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Door handing determines hardware orientation, which side hinges mount on, which direction doors swing, and which face is interior versus exterior. Incorrect handing specifications result in locksets that install backwards with keying on the wrong side, closers mounted on improper door faces creating interference, panic bars that open in the wrong direction violating egress codes, and hinges delivered for the opposite side requiring returns and reorders. Hardware suppliers cannot accept returns on handed products since they cannot resell hardware configured for specific applications.

 

The standard commercial handing convention uses four designations: LH (Left Hand), RH (Right Hand), LHR (Left Hand Reverse), and RHR (Right Hand Reverse). Understanding this system prevents the confusion and costly errors from using residential conventions or non-standard terminology. Browse commercial door hardware with clear handing specifications ensuring first-time-correct orders without returns or delays.

 

 

Standard Commercial Handing Determination Method

The Four-Step Handing Process

 

Stand on the outside of the door--the side where security is needed, typically the public corridor side, building exterior, or approach side requiring key access. This outside determination is critical; residential conventions sometimes use the opposite perspective creating confusion in commercial applications. For exterior building doors, outside is obviously the building exterior. For interior office or corridor doors, outside is the side where people knock or where key cylinders face.

 

Observe which side the hinges are on from your outside standing position. If hinges are on your left when facing the door, the door is left-handed (either LH or LHR depending on swing direction). If hinges are on your right, the door is right-handed (RH or RHR). This hinge position determines the first part of the handing designation--left versus right.

 

Determine which direction the door swings from your outside position. If the door swings away from you--pushing the door to open it--the door is standard hand (LH or RH). If the door swings toward you--pulling the door to open it--the door is reverse hand (LHR or RHR). Combining hinge position with swing direction provides complete handing: hinges left and swings away equals LH, hinges right and swings away equals RH, hinges left and swings toward equals LHR, hinges right and swings toward equals RHR.

 

Verify your determination by visualizing hardware installation. On an LH door, the lockset installs with the latch side on the right when viewed from outside, cylindrical lock handles or levers point toward the hinges on the left. On an RH door, the latch side is on the left with handles pointing toward hinges on the right. Reverse hand doors follow the same pattern but with the door swinging toward the observer rather than away.

 

Common Handing Determination Errors

 

The most frequent error involves standing on the wrong side--using the interior or secure side as reference instead of the exterior or public side. This reverses all determinations, ordering hardware configured backwards. Always confirm you are standing on the approach side requiring key access, the side where people knock for entry, or the building exterior for perimeter doors.

 

Confusing residential and commercial conventions creates errors since some residential hardware uses opposite definitions. Commercial hardware universally uses the conventions described here--outside reference point with standard (away swing) and reverse (toward swing) terminology. Residential hardware sometimes uses different conventions. When ordering commercial hardware, always use commercial handing conventions regardless of building occupancy type.

 

Assuming symmetry causes errors on pairs of doors or doors visible from both sides. Each door has a specific handing based on its operational characteristics and security requirements, not its visual symmetry with adjacent doors. A double door pair typically includes one LH and one RH door when both swing away from the approach side, not two doors with identical handing.

 

 

Hardware Types Requiring Handing Specification

Exit Devices and Panic Hardware

 

Exit devices require precise handing for proper panic function and exterior trim orientation. The touchpad mounts on the interior side, while exterior trim--pull handles, thumb pieces, or cylinders--must orient correctly for the approach side. Ordering LH panic hardware for an RH door results in touchpads on the wrong face or exterior trim that does not align with the latch mechanism.

 

Exit device trim compounds handing complexity since different trim styles have varied handing requirements. Lever trim may be field-reversible on some models but not others. Cylinder dogging requires specific orientation. Always specify complete handing information when ordering panic hardware, including base device handing and trim handing. Browse panic exit devices with detailed handing specifications and trim compatibility information preventing ordering errors.

 

Door Closers and Operators

 

Door closers need correct handing to mount on the proper face with appropriate arm configuration. Standard arm closers mount on the pull side--the side the door swings away from--with the arm extending to the frame. Top jamb closers mount on the push side with parallel arm configuration. Specifying wrong handing results in closers that either will not fit due to door swing interference or create operational problems from improper mounting.

 

Some closer models are non-handed, using adjustable arms adapting to any door configuration. These universal closers cost 20-30 percent more than handed models but eliminate handing errors. For facilities with numerous doors and multiple installers, universal closers reduce specification complexity and prevent costly errors from handing mistakes. The premium often justifies itself through elimination of returns and reorders.

