Many locks, lever trims, exit devices and some closers and stops are handed. Ordering the wrong hand is one of the most common causes of returns, so it is worth checking before you buy.

The Standard Method

1. Stand on the outside of the door. For an exterior door this is the street side; for a room it is the hallway or corridor side (the side you would need a key on).
2. Note which side the hinges are on.
3. Note whether the door swings away from you or toward you.

The Four Hands

• LH (left hand): hinges on the left, door opens away from you.
• RH (right hand): hinges on the right, door opens away from you.
• LHR (left hand reverse): hinges on the left, door opens toward you.
• RHR (right hand reverse): hinges on the right, door opens toward you.

Tips

• Exit devices are mounted on the push side, so exterior doors with panic hardware are usually LHR or RHR when viewed from outside.
• Some products are non-handed or field reversible. Check the product page.
• When in doubt, send us a photo of the door from the outside.

Need help? Call B&H Depot at (561) 826-6018.