Glossary

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and carbon. This metal, which contains less than 1.2% carbon and more than 10.5% chromium, is highly resistant to corrosion and does not rust.

Our products have been selected for their durability; when not coated, they are available in matte or polished steel. See also: “Stainless Steel”

Browse our entire selection of stainless steel products.

Aluminum is a malleable, silvery-white metal that is notable for its resistance to oxidation and its low density. It is lightweight.

Check out all our aluminum products!

A marshal's baton is a door pull or handle. It is a handle for doors without locks, including swing doors and sliding doors. It is shaped like a bar with two holes at each end that allow it to be attached to the door. It can be installed on one side or both sides using a connecting screw.

Check out our entire selection of door handles!

A latch is a component that allows a door to be opened or closed using a lock mechanism. Latches can be mounted either on a faceplate or on a rosette. They consist of two latches, a door square, and two set screws.

Our line of door latches offers a wide selection of materials and finishes. Our door latches are sure to make a difference.

You can find our selection of latch bolts here. 

A door handle is a device that allows a door to be opened or closed using a lock mechanism. It can be mounted either on a faceplate or on a rosette. The set consists of two handles, a door spindle, and two set screws.

Our line of door handles offers a wide selection of materials and finishes. Our door handles will make all the difference.

Check out our selection of door handles.

A furniture knob is an important component for opening and closing a piece of furniture. These days, furniture knobs are designed to complement all types of interiors. From a simple brass ball to wooden knobs and metal ones, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.

The furniture knob is secured with a screw on the back of the drawer or door. Check out our tips for choosing furniture knobs.

Check out our selection of furniture knobs.

Rotating door knobs are designed exclusively for older locks, known as surface-mounted locks. They come with a 6-mm square spindle. This design allows you to use these knobs without bumping into the edge of the door. It is possible to use them on modern doors, but only if those doors are equipped with horizontal locks.

Check out our selection of door knobs.

These fixed door knobs are generally placed only on the outside of main doors and are used to pull the door toward you when closing it. There are many exceptions, such as knobs placed on both sides of a door, on glass doors, or as twist knobs on locks designed to fit their size.

Check out our selection of fixed door knobs.

A door stop is a device used to control how far a door opens. Check out our tips for choosing a door stop.

Floor stops are either removable or designed to be fixed in place. Caution: Do not install floor stops if you have underfloor heating. Wall stops: These are mounted on the wall and must be 1 cm longer than the depth of your handle. Discover our entire line of stops.

A European lock cylinder—more commonly known as a European cylinder—is Y-shaped. Known for its security, durability, and ease of replacement, it is widely used in France.

Most often installed on front doors, you’ll also find it on cellar doors or garage doors. Its narrow key slot helps prevent any attempted break-ins.

Don't worry—we have the escutcheons you need. All of our door handles come with the European-style escutcheon that matches the model you choose.

A door spindle is a metal rod that fits into your door lock. The door spindle is also the component that connects the two door handles or knobs.

Depending on the handle, the square is slotted, drilled, or slatted. Today, most squares are slotted, into which a set screw is inserted.

The world of doors is constantly evolving, and so is the keyway. It can come in various thicknesses. In France, the standard keyway thickness is 7 mm; older doors generally require a 6 mm keyway (particularly for surface-mounted locks).

A hinge is an assembly consisting of two metal parts. One of the two is fixed, while the other is movable. Hinges allow the door to open and close.

Hinges are so important that if you want to use one type of finish on one side and another on the other, you need to know which way your hinges open.

To do this, stand on the side where you want to install the trim and check whether the hinges are on the right or the left.

An Allen wrench is the tool used to tighten the set screws to secure the handle to the square.

Our sets of handles come with Allen wrenches that match the size of the set screw.

A lock/unlock assembly refers to the latch you just installed on your door lock. This assembly allows you to lock your door—most often the door to the restroom or bathroom.

Consists of two parts: the locking mechanism and the unlocking mechanism. It is made up of the same components as a handle: a square (usually 6 mm) and a set screw on the locking side.

