When shopping for new door knobs for closet doors, you have to remember that the requirements are different than when you’re looking for hardware for regular, functioning doors. Of course, you can’t forgo the hardware altogether; you usually still need knobs for closet doors for them to function properly. However, closet doors differ from others because they don’t require a knob on the inside. You’ll want to choose one of the non-locking knobs and levers, which are often referred to as passage hardware. Keep reading this post to learn more about door hardware for closets, and how to determine which knobs are right for your closet door.

Common Closet Door Hardware

Unlike other doors in your house (front door, bedroom doors, bathroom doors, etc.), closet doors don’t need to have locking functions – instead, they have unique hardware that holds the door in place without the use of a lock. The type of closure hardware your closet door has will determine which door knobs you’ll need. Here are three of the most common closing mechanisms you’ll see on closet doors and the corresponding door knobs that are compatible with each:

  1. Ball Catch Closure
    Ball Catch Closure
    Many closets have a spring-loaded ball in a cylinder located at the top of the door. This ball catches into a strike, which holds the door closed. If your doors have this type of catch, you wouldn't need to have a borehole. Boreholes are the holes in the door that are created to house your door hardware. In this case, you can use a single dummy door knob mounted to the surface of the door instead of a functioning knob. Check out our selection of dummy door knobs today to find the perfect options that match your existing hardware.
  2. Spring-Loaded Latch
    Spring Loaded Latch
    This is generally the most common type of setup you’ll see on closet doors. If your closet door uses a spring-loaded latch that catches into a strike on the jamb (just like any other door to the house or room), you will need to install a passage function knob or lever. They do not make a single-sided working knob or lever in residential grade, so you’ll just use a regular passage set. The knob or lever on the inside of the door just won’t be used.
  3. No Latch (Bifold Doors)
    While no longer the most popular style, many closet doors have a bi-fold design, which doesn’t usually feature any sort of latch mechanism. Instead, bifold doors operate on a track at the top of the door and slide open and closed as you pull the knob. Bifold knobs are mounted similarly to a cabinet knob, with a long bolt going through the door. You can browse our selection of bifold knobs and pulls to find options that are compatible with these closet doors. If you’d prefer to have full-sized door knobs, you can opt for one of our dummy door knobs instead.

Contact Us With Your Door Hardware Needs

Have questions about choosing the right door knobs for closet doors? Our hardware experts are only a call away. You can reach us at 307-886-9449 Monday through Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm mountain time. You can contact us by texting 307-275-9700 with any inquiries. We’re happy to be of assistance, and always strive to provide the best customer service in the industry.