When we are faced with doors, whether in our homes, offices or elsewhere, we can often wonder whether they are designed as left-hand or right-hand doors. This question may seem trivial, but it matters, especially if we want to change hinges, handles or replace locks. In this article, we will discuss how to distinguish between left and right-handed doors and what relevance this has for our daily functioning.
How do you distinguish between left and right hand doors?
Determining the door side - from the exterior
The first step in distinguishing between left and right hand doors is to find out which side the hinges are on. To do this, the position from which we look at the door is crucial. Let's look at the door from the outside, standing in front of it - from the exterior. If the hinges are on the left side, we are dealing with a left-hand door. If, on the other hand, the hinges are on the right, we have a right-hand door.
Determining the door side - from the interior
Interior doors also have their own characteristic orientation. Standing inside the room and looking at the door, if the hinges are on the left side, we have a right-hand door. If the hinges are on the right, we have a left-hand door. In the case of doors opening outwards, the consequence of the opposite orientation is always maintained.
Opening direction
Another aspect that helps distinguish between left and right doors is the direction in which they open. To give an example for an outward opening door, a left-hand door will open to the left and a right-hand door will open to the right. This is because the hinges are on the opposite side. This can be easily remembered by thinking 'the left door opens to the left'.
Locks and handles
Another way to distinguish left-hand doors from right-hand doors is to analyse the locks and handles. For left-hand doors, the lock is on the right and the handle is on the left. For right-hand doors, the lock is on the left and the handle is on the right. This is a common configuration, but may vary depending on the country or manufacturer.
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Summary - right hand vs left hand door
Distinguishing between left and right-handed doors may seem a little confusing at first, but it is a skill worth acquiring, especially if you are involved in installing or repairing them. And also in case you simply want to make the correct purchase. It's worth noting the orientation of the hinges, the direction in which the door opens, the location of the locks and handles, to determine exactly whether you're dealing with a left or right-hand door. Remembering these tips will help us avoid mistakes and make it easier to work with doors in the future.
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