All of our door handle sets come with a locking mechanism.

A cremone bolt is a vertical locking device used to secure doors and windows. This locking system is not included with our door or window handles.

A soap dispenser is a container for liquid soap. Whether in the kitchen, restroom, or bathroom, the soap dispenser is an essential part of your daily life.

Check out our selection of soap dispensers.

"Center-to-center distance" is a technical term used in architecture that refers to the distance between two points, two columns, or two axes within the same structure.

For furniture handles, the center-to-center distance is the distance between the centers of the two screw holes.

For door handles, the center-to-center distance is the distance between the center of the handle hole and the center of the lock hole. For a door handle with a backplate, the mounting center-to-center distance is the distance between the centers of the two screws that hold the backplate in place.

Most of our products can be easily cleaned on a daily basis with a dry, soft cloth to avoid damaging the metal or finishes (brass, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.).

Check out our maintenance tips for your door handles.

A vent grille is an essential component for completing the connection between a ventilation duct and a room. A vent grille helps purify the air in the room where it is installed.

Whether for exhaust, ventilation, or air intake, a vent grille is a visible element, so its appearance matters. Discover the practical, contemporary-style vent grilles that La Quincaillerie has selected for you.

Stainless steel—also known as “inox”—is a noble metal. It is a family of steels—alloys of iron and carbon—to which chromium is primarily added; when the chromium content exceeds 10.5% in solution (depending on the carbon content) in the matrix, it causes the formation of a protective layer of chromium oxide, which gives these steels their resistance to rust.

Our products have been carefully selected for their durability. When not coated, the steel is either matte or polished. See also: “Stainless Steel”

Find all of our stainless steel products here.

Brass is a material composed partly of zinc and copper. The proportions of copper and zinc vary depending on the production process. Easy to work with, brass is a material that withstands damp conditions. It is considered a high-quality material and is therefore used in the production of many objects.

When used to make handles or knobs, brass is either unfinished, polished, varnished, or coated with a finish. Our products have been selected for their excellent durability and timeless appeal.

Check out all our brass products here!

Polished brass is achieved by polishing the product. After polishing, the product will have a golden, shiny finish. Once removed from its airtight packaging and exposed to air and moisture, the product will develop a patina over time, eventually taking on a slightly aged appearance. Not to be confused with “varnished brass.”

Olive-colored door knobs are oval in shape. These door knobs are suitable for antique doors with surface-mounted locks.

See our entire selection of door knobs.

See also: “Rotating door knob”

A cable grommet is a round, square, or rectangular component designed to be installed on a piece of furniture. A cable grommet allows you to bundle all your cables together for a neat and organized look. They come in various sizes to suit your needs.

Check out our selection of cable grommets on our website.

Mounted on a wall or a door, a coat hook is a handy item that lets you hang anything you like: your clothes, jackets, coats, scarves, hats, towels, or bathrobes in your bathroom. Be careful—avoid installing a coat hook on a hollow door.

The size of the coat hook will depend on what you plan to hang on it. Some are designed to withstand moisture, while others are not.

See our entire selection of coat hooks.

A door handle guard is a plate that surrounds a door handle to prevent the door from getting dirty. A door handle guard can be oval or rectangular.

Commonly used on hollow doors, the trim plate also helps secure the door handles.

To provide you with the best possible advice, we recommend that you measure the center-to-center distance. This center-to-center distance is the distance between the handle hole and the keyway/locking hole.

A window handle plate is a decorative plate (or rosette) for your window. It serves both a functional and decorative purpose. The center-to-center distance between the two mounting screws is generally 43 mm—all dimensions are specified in our product sheets.

A recessed handle, also known as a flush-mounted handle, is a hollow handle designed to be recessed into a door or piece of furniture. Recessed handles are primarily used for sliding doors.

Round, square, oval, or rectangular—they come in all these shapes. However, if your door already has a hole in it, you’ll need to measure the hole carefully to find the right fit.

