Choosing the Right Grips for Your Doors

CHOOSING THE RIGHT GRIPS FOR YOUR DOORS

I get the appeal of matching everything, but I have to push back a bit - sometimes uniformity feels a little sterile, especially in older homes with character. That said, I’m with you on durability. I’ve seen cheap chrome handles pit and flake after just a couple years, which is a waste. If you’re thinking about sustainability, look for hardware made from recycled metals or at least something that’s not coated in toxic finishes. It’s not just about looks or trends... some of those “trendy” finishes are environmental nightmares down the line.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT GRIPS FOR YOUR DOORS

I hear you on the environmental side of things, but I wonder if recycled metals are always the best route. Sometimes the energy used to recycle and remanufacture can be pretty high, depending on the process and where it’s done. Ever looked into reclaimed hardware from salvage shops? I’ve found some solid brass handles that have outlasted anything new, plus there’s zero new manufacturing involved. Just a thought - sometimes old stuff is just better made and already has that patina everyone’s trying to fake these days.

Ever looked into reclaimed hardware from salvage shops? I’ve found some solid brass handles that have outlasted anything new, plus there’s zero new manufacturing involved.

That’s a good point about salvage shops - there’s something to be said for hardware that’s already stood the test of time. I do wonder, though, how you deal with sizing and fit when using reclaimed grips. In my experience, older doors and modern ones don’t always line up in terms of spindle size or backset. Do you end up modifying the door, or is there a trick to making those vintage pieces work? Sometimes I find the hassle outweighs the charm, but maybe I’m missing something.

Choosing the Right Grips for Your Doors

I do wonder, though, how you deal with sizing and fit when using reclaimed grips. In my experience, older doors and modern ones don’t always line up in terms of spindle size or backset.

- You’re spot on - compatibility is the main headache.
- I usually measure everything twice before buying, but sometimes you just have to get creative with a file or a drill.
- Adapters can help if you’re lucky, but I’ve had to patch up more than one door after a “great find” didn’t quite fit.
- Honestly, sometimes the hardware ends up as a paperweight... but when it works, it’s worth the hassle.

Choosing the Right Grips for Your Doors

Honestly, I’ve run into this more times than I care to admit. There’s nothing like finding a gorgeous old grip at a salvage yard, only to realize it’s just not going to fit your modern door without some serious tweaking. I’ve had luck with custom spindles from specialty hardware shops - sometimes they’ll even machine one for you if you bring in the parts. It’s a bit of an investment, but if you’re set on that vintage look, it can be worth every penny. Otherwise, yeah... sometimes those “finds” just end up in a box in the garage.