Door Hardware Buying Guides

Straight answers to the questions we get asked most across the counter at our Annangrove showroom — sizing, materials, functions and finishes, written for Australian doors, Australian standards and Australian conditions. No fluff, no filler, just what you need to order the right hardware the first time.

Prefer to ask a person? Call 1800 329 028 or visit the showroom at 2/249 Annangrove Road, Annangrove NSW — over 6,000 products on display, so you can handle the hardware before you buy it.

Sizing & measurements

Door Handle Backset Guide: How to Measure and Choose

Backset is the distance from the door edge to the centre of the spindle hole. 60mm is the Australian standard, but 45mm and 70mm are common — and mortice locks run their own sizes entirely. How to measure yours in thirty seconds, and what to do when the numbers don't match.

Covers 45mm / 60mm / 70mm tubular latches · 44mm / 46mm / 57mm mortice locks · narrow-stile and rebated doors

Materials & finishes

Coastal Door Hardware: Which Stainless Grade, 304 or 316?

316 marine grade resists the salt that pits 304. Which grade for which distance from the surf, why tea staining isn't a fault, and how to keep a manufacturer warranty intact.

Functions & compliance

Guides in this section are being written now — see the list below.

Guides we're writing next

We're adding to this library regularly. Coming soon:

  • Passage, privacy, entrance and dummy — door handle functions explained, and which one belongs on which door
  • Mortice lock or tubular latch? — how to tell what you have and what to replace it with
  • Door hardware finishes compared — durability, maintenance and fingerprints across matt black, brushed brass, chrome and living finishes
  • AS1428.1 compliant lever handles — what the standard requires and what you can actually buy

Need one of these answered before we publish it? Call 1800 329 028 — our team answers these questions every day.

Where to next

Ready to shop? Browse door hardware, locks & accessories, window hardware , or explore our full range by brand. Every product listing carries full specifications, warranty terms and a bundle guide so you know exactly what's in the box.

Written and maintained by the Prime Hardware showroom team, Annangrove NSW. Last updated 11 August 2026.