How to correctly choose hardware components?

Door Hardware: Door stops, door locks, hinges, door closers, floor springs, sliding door tracks and rollers, window and door hardware.

Woodworking Hardware: Hinges, drawer slides, stop devices, bolts, gas struts, decorative handles, specialized bed hardware, cabinet pull-out baskets, etc.

Considerations for Hardware Selection:

1. Door Locks: There are three types—locks with keys, locks without keys (passage doors), and one-way locks (bathroom door locks). The most commonly purchased locks are for interior doors, where appearance is often prioritized over security. Choose a door handle that complements the décor style.

   A heavier lock generally indicates thicker, more durable lock cylinders, which are more resistant to wear. Pay attention to the surface finish of the lock, ensuring it is smooth and free from blemishes. Test the lock by opening it with the key and checking the sensitivity of the lock spring. If you have children at home, it’s best to choose a rounded, cornerless design. Also, the handle should feel comfortable to the hand, making it easier to use when opening and closing the door. Some locks are fixed to only open in one direction, so ensure you select one that matches your door’s opening direction.

2. Hinges: High-quality hinges are typically made of stainless steel or copper. Copper is more expensive and heavier, so opt for solid copper hinges if possible. In addition to material, the thickness of the hinge is also important—aim for 3mm or thicker. Good hinges contain damping oil, which makes them open slowly rather than slamming open, preventing damage to the door and frame over time.

3. Door Stops: There are floor-mounted and wall-mounted door stops. Choose based on your home’s needs. Stainless steel is the best material for door stops. Poor-quality door stops often break at specific weak points, so test them by applying force to see if they bend or break. Also, check the thickness of the base—thicker bases are generally better.

4. Plastic Steel Door and Window Hardware: Don’t neglect the quality of the hardware when installing high-quality doors and windows. Inferior hardware can result in stiff or faulty operation, where windows may not open smoothly, close properly, or even droop or fall off. To prevent this, ensure the hardware meets the design specifications and standards required for the doors and windows.

5. Door Closers and Floor Springs: These are less commonly used in homes but should be considered when purchasing. Be sure to check installation methods before buying.

6. Sliding Door Hardware: High-quality sliding door hardware depends on the roller design, manufacturing quality, and the matching track system. The bearings used should be multi-layer composite, with an outer layer of wear-resistant nylon that is smooth and free of sharp edges. The inner ball cage should also be made of nylon to reduce noise. The tracks should be made of cold-rolled steel or aluminum alloy. The strength and smoothness of the track, especially where it contacts the roller, are crucial for flexibility during use.

7. Drawer Slides: When opening the slide packaging, hold the lower part of the slide and tilt it so that it opens automatically. A good product will open evenly and smoothly. Test it several times for ease of movement. Heavier slides tend to be of better quality.

8. Furniture Handles: When selecting handles for furniture, focus more on the quality and feel rather than intricate designs. Pay attention to how the handle complements the overall design of the furniture, ensuring harmony between the handle and the furniture style.