Understanding ASSA Key Terms and Specifications

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by specialised terminology when choosing ASSA security products?

As a locksmith, you trust brands like ASSA, but the technical details can be confusing. You're faced with terms like "split follower handing" and "handing." While you know some of these, others might be new to you, and it can be hard to order the right product for your job.

This guide aims to simplify the language used in ASSA products. In this first part of our two-part series, we'll cover the key terms and concepts you need to know to confidently order ASSA security products.

Handing

Handing refers to the orientation of a door—whether it is left-hand or right-hand. To determine the handing of a door, stand in front of the closed door on the side where you can see the hinges. If you are working on an inward-opening door and the hinges are on the right, it is a right-hand door. If the hinges are on the left, it is a left-hand door. As you can see from the image below the opposite applies if the door is outward opening.

Note: Handing is reversible on all ASSA standard lock cases, meaning the locks can be adjusted to fit either left-hand or right-hand doors as needed.

Split Follower Handing

Split Follower Handing relates to the internal handle follower mechanism within a lock. In this case, the handing (left or right) of the door cannot be changed after installation. Therefore, when specifying escape locks, it is essential to provide the door handing and whether the door opens inwards or outwards.

Split Follower Spindles

Split Follower Spindles are specialised spindles used with ASSA split follower locks. These spindles are necessary when fitting lever handles to the locks. For optimal performance, ASSA lever handles are recommended for these spindles.

Handle Compatibility

To ensure that the handle you choose is compatible with the ASSA lock you're installing, refer to the handle compatibility table below designed to help you quickly identify which handles are suitable for various ASSA lock cases.