Lever vs. Knob: Which Exit Device Trim is the Best for Your Commercial Needs?

Entrances and exits in commercial spaces are more than simple passageways. They show how seriously a place takes safety, accessibility, and design. Choosing the right type of door handles or knobs is an important decision.
In this blog, we will explore the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of levers and knobs to help determine which is better suited for your commercial needs.

What Are Door Knobs?

Door knobs are essential hardware components attached to doors, serving as handles that enable users to open and close them. They come in various types, such as round knobs and lever handles (which are technically a type of knob). Round knobs are typically twisted to operate the door, while lever handles are pushed down or lifted.

Designed in a variety of styles to match different room decors, these knobs are crafted from metal, brass, or durable plastic. The doorknob also contributes to the aesthetic appeal of spaces, in addition to its practical function. Known for producing high-quality door hardware that meets safety standards and enhances both functionality and visual appeal, trusted brands like Tell, Sargent (Sargent 6 line), and Arrow ( Arrow MK, HK series) provide these products.

Which Are the Different Types of Door Knobs?

Each type of door lever is designed for a specific function and application, such as:

Type of Door Knob	Functionality and Features	Common Uses	Description
Passage Knobs	No locking functionality, designed for easy passage; both sides are always unlocked. Offers simple installation.	Commonly installed on hallway and closet doors, or any interior door where no privacy is needed.	Ideal for doors where the focus is on free movement rather than security. Particularly user-friendly for children and the elderly.
Privacy Knobs	Lockable from the inside with push-button or turn mechanism. Typically includes an emergency release on the outside, often a small hole to unlock with a pin or tool.	Usually found on interior doors in residential settings like bathrooms, bedrooms, and personal offices.	Provides a basic level of privacy, not intended for high-security needs. The exterior emergency release ensures access can be gained if necessary.
Keyed Entry Knobs	Requires a key to unlock from the outside, and can also be locked from the inside with a turn button or key. May include features like pick-resistant locks and reinforced construction.	Exterior doors of homes and businesses, as well as on doors to individual offices or storage areas.	Offers good security for entry points or restricted areas. It can be combined with deadbolts for enhanced protection.
Dummy Knobs	Nonfunctional and don't turn or latch. Serve as a decorative door pull. Available in various finishes to match other hardware.	Ideal for pantry doors, cabinet doors, or other doors where a latch is not necessary but a consistent look is desired.	Easy to install since they don't involve complex mechanisms. They are used purely for aesthetic purposes and are not meant for security.
Half-Dummy Knobs	A single-sided version of dummy knobs. These are static and do not feature any latching or locking functions.	Often used on one side of double doors, shallow closets, or cabinets where only one handle is needed and the other side remains flush.	Can be used to match the active door hardware in styling whilst remaining purely decorative on the side where no manipulation is required.
Smart Knobs	Electronic doors can be controlled via smartphone apps, keypads, biometric scanners, or voice commands. Can integrate with home automation systems, offering features like remote access and activity logs.	Common on front doors for residential properties, as well as offices and areas requiring controlled access.	Enhance security with the ability to grant temporary access codes, track who enters, and lock or unlock doors remotely. Some models work with Wi-Fi, others with Bluetooth or specific home connectivity standards.
Mortise Knobs	An older style of lockset where the lock mechanism is installed into a pocket (the mortise) cut into the door. Known for reliability and strength. May include a range of internal mechanisms for added security.	Typical in heritage or older homes, commercial institutions, and places where architectural authenticity or additional security are important.	Because of their durability and the precision required for installation, mortise knobs are often found in high-use or high-security contexts. They are more complex to install or replace compared to cylindrical knob sets.

Depending on how the door is located within a building and its needs, door levers serve a specific purpose. They vary in terms of security features, convenience, and aesthetic appeal, offering flexibility to match various interior and exterior design schemes.

What Are the Top Features of Door Knobs?