Check out our full selection of door handles and recessed furniture handles!

A window handle is a component attached to a window. The window handle allows you to open and close your windows. The most important thing to know when replacing your window handle is the center-to-center distance between the two screws located under the mounting plate.

See also “T-shaped window handle” and “T-shaped window handle”

Check out our entire selection of window handles!

An L-shaped window handle is a component mounted on a window. The window handle allows you to open and close your windows. The L-shaped handle gets its name from its L-shaped design. Recommended for large windows, tilt-and-turn windows, and traditional windows.

See our entire selection of L-shaped window handles.

A tilt-and-turn window handle can be opened either sideways, like a casement window, or by tilting upward.

A T-handle is a component mounted on a window. The window handle allows you to open and close your windows. The T-handle gets its name from the letter T. Because it is smaller, it is only suitable for small, single-opening windows.

See our full selection of T-series window handles.

A furniture handle is simply a bar. These days, furniture handles are designed so they don't look like ordinary pull bars.

The cabinet handle is secured with two screws at each end; the distance between the two screws is commonly referred to as the center-to-center distance.

Check out our tips for choosing your furniture handles.

Discover our wide selection of furniture handles.

A door handle is a component that allows a door to be opened or closed using a lock mechanism. A door handle can be mounted either on a faceplate or on rosettes. The set consists of two spindles, a door square, and two set screws.

Our line of door handles offers a wide selection of materials and finishes. Our door handles will make all the difference.

Check out our entire line of door handles.

An edge handle is slim, unobtrusive, and sturdy. Usually made of metal, the edge handle is a thin metal plate that is mounted on the back or side of the door.

Thanks to its ultra-thin profile, it blends seamlessly into the background. The edge handle is the perfect furniture handle for those seeking a discreet look.

Check out our entire line of slice handles.

A recessed handle, also known as a cup handle or flush-mounted handle, is a hollow handle designed to be recessed into a piece of furniture or a door. Recessed handles are primarily used for sliding doors.

Round, oval, or rectangular—they come in all shapes. However, if your door already has a hole in it, you’ll need to measure the hole carefully to find the right fit.

Check out our entire selection of recessed door handles and recessed furniture handles!

A recessed handle, also known as a cup handle, is a hollow handle designed to fit into the door. Recessed handles are primarily used for pocket doors.

Round, oval, or rectangular—they come in all shapes. However, if your door already has a hole in it, you’ll need to measure the hole carefully to find the right fit.

Check out our entire selection of recessed door handles and recessed furniture handles!

Invisible handles can be edge handles or profile handles. These discreet, minimalist handles blend seamlessly into the furniture for an elegant, modern look.

See also: “Slice Handle” and “Profile”

Check out our selection of hidden furniture handles.

Porcelain is a material made from clay and various minerals. Once all these minerals have been combined, the process continues in a kiln at a temperature of 1,200°C. This mixture gives it a white, opaque color. It can also be colored through glazing, but this process requires a second firing.

Porcelain, unlike ceramic, is stronger and more durable.

Check out all our porcelain products!

A pocket door is a door mounted on a track that slides along it. This door separates two rooms. It disappears into the wall once it is opened.

Please note: You’ll need to install flush-mounted sliding door handles so that they disappear completely into the wall. In addition, you can choose between standard sliding door handles or lockable ones for added privacy in your bathrooms.

See our full selection of recessed handles for sliding doors.

A coat rack is a storage item typically used to hang multiple items of clothing at once, such as coats, jackets, hangers, scarves, hats, and umbrellas. This is different from a coat hook, which is a single hook or small rod usually mounted on the wall and used to hang a single item, such as a coat, jacket, or bag.

Check out all our coat racks on our website. 

A towel rack is a stand used to hang towels.

Our towel racks are designed for use in damp areas. Made with a brass base, our towel racks come in a variety of finishes and designs. They’ll be the element that makes all the difference in your bathrooms.

Check out our towel racks!

Profiles are furniture handles typically mounted on the edge of cabinet doors (often kitchen cabinets). They are integrated directly into the cabinet for a discreet, minimalist look.

