Blog |
|
5 September 2010
A question we frequently get asked is how do I remove my old door knobs in readiness for adding my new ones?
Removing a door knob is actually quite simple and can be done by any home owner who has both the correct size Philip head or flat head screwdriver to hand. The first step is to loosen the rose of the door knob which is the plate which lies flush to the door, by unscrewing the small screws which attach it to the door. Once the rose is loose you can then remove the door knob it's self. The pair of door knobs are attached together by a spindle, dependant on the age and style of the door knob, they can be detached in one of two ways. Older and antique door knobs normally have what is known as grub screw at the base of the door knob where it hits the rose. To remove the door knob simply unscrew from the spindle. Other door handles may have a rose with a collar. This collar normally has a slot or hole in it to allow you to screw home the grub screw. Once grub screw is firmly fixed the collar would be turned to hide it before fixing rose to door. To find grub screw simply turn rose in reverse.Once one door knob is removed you should be able to pull the pair of handles apart and out of the door. You are now ready to fit your new doorknobs. ( note many modern doorknobs have a grub screw with a hexagnol hexagonal hole in the end which requires the right size Allan key to turn. This should come with your purchase but if not your local hardware store should be able to assist you. 29 August 2010
The August Bank Holiday weekend is traditionally a time when the great British public thought's turn to home improvements and DIY. Judging by the sales of letterboxes, door knockers and door handles this week updating the front door is top of many people's lists!
So why is the appearance of our front door so important? In a recent article in the Financial Times architect Juhani Pallasmaa said that the door handle was "the handshake of a building" The architect went on to say that "the texture weight & quality can exert an effect on the body". Our motto here at Snobs Knobs and Posh Knockers is interior design starts on the outside and as such we understand how important quality door furniture is. After all it's the first impression your home makes on friends and visitors; and the door knocker and letterbox you choose can speak volumes about your personal style and what else may be found inside your home. This is can be summed up best in the words of author Charles Dickens who said:
"Whenever we visit a man for the first time, we contemplate his Knocker with the greatest curiosity for as well know that between the man and his knocker there will be inevitably a greater or less degree of resemblance and sympathy"
So if you are doing up your front door this bank holiday weekend, take care when choosing your door knocker as it say's more about you than you realise!
13 August 2010
We are always looking for unique and beautiful door furniture to add to our range of door knobs and door handles at Snobs Knobs and Posh Knockers so we are very excited to have just added four stunning hand crafted glass door knobs to our bespoke door handles range. In a range of colours from amethyst to peridot green we hope you will love our new checkerboard glass door handles as much as we do! Take a look now in the bespoke door handles category and tell us which colour is your favourite.
8 August 2010
We've had a few queries from people asking how can I tell if a brass door handle is solid brass or simply brass plated. In our experience the majority of antique door knobs will be solid brass but if you are unsure about a door handle in your home a handy tip is to try the "magnet test" using a simple fridge magnet. Simply try sticking a magnet to the brass handle. If the magnet sticks then it is not solid brass and is plated. The flaw with this test is that it's not 100% fool proof as if the magnet doesn't stick it is not a guarantee that it is brass as the plating could be on another base metal. Remember brass plated door furniture can become worn over time, so if your door handle does fail the magnet test, regular gentle cleaning such as polishing with a soft cloth and good quality brass polish is advised. 31 July 2010 Those of you who tweet will know that Friday is important in the twitter world as it's "follow friday" when tweeters recommend other tweeters to their followers with the short hand #ff. It's always nice whenra someone #ff''s your company but it's even better when they say why. That's why I have to share this great follow friday recommendation that Snobs Knobs got yesterday because it sums us up perfectly and in just 140 characters! So here goes:
#ff @SnobsKnobs for all things KNOBS! Posh Ones, snobby ones, glass ones, old, new, big and small - The place to go +nice tweep/chatty
I don't think we could have said it better ourselves if we tried! To find out more about twitter, who we follow and for exclusive advice and tips on door furniture, letterboxes, handles and more why not click on the twitter badge on our home page.
18 July 2010
At this time of year a lot of us think about selling our houses and moving home. If you're one of the thousands thinking of putting your house on the market then it's time to think about Curb Appeal. First impressions are vitally important as many of us make our mind up about a property in the first couple of minutes, so how your home looks from the curb can make or break a sale.
17 July 2010
We've updated our blog so that the newest post is now at the top of the page, making it easier for all our friends and customers to see what we've been up to at Snobs Knobs and Posh Knockers. Don't forget you can also follow us on Twitter and via our Facebook page both of which can be accessed via the Twitter/Facebook badges which can be found on the bottom left hand side of ourhome page. Take a look to see exclusive pictures, handy hints and to discover other great companies we follow.
It's turning into a great month as we had a second mention in the press! This time it's our Number 10 Downing Street Knocker taking front of stage with a mention in the August edition of Livingetc magazine. It's featured in the "Boost your kerb appeal" article in a segment entitled "3 of the best...knobs & knockers". Livingetc say that smart door furniture shows real attention to detail - we couldn't agree more...
5 July 2010
The team at Snobs Knobs and Posh Knockers has been at it again, finding yet more antique door furniture to add to the website. Take a look at the new arrivals page to see the new items added today. Finds include 3 very special but very different door knockers and one beautiful brass ceiling rose. Keep an eye on this page as more antique items will be added to the site soon!
