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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.
Discover the future of roofing, cladding and insulation.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.

