Check out all the profiles on our website.

PVD is a process that deposits thin layers of coating onto a metal surface using vapor. PVD, or physical vapor deposition, allows for the creation of several different colors.

Used in industry, this process ranges from plumbing fixtures to watchmaking. PVD, which is more durable and of higher quality, can be applied directly to stainless steel. However, a longer process is required to apply it to brass.

No more scratches or rust in damp areas—PVD coating has a long service life. It is used in public areas with heavy foot traffic.

The return spring is a small plastic or metal washer. Developed with the advent of mortise locks, it causes the handle to return to its original position.

Each spring is equipped with a direction that depends on the direction of the hinges on your door.

A keyhole rosette is a metal cover placed beneath the door handle. It decorates and covers the keyhole to ensure your door looks its best.

The diameter and thickness of the key escutcheon may vary depending on the door handle model. The key escutcheon can be round, oval, rectangular, or square. For more information, check out all our tips for choosing your interior door handle.

See also: “L-shaped key rosette” and “Y-shaped key rosette”

The L-shaped key escutcheon is a metal cover placed beneath an interior door handle. It decorates and covers the keyhole of a standard lock on an interior door to ensure a flawless appearance.

The diameter and thickness of the key escutcheon may vary depending on the door handle model. The key escutcheon can be round, oval, rectangular, or square.

For more information, check out all our tips for choosing your interior door handle.

See also: “Key rosette” and “Y-shaped key rosette”

The Y-key escutcheon is a metal cover placed beneath a door handle. It surrounds the keyhole of a lock equipped with a more secure European-style cylinder. The shape of the escutcheon is therefore designed to accommodate the cylinder and cover it, ensuring a flawless appearance.

The diameter and thickness of the key escutcheon may vary depending on the door handle model. The key escutcheon can be round, oval, rectangular, or square.

For more information, check out all our tips for choosing your interior door handle.

See also: “Key rosette” and “L-shaped key rosette”

Whether square, round, or oval, the door handle rosette is the part onto which the handle is mounted. It conceals the hole where the handle enters the door. It usually contains a spring.

A system for locking and unlocking a door. It has been around for decades, is constantly evolving, and varies from country to country. As a result, there are several types of locks.

A surface-mounted lock (or external lock) is a type of lock that is attached to the outer surface of a door rather than built into the door itself.

Surface-mounted locks are available in a variety of sizes, styles, and security levels to meet different needs.

The hardware store does not sell locks with its door handles; please feel free to contact a locksmith.

A mortise lock is a type of lock that is built into the thickness of the door.

Mortise locks are available in various types, such as cylinder mortise locks, latch mortise locks, deadbolt mortise locks, and multi-point mortise locks. They can also be used in combination with other types of locks for enhanced security.

The hardware store does not sell locks with its door handles; please feel free to contact a locksmith.

A latch is a small, flat bolt mounted on a plate and operated by a knob to lock a door or window from the inside. One part of the latch rests against the door, and the other part rests against the wall.

Make sure your door is properly aligned with the wall.

Check out our selection of door bolts.

A door pull is a handle for doors without locks, as well as for hinged or sliding doors. It is shaped like a bar with two holes at each end that allow it to be attached to the door. A door pull can be installed on one side or both sides using a connecting screw.

Check out our entire selection of door handles!

A set screw is a screw with a recessed slot designed to accommodate an Allen wrench. This small screw is very important for securing your door handles. It fits into the square slot provided for this purpose to prevent your handles from falling off.

It is also sometimes used to attach coat hooks.

Zamak is a metal alloy. It consists mainly of zinc with small amounts of copper, aluminum, and magnesium. Sturdy and durable, zamak is a lightweight metal that is perfect for making door handles, furniture handles, and coat hooks.

Check out our line of zamak products!

Zinc is a hard, relatively stable metal with a bluish-white color. It is used for its good resistance to corrosion by water and takes a beautiful polish.

Check out all our zinc products.