Door Hardware Slang and Abbreviations – Mystery Solved!
Like every industry, the door hardware industry has its share of slang, abbreviations and idioms! Most manufacturer product cartons are covered with product numbers and seemingly meaningless letters, but those letters do have significance! If you’ve been wondering what some of those letters mean, check out the list below. Here are some of the most common:
NRP – frequently found on boxes of hinges, this abbreviation means that these hinges are being supplied with a “Non-Removable Pin”. The hinge pin can actually be removed by loosening a small retaining screw on the inside of the hinge.
CRASH BAR or PANIC BAR – this is layman’s term for a “panic device” or “fire exit device.”
KIK – this is an acronym that actually means “Key-In-Knob.” These lock cylinders are designed to fit into knob type cylindrical locksets.
KIL – this seemingly ominous acronym confirms that the lock cylinder is a “Key-In-Lever” type and is therefore suitable for installation into a lever type cylindrical lockset. Typically, KIK and KIL cylinders are compatible with both knobs and levers; however, the cylinder tail piece will often need to be reoriented depending on the application.
TBSRT – often found on the boxes of LCN door closers, these letters signify that the closer comes complete with “Thru-Bolts and Self-Reaming (drilling) Tapping Screws.”
RW/PA – frequently found on boxes of door closers from a variety of manufacturers, these letters specify that the box contains the accessories to mount the closer in either “Parallel Arm” or “Regular Arm” applications.
TBWMS – another alphabetical mystery found on boxes of door closers from numerous manufacturers, these letters confirm that the door closer is being supplied complete with “Thru-Bolts, Wood Screws and Machine Screws” which makes it a very versatile product suitable for a variety of possible applications.
SLIM – frequently found on boxes of LCN and Falcon door closers, this word actually means what it says; the closer has a slim profile and has been supplied with a “Slim” style cover instead of a full cover.
KNC – if you find these letters embossed into a threshold, sweep or similar item, it means the product has been manufactured by “KN Crowder Manufacturing” from Burlington, Ontario.
R/V – often found on the boxes of Von Duprin exit device trims, these letters signify that the trim is compatible with “Rim or Vertical Rod” type exit devices.
LHR/RHR – commonly found on the cartons of exit devices or mortise locks from a variety of manufacturers, these letters confirm that the exit device or lock is a handed product and that it is for use on either a “Left Hand Reverse” door or a “Right Hand Reverse” door as specified.
LH/RH – sometimes found on boxes containing door closers, this abbreviation confirms that the closer is a handed product and must be installed on either a “Left Hand” door or a “Right Hand” door as specified.
DOOR CLOSURE – is a widely misused term to describe a “door closer.”
HYDRAULIC PUMP ARM – is another widely misused term to describe a “door closer.”
PUMP STOPPER ARM – yet another widely misused term to describe a “door closer.”
KA – these letters are sometimes seen on boxes containing locksets, deadbolts or padlocks. KA means the lock has been “Keyed Alike” to another specific lock or that it is part of a larger keyed alike group of locks.
KD – these letters are sometimes seen on boxes containing locksets, deadbolts or padlocks. KD means the lock has been “Keyed Differently” from any other lock or group of locks and that it does not belong to any specific group.
DOOR STOPPER – whenever someone asks us for a “door stopper”, we ask them to send a photo! You wouldn’t believe what some people have referred to as a door stopper!
If you need assistance in translating or decoding manufacturer part numbers or if you have any questions with regards to hardware selection, our Customer Service Team is always ready to assist! Contact us today!