Mechanical Design - Emtek locks have heavy duty mechanisms designed to provide trouble free service.

Knobs and lever handles are supported by springs mounted behind the rosettes and sideplates. These springs return the handles back to the "rest" position and prevent lever sag.

Latches are heavy duty diecast construction, with strong internal springs, solid brass nose bolts and sintered metal cams.

A plastic bushing located in the joint between handle and rosette ensures a friction free wear surface. This prevents metal from bearing on metal and provides smooth long-lasting operation.

Handles are positively connected to rosettes with a permanent clip

Spindles are spring loaded "half spindles" pre-installed into the base of each handle. Half spindles are more forgiving of imperfect door preps. If the holes in a door are drilled out of alignment the spindles still have a good chance to operate the latch without binding.

Each Emtek handle has a set screw which, when tightened, eliminates "handle wobble." Set screws do not hold the handles on but serve to remove any looseness after other installation steps are completed.

Emtek levers have a fixed stop at the top of their stroke. An Emtek lever will only rotate down, not up and down like most products found in home centers. Emtek's European style construction yields a solid, positive feel for every lock.

The threaded tubes inside an Emtek lock are machined brass, not steel. The use of brass ensures good threads and prevents corrosion for easy installation and long life.

Esthetics - Many Emtek handles and sideplates are authentic reproductions of antique designs.

Old Town and Astoria style lead crystal door knobs were made by many North American factories as early as 1830 and continued in vogue through the 1930’s. Small versions of these two styles were highly popular for use as cabinet knobs during the same period.

Porcelain knobs were used even earlier, going back to the 1700’s. During the early 1900’s they became less common in America, but continued as a popular style in Canada and the U.K.

The Rope Style, used in Emtek knobs and levers and rosettes was developed in England during the early 1800’s and is associated with Georgian architecture. Rope designs were introduced into North America around 1910.

Belmont Style sideplates were manufactured by the Sargent Lock Company, in New Haven, Connecticut during the 1910’s and 20’s. This style is associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement.

The Quincy Style sideplate was a staple in North American product lines during the period 1880-1940. It was introduced as a clean, straight forward response to more ornamental European designs. Emtek’s Quincy sideplate is a heavy forged part, an improvement over more common stamped versions.

Emtek’s highly decorative Victoria Style sideplate is a replica of one manufactured by the Yale & Towne Company in New Britain, Connecticut beginning in 1910. As it’s name implies, it is representative of the Victorian school of design.

Lafayette, Normandy, Savannah, Jamestown and San Carlos wrought steel levers and knobs can be used to enhance American Colonial or Rustic Ranch decor. All of these handles reflect a primitive hand-craftsmanship.

Materials - Emtek uses genuine materials and traditional craft techniques to achieve authentic reproductions.

Emtek handles and rosettes are forged, not cast or stamped. The forging process provides a flawless surface which can be highly polished when desired. The generous thickness and weight of forged parts gives them a solid look and feel.

Emtek Diamond, Old Town and Astoria knobs are lead crystal. The optical quality of lead crystal makes Emtek knobs clear and brilliant.

Flat facets on Emtek crystal knobs are hand ground and polished with the same methods used to polish gem stones.

Old Town and Astoria knobs are silver mirrored on the back side creating a highly reflective interior surface. This is a design detail that is true to the historical heritage of these knobs. As far as we are aware, Emtek is the only source for genuine silvered knobs.

Shanks for crystal knobs are solid brass, machined to close tolerance.

Brass handles, rosettes, sideplates and shanks are hand-buffed to achieve the highest possible polish.

Wrought steel handles and rosettes are hot forged, distressed and relieved to achieve an appearance of graceful wear.

Antique Brass, Pewter, and Oil Rubbed Bronze finishes are hand relieved to give each part an individual character.

Emtek’s oil rubbed bronze finish is underlain with copper. Normal use will produce natural relief of the oxidized finish and reveal rich highlights on raised portions of the design.

Latch nose-bolts, faceplates and strike plates are solid brass, not brass plated steel or zinc.