profile door, much smaller backset sizes can be used, starting from just 18 millimeters. In addition, the standard backset sizes, just like the standard PC sizes, differ per country.

Measuring the thickness of the door

By measuring the thickness of the door, you can find out what size the screws should be to mount door handles If the screws supplied with the door fitting are too short, you can reuse the screws from the current fitting, provided they are still in good condition. Moreover, you can save money this way by not having to order extra screws.

Measuring the hole profile

The hole profile of door fittings consists of the distance between the handle hole and the profile cylinder, i.e. the PC size, and the distances between the center of the handle hole and the various screws on the door shield. You will often find three screws on this: one above the handle hole, one just below it and one at the bottom of the door fitting. By measuring the three distances between these screws and the center of the handle hole, you will find the precise hole profile of your door fitting. Once you have measured and noted all these dimensions, you can install suitable door fittings in your door.

Measuring door fittings is a painstaking job, but the results are impressive. Once you have measured the door fittings, it is time to remove the old door fittings. This precise job contributes to a seamless installation of the new fittings, and the aesthetic pleasure of a job well done should not be underestimated; A new set of door fittings can refresh the entire appearance of your door and therefore your entrance.

If you are looking for other information about how to measure door fittings, take a look at our handyman blog for more informative articles. If the information you are looking for cannot yet be found in our blog, please let us know and we will get started on it immediately.

Despite all this information, if you still have questions about measuring door fittings, call or app our Door Fitting Expert Lock Specialist .