How we supply it: Door and window hardware is arranged through a partner hardware dealer who quotes, supplies and bills it and pays us a referral commission. We ask for the grade (304, 202 or brass) against every line of the quote, so any substitution is visible.
In one line: Door and window hardware is the set of metal fittings that hang, close, fasten and lock shutters: hinges, handles, tower bolts, aldrops, locks, stoppers and door closers.
SS 304, SS 202, brass or zinc?
| Metal | Make-up | Humid or coastal use | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| SS 304 | About 18% chromium, 8% nickel | Resists rust well | Bathrooms, main doors, coastal homes |
| SS 202 | Less nickel (about 4–6%), more manganese | Can stain and rust | Dry interiors only |
| Brass | Copper-zinc alloy | Does not rust; tarnishes | Main doors, traditional look |
| Zinc alloy (die-cast) | Cast zinc, plated | Plating wears; corrodes | Light-duty handles |
| Mild steel, powder-coated | Painted steel | Rusts once chipped | Budget, dry areas |
What counts as hardware
Door and window hardware is the set of metal fittings that hang, close, fasten and lock shutters: hinges, handles, tower bolts, aldrops, locks, stoppers and door closers.
It is a small part of a house budget and the part touched every day. Cheap hinges show first as a sagging, scraping door.
Fittings by door
| Door | Fittings |
|---|---|
| Main door | 4 hinges, mortise lock, 2 tower bolts, aldrop, door viewer, stopper |
| Bedroom door | 3 hinges, cylindrical or mortise lock, tower bolt, stopper |
| Bathroom door | 3 SS 304 hinges, bathroom latch or privacy lock, tower bolt |
| Casement window | Hinges or friction stays, handles, stoppers |
| Heavy or self-closing door | Hydraulic door closer sized to the door weight |
Hinges: number and size
These are typical sizes; heavy carved shutters may need larger hinges, so ask the joiner.
- Standard 2100 mm high door: 3 hinges
- Heavy or wide main door: 4 hinges, with bearings or washers
- Hinge size: 100 mm for internal doors, 125 mm for main doors
- Screws: stainless, the same grade as the hinge, long enough to bite into the frame
Checks on hardware
- Look for the grade stamped on the item or packing; if in doubt, use a stainless grade test kit. A magnet is not reliable, as both 304 and 202 are largely non-magnetic.
- Hinge knuckles should turn smoothly with no play.
- Check leaf size and thickness against the order.
- Screws should be stainless and of the same grade; plated screws rust first.
- For locks, check the lever count, the number of keys and that they arrive sealed.
Fitting and care
- Keep hardware boxed and dry until fixing.
- Fit it after shutters are polished or painted, or mask it during painting.
- Oil hinges and locks lightly once in a while; avoid grease that collects dust.
Hardware mistakes
- SS 202 hinges on bathroom and coastal doors.
- Two hinges on a heavy shutter, which then sags.
- Stainless hinges fixed with plated mild-steel screws.
- Paint brushed over hinges and lock faces.
- A door closer rated for a lighter door than it is fitted to.