Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's the difference between Baldwin Images series hardware and Baldwin's Estate series?

Baldwin Hardware Corp has long been known for making the finest solid brass door hardware available. Their Estate series line of decorative entrance and interior hardware is unmatched in selection and versatility. All of the components can be ordered as separate items, allowing an unlimited degree of customization. Any lever, knob or rosette in any finish can be sold as a separate item. The same goes for the Estate series entrance mortise locks. These are examples of locksmithing art. There are many styles and finishes available for every architectural design scheme. The Estate series is the best of the best.

Baldwin also recognized the need to have a less expensive line of solid brass hardware that could be packaged and sold as complete units, ready for easy installation in standard (2.125") door holes. The Images series has the same high quality solid brass knobs and levers, just in fewer styles. Recently, the Images collection has grown to encompass many more styles and finishes as well as the ability to customize them like the Estate levers. Now available with optional rosettes styles as well as any number of split finish combinations the Images series is very customizable. Images collection knobs and levers can be ordered in virtually any custom configuration. Their entrance handlesets use "tubular" latches not mortise bodies. The Images series is less expensive and come complete in one box with easy to understand installation instructions. Available in all functions, NO special door prep is needed as all Images use industry standard 2 1/8" holes.

2. What is the difference between a Baldwin "mortise" lock and a "tubular" lock?

The term "mortise lock" when used in Baldwin door hardware terminology refers to a certain type of lock body that is cut into, or "mortised" in through the edge of a door and contains the spring loaded latching mechanism and the deadbolt. A Baldwin full mortise body looks like THIS and is what you would get with an Estate series mortise lock. Not all doors can accept this type of lock body, and skill is required to install them properly. The term "tubular" refers to the standard size door latches made to fit in virtually all pre-hung and pre-bored doors. They are generally 1.0" diameter "tubes" which fit in through the edge of the door. On entrance handlesets the lower latch is always separate from the deadbolt in tubular locksets. Virtually all Schlage locks are tubular except their "L" series mortise locks, and most Baldwin locksets are also, EXCEPT their Estate entrance handlesets and some older style interior locksets. ALL Images locksets are tubular.

3. How do I know which series of Schlage door hardware is right for me?

Schlage makes a large and varied product line. It stretches from basic light duty residential door hardware ("F" series) to the heaviest duty commercial series ("D" series). The type of door hardware that is commonly found in almost every home center is their "F" series. This is residential quality door hardware in many styles and finishes that have been around for many years. New styles and finishes are constantly being added, like the new matte black finish. Most of the finishes have a lifetime warrantee now, and ALL of the mechanics are lifetime warranteed. The new "Accents" collection by Schlage features some new front entry handleset, knob and lever styles with the added benefit of having concealed screws. Concealed screws add a nice touch to the overall finishes look of the set. The "Accents" style deadbolt is a low profile style, meaning it does not project far off the door giving it a cleaner, neater look. Schlage's "B" series applies only to their deadbolts. They catalog three different grades of deadbolts. The most common grade is their B360 line which is a medium duty grade 2 deadbolt for residential use. 

The next step up the ladder as far as door locks is the "A" series. Similar in looks to the "F" series (except with concealed mounting screws) this series incorporates a heavier duty commercial type "cylindrical" mechanism for a lifetime of use. Knob and lever styles are limited in this series, and there are not as many finishes to select from. Beyond the "F" and the "A" series are door locks that straddle the line between residential and commercial. If you are looking for top quality door hardware built to last a lifetime under medium to heavy duty office use the "S" series and the "AL series" should be considered. Lastly the "D series" and "L series" series locks are heavy duty commercial hardware, although anything can be used in residential applications as well.

ALL of the series mentioned above are made in keyed, privacy, passage and full dummy functions in a wide range of finishes. 

4. So how do I decide between Baldwin or Schlage for my doors?

We sell only Baldwin and Schlage hardware and both are the industry leaders in their respective fields. Basically it comes down to your budget and design requirements. All Baldwin entrance and interior sets are solid forged brass. Baldwin front entry handlesets are offered in tubular designs for prebored holes, but also in their mortise lock trimsets which are the highest quality entry door hardware available. These Estate series handlesets offer very unique styles and finishes as well as the capability to mix and match components to achieve highly unique designs. All Baldwin estate series hardware can be purchased as individual pieces, so any combination of styles and finishes is possible. There is no "builders" line.

Schlage exterior entrance sets are solid brass also, but not as heavy a metal or as finely finished. They are designed for prebored holes and will fit in virtually any door made in the US. Schlage front entry handlesets can be mixed and matched in styles and finishes as well. All "F" series locksets have exposed mounting screws. Obviously there is a price difference between the two brands. Baldwin is considered the gold in solid brass door hardware. Their finishing process is unequaled. Schlage products are more of a mass produced line, however they are offer lifetime mechanical and finish guarantees. Roughly speaking, the "builders" quality Schlage "F" series interior door hardware can be anywhere from $14.00-32.00 depending on style and finish, where as a Baldwin Images series latchsets can be anywhere from $48.00-$62.00 per piece. 

5. What is meant by a "Lifetime" finish?

Both Baldwin and Schlage are manufacturing door locks and other hardware with their lifetime finishes. A popular misconception is this finish is on ALL their products and it is not. In Baldwin hardware, the lifetime finish in now in three choices. 003 is lifetime shiny brass. Finish 055 is lifetime polished nickel. Finish 056 is lifetime satin nickel. Not al locks and styles are available in every finish. Many, but not all Schlage finishes have a lifetime guarantee. For any specific questions on finishes before you make a purchase, Baldwin's consumer number is 800 566-1986 and Schlage's is 800 847-1864.

Note: Many people get confused by the "lifetime" versus non lifetime finishes. Baldwin does not make their regular lacquered brass (finish 030) on EXTERIOR door hardware anymore. It does not hold up to the elements well enough, which is why the 003 Lifetime finish came into existence. However, this 030 polished brass finish is still used effectively on indoor applications. This is the finish sold in home centers on interior hardware. We stock both the 003 and the 030 finishes. Very few home centers offer the true 003 Lifetime finish as a stocked item. It is more costly than the polished brass. When getting a price quotation, understand that the model you see in a home center is NOT the 003 lifetime finish.

Baldwin Images and Estate interior locks:
Backsets are either 2 3/8" or 2 3/4"

Schlage "A" "D" "AL" series:
Backsets are either 2 3/8" or 2 3/4"