 

Mortise Locks and Latch Mechanisms

 

Mortise locks use handed latch mechanisms--the latch bevels in specific directions based on door swing and hinge location. The latch bevel must angle toward the strike plate for proper engagement and latching. Ordering wrong-handed mortise locks results in latches that cannot engage strikes, creating doors that do not latch despite correct installation.

 

Some mortise locks include reversible latches allowing field conversion between handlings. These locks cost slightly more but provide installation flexibility. The latch removes from the lock body, rotates 180 degrees, and reinstalls in reversed orientation. While convenient, reversible latches still require correct initial specification since field reversal consumes installation time and introduces potential errors during reassembly.

 

 

Field Verification and Installation Confirmation

Pre-Installation Handing Verification

 

Before installing hardware, verify handing against door conditions. Stand on the outside of the door with hardware in hand. Position the hardware as it would install on the door. The latch side should point toward the strike side, hinges should be on the correct side based on handing designation, and operating hardware should face outward toward your position.

 

For panic hardware, the touchpad should face the interior with exterior trim facing your outside position. For closers, the mounting plate should position on the appropriate door face--pull side for standard arm, push side for parallel arm. This physical verification catches handing errors before irreversible installation steps like drilling or mortising.

 

Post-Installation Functional Testing

 

After installation, test hardware operation confirming proper function. Latches should engage strikes cleanly without binding or scraping strike edges. Panic bars should release latches immediately when pressed. Closers should control door movement smoothly without binding or interference with door edges, frames, or adjacent construction.

 

Test locks from both sides of the door. Key cylinders should operate smoothly retracting latches or bolts. Interior thumb turns or emergency releases should function without excessive force. Any binding, unusual resistance, or improper operation suggests possible handing errors requiring investigation before final hardware acceptance.

 

 

Double Door Handing Conventions

 

Double doors use the same handing determination method applied to each leaf independently. Stand on the outside facing the door pair. The inactive leaf--the door that closes first and latches with flush bolts--typically shows opposite hand from the active leaf. For doors swinging away from the outside position, one leaf is LH and the other RH. This creates the typical configuration where doors close against each other.

 

Some applications use same-hand pairs where both leaves swing the same direction. These applications include pairs where one door is normally closed and locked, only opening for wide load passage. The operational door--typically the right door for right-handed building populations--carries the primary lockset and handle hardware. The secondary door has flush bolts or removable mullions allowing infrequent opening.

 

Specify each leaf individually using complete handing notation. Order sheets should list "left leaf: LH, right leaf: RH" explicitly rather than assuming standard configurations. This explicit specification prevents errors when ordering hardware for non-standard or special-purpose door pairs.

 

 

Special Cases and Exception Handling

Residential Conversions to Commercial Hardware

 

Converting residential buildings to commercial use often reveals handing confusion since residential and commercial conventions differ. Residential hardware sometimes uses inside reference positions or alternative terminology. When retrofitting commercial hardware to residential buildings, always use commercial handing conventions regardless of existing residential hardware handing.

 

Document actual door swing direction and hinge positions explicitly rather than relying on existing hardware markings. Remove one piece of residential hardware and determine its handing using commercial conventions, then order replacement commercial hardware matching that handing. This verification prevents ordering errors from convention mismatches.

 

International Projects and Regional Variations

 

International projects may encounter regional handing conventions differing from US commercial standards. European countries sometimes use alternative terminology or reference points. When specifying hardware for international projects, confirm conventions explicitly with hardware suppliers and installers rather than assuming universal understanding.

 

Provide diagrams or photographs showing actual door configurations when ordering hardware for international projects. Visual documentation eliminates language barriers and convention confusion, ensuring hardware arrives configured correctly regardless of terminology differences between regions.

 

 

Documentation and Communication Best Practices

 

Create door schedules showing handing for every door in the project. Number or identify each opening uniquely. List handing alongside door dimensions, fire ratings, and hardware requirements. This schedule becomes the master reference document preventing errors during hardware ordering and installation. Update schedules immediately when field conditions require changes.

 

Photograph doors during site surveys showing hinge positions and swing direction clearly. These images provide visual handing verification supplementing written schedules. When questions arise during ordering or installation, reference photographs confirm correct handing without site revisits. For complete hardware packages requiring coordinated handing across multiple components, browse commercial locksets, door closers, and hinges with consistent handing specifications ensuring all components install correctly together.