Have you moved into a new home and noticed that the front door didn't have an escutcheon? Are you currently draughtproofing your house and heard that some escutcheons can also help reduce cold breezes? Perhaps you don't know what an escutcheon is... let's start with that.
What is an escutcheon?
An escutcheon is essentially a keyhole cover. This piece of ironmongery offers protection to your door against damage from the key and helps complete the appearance of a door set of ironmongery. It can also prevent prying eyes from seeing into a room, and aid in the prevention of draughts or the ingress of dust and insects.
Related: What is an escutcheon?
Types of escutcheons.
There are three basic types of keyhole escutcheons:
- Standard profile escutcheons
- Euro profile escutcheons
- Oval profile escutcheons
The standard escutcheon is currently the most common type of key escutcheon used in the UK, whilst the euro escutcheon and oval escutcheon are used for specific types of cylinders. Door escutcheons can also include a cover to stop cold breezes from coming in through the keyhole.
Where to buy escutcheons?
If you are still on the hunt for the right escutcheon, browse our range of escutcheons. At Ironmongery Experts, we stock a wide selection of escutcheons for sale that vary in design, style and finish.
This includes brass escutcheons, such as the Manital Satin Brass Euro Escutcheon and the Burlington Antique Brass Standard Key Escutcheon, black escutcheons, such as the Carlisle Brass Matt Black Standard Round Key Escutcheon, chrome escutcheons, such as the From the Anvil Polished Chrome Round Escutcheon & Cover and Satin Chrome Square Minimal Euro Escutcheon.
How to fit an escutcheon?
Now, the question is... how to fit an escutcheon? What sort of equipment or tools will I need to install my own keyhole escutcheon? All your questions will be answered. To help you install your keyhole cover, we have put together an easy-to-follow guide below inclusive of all the materials required.
Equipment Needed:
- Escutcheons
- Bradawl
- Screws
Installation steps:
- Escutcheons are usually sold in pairs. One with a cover plate for the inside of the door and one without a cover plate, that will go on the outside of the door.
- Insert the key through the escutcheon into the lock and ensure that the channel in the lock cylinder lines up perfectly with the escutcheon.
- When the escutcheon is in the correct position, take out the key and use a bradawl to mark the fixing holes.
- Using the provided screws, screw the escutcheon into place, and check that the cover plate moves smoothly.
- Finally, fit the plain escutcheon to the outside of the door using the same technique. Again, you have to ensure that the escutcheon lines up with the internal key channel.
We hope you enjoyed this guide from Ironmongery Experts and have found it useful. If you have an enquiry regarding any of our ironmongery products or have any questions, feel free to give our team a call on 01376 557 561. Alternatively, you contact us at info@ironmongeryexperts.co.uk.
Disclaimer
At Ironmongery Experts we strongly advise that you always take safety precautions into consideration when undertaking a DIY project. We also strongly suggest that you closely read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of any building materials, products or tools you use for your projects.
We try our best to provide clear and correct instructions within our articles, so you can easily complete any DIY project you desire. However, please note that the information we provide should only be used as a guideline and that some information within the text may not be entirely accurate.
When using our articles for information and advice, please note that is your own responsibility to determine your capabilities when undertaking and executing the task you wish to complete.
Before starting a DIY task, we strongly recommend that you educate yourself of any existing building, gas, water and electrical works regulations. We believe it is in your best interest to complete further research and/or contact the necessary professional body should you have any further concerns.
We also strongly recommend that a qualified tradesperson completes the relevant safety tests and checks on any DIY you have completed.
