Lever longevity: choosing the right lever trim for the application.

Lever trim is here to stay. To be sure you get the right lever for the job, consider both appearance and construction. Here's an overview of lever design and applications to help you.

Types of lever trim

A wide variety of levers are available that incorporate architecturally-pleasing

For optimum durability, look for levers constructed of forged brass, cast bronze or stainless steel. These solid levers arc often offered with mortise locks to provide the long-term durability needed for the most demanding applications. By comparison, keyed levers used with cylindrical locks typically are made of zinc with a plated finish.

The very shape of a lever invites a certain amount of vandalism or abuse, as individuals may hit, kick, stand on or otherwise abuse them. For applications in commercial buildings, where style is secondary to durability and price is a concern, mortise locks are often combined with a lever made of round tubing or bar stock.

In commercial applications where both appearance and durability are key concerns, cast or forged levers are available in a wide variety of contemporary and traditional designs. These types of levers provide an excellent combination of durability and style.

Where there is a need to provide users with more lever surface and yet protect them from the possibility of a pinch point, levers are available with a "return" shape and minimal clearance [ILLUSTRATION FOR PHOTO OMITTED].

Looking for longevity

Applications such as schools or other public buildings and institutions frequently require a lever that will withstand heavier use and greater abuse, at a price that will accommodate a limited budget. Here, a round lever is often combined with a heavy-duty mortise lock mechanism to help resist wear and damage. Generally, these designs also incorporate a return to avoid creating a pinch point.

Until now, these round levers often were made of metal tubing, rather than solid bar stock. However, the strength and feel of a lever made from tubing could not match that of a lever forged or cast from brass, bronze or stainless steel. While some levers have been promoted as "solid," they are often filled with plastic rather than being formed and machined from solid bar stock or extruded metal.

Solid "bent bar" levers can provides the strength and security of a commercial Grade 1 mortise lock [ILLUSTRATION FOR PHOTO OMITTED]. The levers are bent and machined from 3/4[inches] diameter solid brass, bronze or stainless steel bars. This not only provides a heavier, more durable feel in operation, but it also withstands heavy usage better.

For extreme cases, where the possibility of abuse or vandalism is high, levers are available that give way instead of absorbing the abuse. There are two common ways to accomplish this. One is by "freewheeling," with a clutching design that will not transmit force to the internal lock mechanism when locked. The other is a breakaway design that breaks free from the locking mechanism when abused to discourage further abuse and protect its internal parts. Several manufacturers offer versions of these designs.

Remember that not all levers are created equal. When the application really demands a strong lever, check the construction before you specify. Make sure you know what the lever is made of, as well as how it works. Both the internal lock components and the lever that operates them should be capable of handling the toughest service expected for the application, at a price in line with the project's budget.