Technical Information

The Ironmonger has the largest selection of modern lever designs in the USA. Because all levers match a variety of locks, you can specify them for any project – large or small – from UL listed mortise locks for commercial use to simple residential renovation with ‘retro-fit’ tube latches.

Code Compliance

All Ironmonger levers are matched to US-made mortise locks that are UL listed, conform to all Building and Life-Safety Codes, and include standard ANSI functions. Levers, by definition, comply with ADA requirements.

Full Size American Mortise Locks

USA manufactured with extra strong compression springs for levers, these locks are UL listed, made to ANSI dimensions for wood or metal doors and frames, and will accept all standard US cylinders. Specialty UL mortise locks, eg: for narrow stile doors, are also available.

Please note that European levers do not fit all US mortise locks (eg: Schlage does not have springs in the lock chassis). Please let Ironmonger recommend the most compatible lock for your specifications.

Tube Latches and Deadbolts

Now much improved, with one-way hub action for levers and engineered with far better springs. Tube Latches are simple to install, and satisfy ADA access requirements without the cost of mortises.

Please note that Tube Latches are only available for passage sets, and Tube Deadbolts are only for privacy sets.

Euro-mortise Locks and Hatches

Where levers are available with optional larger roses, Tube Latches are an excellent ‘retro-fit’ to replace bored locks. Designed and made in Europe expressly for levers, they provide excellent performance for any residential or non-label door.

Composition

Most hardware is made from metal, which can be forged (shaped under pressure and heat), cast (stamped or die-cut from sheets), extruded (squeezed out like toothpaste), or machined (eg: turned on NC lathes).

Aluminum
The most common element in the earth’s crust and can be completely recycled. It is easy to work into virtually any shape, and is very lightweight. European alloys are much tougher than US28 material, generally having a higher Magnesium content.

Zamac/Chromall
Generic or Trade names for zinc-based alloys, which are easy to cast and are a cheaper substitute for brass when plated.

Brass
The basic hardware material for centuries and is an alloy of Copper and Zinc. Like Aluminum, it is easy to process.

Bronze
Used since, well, the Bronze Age, and is an alloy of Tin and Copper.

Stainless Steel
One of the most durable metal alloys which implies it is difficult to manufacture, and therefore is more expensive. Varying amounts of Chromium, Nickel, and other elements added to steel provide over 100 acid and rust resistant variations.

Grade 316 (also known as surgical grade) has 18% Chromium, 10% nickel, 2.5% Molybdenum and 0.06% Carbon. Grade 304 (also called 18/8) has 18% Chromium and 8% Nickel.

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Glossary

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Finishes

Architectural metal finishes are coded by The National Bureau of Standards. Another system from the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) and ANSI indicates the base metal as well as the finish.

Anodising converts the surface of Aluminum to a hard coating of Aluminum Oxide, increasing corrosion resistance and the ability to stain the metal to approximate Satin Brass, Nickel, Bronze or dark 'Duranodic' Bronze.

Polished Finishes highlight the natural metal (eg: Brass, Bronze), which must then be protected from tarnishing (Polished Stainless Steel needs no further protection).

PVD Finishes offer 'Lifetime' protection for polished Brass but are actually Titanium PVD (Physical Vapor Deposit) on a base metal, which can be Brass, Zamak or even Stainless Steel. It is more expensive than traditional protective finishes

Plated Finishes are electro-chemical processes depositing a thin layer of finish metal onto a base metal to provide a bright, reflective surface that is only as smooth as the base, which needs careful preparation. Common plated finishes are Chrome, Nickel and even Brass (when applied to a Zamak base).

Brushed or Satin Finishes are applied to bright plated finishes to give a matte, directionally 'brushed' surface. Common brushed finishes are Brass, Nickel and Chrome. Satin Stainless Steel is also a brushed finish but is brushed directly, and not plated first.

24 Carat Gold Plate provides a plated finish that, like PVD finishes, will never tarnish. This may seem opulent, but actually costs less than PVD.