Lock backset
The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers publication 'Glossary of architectural hardware terms' defines a backset, a lock backset (or sometimes called a door backset or the backset of a door) as 'The horizontal distance measured from the outside face of the forend to the centre of the keyway (or cylinder), or to the centre of the follower or to both.'
Here the forend refers to the visible part of the lock on the door surface once fitted, the keyway is the hole or aperture in the cylinder where the key goes ( also just called a key hole) and the follower is the hole in the door into which the lock cylinder or spindle is fed.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Access control.
- Digital door lock market.
- Doors.
- Emergency Exit Device.
- Entry control.
- External doors..
- Fire Door Inspection Scheme.
- Fire door.
- Fire Doors (DG 524).
- Fire.
- Grenfell tower.
- Hinge.
- Home security solutions market.
- How door locks work.
- Installing fire doors and doorsets (GG 86).
- Intumescent strip.
- Mortice lock.
- Mortise vs mortice.
- Noise - doors and windows.
- Outbuildings security.
- Perimeter security.
- Protected door.
- Self-closing device.
- Security and the built environment.
- Security glazing.
- Smoke control door.
- Sneck.
- Types of alarm.
- Types of door
- Types of lock.
- Width of doors stairs and escape routes.
Featured articles and news
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.