A lot of people seldom think of doorknobs unless they have to purchase one. As you know, door knobs come in a variety of types. One, in particular, is a dummy doorknob.
Ideally, this handle is used for decorative purposes because it doesn’t have moving parts. As such, it is meant to elevate your home’s design. There are two types of dummy doorknobs, which are the full and the half dummy doorknobs. So, what is the difference between the two handles?
What is a Dummy Doorknob?
As you know, the main function of a doorknob is to allow you to use doors with ease. Aside from that, it also offers some security by making a room inaccessible.
However, a dummy doorknob doesn’t work this way because it doesn’t have moving parts. Instead, it is designed to make a door visually appealing. Plus, it can tie the appearance of a room, enhancing its overall look.
Uses of Dummy Doorknobs
For French and Double Doors
Double and French doors can make your home visually appealing thanks to their eye-catching design. Because these doors are placed in your entry points, they require a functional doorknob. However, they only come with a single doorknob, making them look incomplete.
To balance the look of your French or double door, you can install a dummy doorknob. Aside from being inexpensive and stylish, this handle comes in a variety of styles; thus, you’ll be able to pick a style that matches your functional doorknob.
For Closets, Cabinets, and Pantry Doors
Because closets, cabinets, and pantry doors don’t require a functional doorknob, you can install a dummy doorknob. This handle will not only allow you to open the door with ease. It can also enhance the appearance of your closets, cabinets, and pantry.
Types of Dummy Doorknobs
Full Dummy Doorknob
Full dummy door knobs are full-sized handles that have no mechanical latch. As such, its main purpose is to enhance the appearance of a door. It can be easily mounted onto a door because it doesn’t need a large hole. Also, this type of dummy doorknob is available in a set, which includes a door handle, knob, and faux locking mechanism.
A great feature of a full dummy door knob is that you won’t be able to tell if it’s functional or not. As such, if you want to modernize the look of a room in your home, you can install this type of doorknob.
Pros:
The greatest advantage of opting for a full dummy door knob is its easy installation process. As mentioned, you don’t need to make a large hole to install this type of door know. In fact, you’ll only need a few things to install it because it is only placed on one side of the door.
Cons:
Keep in mind that a full dummy door knob can also be installed on specific doors. Remember, this type of doorknob doesn’t have a mechanical latch; thus, it can’t provide security. For this reason, you won’t be able to use it for most types of entry doors.
However, if you have a French or double door, you can install a full dummy doorknob beside a functional doorknob.
Half Dummy Doorknob
Half dummy door knobs are like full dummy doorknobs. The difference between the two is that a half dummy door knob has a single handle or knob. As such, it is usually installed on a closet or cabinet door.
Pros:
Compared to a full dummy knob, installing a half dummy knob is extremely easy because it only comes with a single handle or knob. Additionally, it is also stylish; thus, it can spruce up the overall look of your cabinet or closet door.
Cons:
Like the full dummy doorknob, a half dummy door knob can’t provide security because it doesn’t have a locking mechanism. If you have valuable items in your closet or cabinet, it is best to install a lock to keep your belongings secure.
Steps to Install a Dummy Doorknob
As mentioned, installing a dummy door knob is easy. Regardless of your experience level, you’ll be able to install it as long as you have the basic tools. So, what are the steps to install a dummy doorknob?
Step 1:
The first step in installing a dummy door knob is ensuring you have all the tools you need. For this project, you’ll need a tape measure, drill, screwdriver, and marker. Additionally, you’ll also need some drill bits that have the same size as the screws included in the doorknob set.
Step 2:
Once you have all the tools, you can start by marking the spots for drilling. To begin, grab the tape measure and locate the point on your door that is about 36 inches above the floor.
From there, mark the spot with a marker. In doing this, make sure that you mark as many holes as needed by the doorknob. Usually, a dummy door knob will require at least two holes.
Step 3:
The next step is to drill holes in the spots that you marked. Remember that you should be careful when drilling because you don’t want to drill through the other side of the door.
Step 4:
Afterward, grab the cover plate of the doorknob and place it over the holes. Then, you can replace the drill bit with the screw included in the set. In doing this, you have to make sure that all the screws are secured.
Step 5:
The final step is to install the doorknob onto the hardware. To secure the doorknob, you have to look for a hole near the knob and put a screw over the hole. Some doorknob sets have two holes; thus, you have to fill both holes.
