As long as there have been doors, there have been door handles in various configurations. From a crude leather latch on pioneer homes, to decorative porcelain knobs on Victoria structures, to the current day knobs of steel and brass, doorknobs have evolved to suit the architecture of the times.
While it may seem that lever door handles are a fairly new addition to the door hardware landscape, wrought-iron lever handles on front doors were popular for 18th century houses in central Europe.1
Locksmiths have vast knowledge in the world of doorknobs and can tell you what seems to me to be the better choice and why.
The following is a brief look into a few key attributes of knobs and handles that can help you make a decision about your own doors.
Advantages of Replacing Door Knobs with Lever Door Handles
The biggest advantage of replacing a door knob with a level handle is that lever handles are easier to use for people with dexterity issues. Many lever door handles are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaint.
The population in America is aging and it is reported that by the year 2030 there will be 71.5 million people over the age of 65 and that Americans with disabilities are currently numbered at about 50 million or 18 percent of the U.S. population.2
To be ADA compliant these door handles must be installed correctly, so it is best to have a professional locksmith do the installation, as a locksmith would be familiar with all the specifications, such as height from the floor, that make lever door handles work for those with disabilities.
Lever door handles are also more on-trend than traditional door knobs, especially with those that own homes with contemporary or industrial-modern styling. Lever handles do have the advantage where they can be opened with an elbow or hip if the person entering the home has his or her hands full.
They are also great for areas where your hands may be dirty, such as a shed mechanics garage or workshop, and you can use your elbow to open the door without getting the door handle dirty.3
Disadvantages of Replacing Door Knobs with Lever Door Handles
Customers who have lever door handles report incidences of getting their rings caught on the lever. Customers also report getting clothing, purse and backpack straps and other items caught on the lever door handles as they move through the doorway. Animals, such as cats, have been known to be able to open lever door handles more easily, as can young children.
For some homeowners, having lever door handles that their children can open more easily is thought to be an advantage, especially in case of fire or another emergency where the child has to exit the home quickly.
Some lever door handles only function downward in one direction and that can cause issues for left-handed people. Lever door handles are also more expensive than traditional door knobs.
Each homeowner has to weigh the pros and cons of traditional door knobs versus more trendy lever door handles. A locksmith can help you assess your particular situation and determine what is right for you.
Connect with a Trusted Locksmith Near You
Keep your doors and locks up to date, properly installed and functioning with the locksmith services of Action Locksmith in Michigan. Our residential locksmith and commercial locksmith services include everything from re-keying locks, door repair and installation, installing camera systems, keyless entry and more! With 24-hour emergency lockout service and security consultations there isn’t much that we can’t do. Our locksmith technicians are experienced, professional and resourceful.
Questions on doors, locks and more? Contact us and speak with a specialist today!
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1 Points of Contact – A Short History of Door Handles, by Edwin Heathcote, 6/10/2020
Link: https://www.apollo-magazine.com/history-door-handle-designs/
2 ADA (American Disabilities Act) Compliant Door Hardware
Link: https://www.doorware.com/specials/help-center/door-hardware-ada-compliant.cfm
3 Advantages of Door Lever Handles by Stephen Phillips, 5/22/2010
Link: https://www.doityourself.com/stry/advantages-of-door-lever-handles