Door knobs are common hardware features used to open and close doors. Here are some key features and aspects you might consider when choosing a door knob:

• Installation: These door parts can be installed easily with basic tools and hardware, fitting into standard door preparations with minimal effort.
• Functionality: They provide a reliable means to open and close doors, enhancing convenience and accessibility within a space.
• Durability: The choice of materials ensures durability and resistance to wear, ensuring longevity and reliability over time.
• Accessibility Features: Some designs incorporate features, such as lever-style handles for easier gripping and operation, accommodating individuals with varying physical abilities.
• Weather Resistance: Certain materials, like stainless steel, are particularly suited for outdoor use, offering resistance to rust and corrosion in different climates.

What Are the Advantages of Door Knobs?

Door knobs, commonly found on many internal and external doors, come with a range of advantages and disadvantages. Some of the main advantages are as follows:

What Are the Disadvantages of Door Knobs?

While these door hardware parts have their advantages, they also have several drawbacks that can affect usability, accessibility, and safety. Some of the main disadvantages of door knobs include:

What Are Door Levers?

Door levers are mechanical devices used to open and close doors. Unlike traditional door knobs, which are operated by twisting or turning, levers are operated by pushing down or pressing upwards on a lever handle. They typically consist of a handle attached to a stem, rod, or spindle, fitted through the door, and connected to a mechanism on the other side.

Here are some popular examples of door levers:

• The Schlage ND series lever locks are extremely versatile and is regularly used in healthcare, education, government, office, retail and other commercial applications. Because the ND uses an ANSI 161 door prep, commonly used across cylindrical locks, it is ideal for both new construction and retrofit applications. 
• The Schlage ALX series lever locks are modular in design creating new ways configure and utilize a lock. With these lever locks you gain extreme installation simplicity, exceptional durability, expanded cylinder support, and maximum flexibility. 
• Sargent 10X Line Locks  are key-in-lever handles renowned for their superior functionality. They demonstrate exceptional durability and reliability. These locks are designed to meet national and state fire safety regulations, making them suitable for various environments. They are known for their versatility and high-security features.
• Sargent 7 Line Locks are key-in-lever locks designed for their exceptional quality, durability, and advanced security features. These locks are Grade 2 and designed to provide superior protection for offices, commercial interiors, medical clinics, government facilities, and public buildings.
• The Accentra 5400LN series is a line of cylindrical locks manufactured by Yale, a well-known brand in the security industry. These locks are primarily designed for commercial and institutional use, offering high levels of security and versatility. 

Advantages of Door Levers 

Door levers offer several advantages over knobs that make them an excellent choice for commercial settings:

Overall, door levers blend functionality, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal, making them a popular choice in residential, commercial, and institutional settings.

Why Switching to Door Levers Is a Smart Move for Commercial Spaces?

Door levers have become an increasingly popular choice in commercial settings, surpassing traditional door knobs due to their user-friendly design and accessibility features. Unlike knobs that require gripping and turning, door levers allow for easy push or pull action, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like schools and hospitals where effortless movement is essential. One of the key advantages of door levers is their contribution to safety. They promote faster egress during emergencies, aligning with fire safety regulations.

In emergencies, they enable quicker navigation and prevent congestion at exits, enhancing overall safety protocols. Also, the availability of various locking mechanisms with door levers allows for tailored security measures to meet specific space requirements.

With their ease of use and universal design, door levers comply with accessibility standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and accommodate all users, including those with physical disabilities, by eliminating the need for twisting movements.

Aside from functionality, door levers come in a variety of aesthetically pleasing designs from reputable brands, which improve the visual appeal of spaces while also aligning with the professional image of various establishments. Durability is a key factor, as door levers are often crafted from high-grade stainless steel, making them a reliable and long-lasting investment for high-traffic areas.

Moreover, compliance with accessibility standards, building codes, and fire safety ratings serves as a testament to their reliability and suitability for rigorous commercial use. In short, door levers offer practical, regulatory, and quality advantages, providing business owners and stakeholders with peace of mind and confidence in their choice of commercial design and operation.

Final Wrap

Choosing the right commercial door hardware parts and other accessories hinges on several factors, such as accessibility, functionality, aesthetics, and budget, among others. While door knobs are popular, offering a classic look, being economical, and having a lower profile, their limitations in accessibility and ergonomics make them less preferred for most environments.