Whenever we have customers come in and order a lock, one of the questions we ask is about the backset. The what? The length of the latch that is needed. It never fails to amaze me how this one question will stump even the seemingly most-knowledgeable customer.

You might think that it would be a simple answer; as commercial hardware “normally” uses a 2-3/4″ backset, while residential uses 2-3/8″ backset. However, in our area, you actually have three choices; 2-3/8″, 2-3/4″ or 5″ backset; and you might find all three on a residential home or a 2-3/8″ on a commercial building.

Ruler measurements can be tricky to figure out, when you think you have a 2-1/4″ latch based on how it lines up. This latch is actually 2-3/8″.

This is measurement comes from the edge of the door to the center of the hole.  Even when people measure it, they often come up with an answer that is NOT one of these choices. So, when you are unsure, bring the latch with you.

Latches; Top 2-3/8″ Bottom 2-3/4″

Now your latch “might” look different depending on the brand, really what I am showing here is a v a few different possibilities and the difference in the length of the latches.

Drive In Bolts – Top 2-3/4″ Bottom 2-3/8″

Latches come as ‘drive in’ (as shown above) or ‘mortised’ (as shown below). These ‘options don’t affect the length of the latch, just how the door is drilled on the side. Mortised latches come in a radius corner (rounded on the edges) or a squared corner configuration.

Dead Bolt Latches – Top 2-3/4″ Bottom 2-3/8″

Note: 5″ Backsets are only available for some Schlage locks and some Kwikset locks. Falcon used to make a 5″ Backset that would work with Emtek hardware, but I believe it is no longer available.