Brass door handles command premium prices for good reason - solid brass is durable, develops attractive patina over time, and maintains its structural integrity for decades. But not every brass-coloured handle is actually solid brass. Brass-plated zinc alloy, brass-finished steel, and even painted finishes that mimic brass appearance are common, often sold at prices that make buyers believe they're getting solid brass when they're not.

If you're investing in what you think is solid brass hardware, knowing how to verify what you're actually buying protects you from overpaying for inferior materials. Whether you're assessing handles before purchase or evaluating antique hardware you've inherited or found, several tests reveal whether you're dealing with genuine solid brass or something else entirely.

The Magnet Test

How It Works

Solid brass is non-magnetic. If you hold a magnet to a solid brass handle, it won't stick. This happens because brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, neither of which

Walking into a door hardware supplier or browsing online for door handles quickly reveals that the industry uses terminology most people don't encounter in everyday conversation. Backsets, roses, escutcheons, spindles, PZ measurements - terms that mean nothing until you need to know them, at which point not understanding them creates confusion and potential ordering mistakes.

This isn't deliberate obscurity. These terms describe specific components and measurements that matter when you're selecting, ordering, or installing door hardware. Understanding the basic vocabulary makes the process significantly easier and helps you communicate clearly with suppliers or installers about what you actually need.

Handle Components and Types

Lever Handles

Lever handles are the most common type of door handle in modern homes - a horizontal lever you push down to operate the latch. They're easier to use than knobs, requiring less grip strength and dexterity, which makes them better for accessibility.

Door handle height affects both functionality and accessibility more than most people realise. Install handles too high and shorter household members or those with mobility issues struggle to reach them comfortably. Too low and taller people find themselves bending awkwardly. Get it wrong and you're stuck with poorly positioned hardware that's either impractical to relocate or requires living with the inconvenience.

Fortunately, there are established standards for handle height that balance accessibility, ergonomics, and building regulations. Understanding these guidelines ensures your door handles sit at heights that work for the widest range of users whilst meeting regulatory requirements where applicable.

UK Building Regulations Standards

Approved Document M Requirements

In the UK, Approved Document M (Access to and Use of Buildings) specifies handle heights for accessibility. For new builds and certain renovations, door handles and controls must be positioned between 900mm and 1000mm

When you're choosing door handles, it's tempting to think aesthetics are the main consideration - finding hardware that matches your interior style and looks good on your doors. And whilst appearance certainly matters, there's a more fundamental distinction that affects performance, durability, and safety: whether the handle is designed for internal or external use.

Internal and external door handles aren't interchangeable. They're built differently, use different materials and finishes, meet different security requirements, and perform different functions. Using internal handles on external doors creates problems - premature deterioration, security vulnerabilities, and handles that simply don't stand up to weather exposure and security demands.

Understanding what makes them different helps you choose appropriate hardware rather than discovering you've made the wrong choice after installation.

Construction and Material Durability

Internal Door Handle Materials

Internal handles prioritise

Brass has never really disappeared from interior design; it simply moves between centre stage and supporting role depending on the era. Its appeal isn’t based on trend cycles but on the qualities that have made it a dependable choice for centuries: warmth, durability, and an ability to sit comfortably in almost any style of home. When people choose brass today, they’re not buying into a moment. They’re choosing a finish that holds its place long after other materials lose their relevance.

The Visual Warmth That Brass Brings

Brass has a natural warmth that other metals struggle to match. Even brushed or satin versions carry a depth that immediately softens a room. In traditional properties, brass feels familiar and grounded. In modern spaces, it creates balance by adding an understated richness that stops the room from feeling too cold or clinical. Light interacts with brass in a distinctive way as well. Unlike chrome or stainless steel, which reflect sharply, brass diffuses light with a

Ever wondered how a door can stay securely shut and still be opened with a simple pull? That’s exactly what a roller bolt (also known as a roller catch) does.

When you think of a door lock, the first things that usually come to mind are latches, deadbolts, or handles. The roller bolt, however, is often overlooked - even though it’s one of the most versatile and user-friendly solutions available. At Brass Works, we supply a wide range of roller bolts designed to make doors easier to use, safer, and more practical.

How Does a Roller Bolt Work?

A roller bolt is a type of latch that uses a rolling cylindrical mechanism rather than the angled, spring-loaded latch you’ll find in most standard locks.

When the door closes, the roller snaps neatly into the strike plate.

To open the door, a simple pull on the door itself - or a fixed pull handle - is all that’s needed. There’s no twisting or turning required.

Many roller bolts

When upgrading a home, it's easy to get swept up in flooring, paint colours, or furniture choices  -  but one detail that’s often overlooked can make a surprisingly big difference: your switches and sockets.

Whether you’re renovating an entire room or just looking to give your space a modern edge, replacing tired plastic switches with stylish, well-designed alternatives doesn’t just add instant polish, it can also add modern features that make your everyday life easier. Not only that, but modern switches can also enhance safety and energy efficiency.

In this week’s post, we’ll explore the different styles and options available  -  from sleek dimmers to USB charging ports  -  so you can choose what fits your space and lifestyle best.

Rocker & Toggle Switches

These are the standard light switches that you’ll find in a basic home. Rocker and toggle switches remain two of the most popular options thanks to their reliability,