4 July 2010
We're really excited here at Snobs Knobs and Posh Knockers to have had a mention in August's edition of Real Homes Magazine which is out now. We are featured in an article entitled "50 of the best sources for period features". It's always nice to get a recommendation from those in the know and we're very complimented to be viewed as a specialist in "unique knobs, window pulls and locks". There are some interesting articles in the August edition of Real Homes including George Clarke's design masterclass so why not pick up a copy now?
With years of experience and knowledge our family based team love helping our customers to find the right item of door furniture for their home. We pride ourselves on being helpful and think we have a great range of products so it always appreciated when a customer writes or emails us at Snobs Knobs & Posh Knockers to say thank you or to tell us how much they like a door knocker or door knob. If you want to know what our customers have been saying then take a look at our customer feedback page which has just been updated with feedback from May and June. Alternatively if you've bought and loved one of our products drop us a line to tell us why!
15 April 2010
Did you know that now you can also follow Snobs Knobs and Posh Knockers on Twitter? To follow us simply click on the follow us button at the bottom left handside of our home page. We're really enjoying being part of the twitter community sharing our thoughts, hints,tips and favorite websites with the world wide web! To see who is following us and who were following why not check us out.
26 March 2010
Customers often ask how rim locks differ from mortise locks. What should you bear in mind when picking between the two?
The main difference is in appearance. A rim lock or box lock as it is also known fits on the side of a door. Traditionally made from black iron, rim locks are also popular in brass or chrome finishes allowing the home-owner to match their lock to their choice of door handle. The key factor to consider when purchasing a rim lock is to make sure that you pick the right style of door handles to go with the lock. As the box lock is flush to the side of the door, you will need either a pair of door knobs with the rose at only one end or door knobs with loose roses where one can be removed. Door knobs with fixed roses are not suitable as the second rose will prevent the door knob from sitting snugly against the lock.
Mortise locks however are set within the door rather than attached to it's surface so can paired with handles with either fixed or loose roses.
Both mortise and rim locks were used on victorian doors and both come in a variety of sizes. If you intend using door knobs rather than lever handles make sure which ever lock you choose is long enough to allow the turning of the knobs without grazing your knuckles on the door frame.
If you're not sure what type of lock you have simply make sure that when you buy door knobs that you pick ones with loose roses as they can be used with both types of locks.
7 March 2010
If you've not taken a look at our interior door handles category for a while then you are in for a treat. Since the New Year we've been busy sourcing yet more styles of door handles to add to our range. Recent additions include three beautiful sets of door handles crafted in wood. For a modern twist on a traditional design take a look at our Ebony and Nickel Beehive door handles perfect for new and old homes alike. While fans of classic design will appreciate the Bournville door knobs which come with an ebonised or oak finish. These door handles are great value too with the Ebony and Nickel Beehive door handles retailing at £46.00 a pair while the Bournville handles sell at just £39.50 a pair.
7 February 2010
We are really excited about our new range of hand crafted glass door handles. Made in England using traditional methods these beautiful, high quality glass door handles are suitable for either rim locks or mortise locks and can be found in our bespoke door handles/knobs category. With jewel like colours they really are worth a look!
28 January 2010
In response to customer demand we have added four new hinges to our push plates and hinges category here at Snobs Knobs and Posh Knockers. Sold in pairs the new range includes butt hinges as well as ball bearing hinges. With a variety of finishes and sizes available there is a door hinge here to meet everyone's needs.
13 January 2010
We are really excited to add not one but two Arts and Crafts Antique Letterboxes to our Antique door furniture range. Both of these letter boxes stand out not only because they are made from cast iron but also because unusually they are vertical letterboxes complete with door knockers.
For those of you who don't know much about the Arts and Crafts movement it began as a search for authentic style and was in part a reaction against the new designs shown in the Great Exhibition in 1851. Items designed by Arts and Craft designers often reflect simple design without unnecessary decoration and are sometime almost rustic in appearance. Inspiration was taken from a number of sources including nature and medieval design. Function not ornament was paramount.
9 January 2010
The snow is falling and it's cold outside so at Snobs Knobs and Posh Knockers we are keeping ourselves busy adding all the new antique finds to the website. Check out the antique door furniture section for today's additions which include sash window locks and a set of brass drawer pull handles. More items to come soon!
27 December 2009
Have you spotted the royal connection at Snobs Knobs and Posh Knockers? No well if you take a look at our antique door furniture section the eagle eyed amongst you might just spot a recent addition to our store in the form of item ALB112 which is a bronze Art Nouveau letterbox. This antique letterbox was made by W R Leggott Ltd of London and Bradford who also made the key's for England's premier home - Buckingham Palace.
24 December 2009
December is always a pleasure as true items of post such as letters and cards drop through my letterbox rather than the usual bills and flyers. These days it seems as if letterboxes have become decorative items of door furniture rather than the functional items they used to be.
Private letter boxes were first introduced in Paris, France in the 1700's. They became popular in Europe in the mid to late 1800's with the British Post Office encouraging the installation of letterboxes or letter plates as they were also known from 1849 to assist with the delivery of post after the introduction of the Uniform Penny Post in 1840.
Although a functional item, design was not ignored as can be seen by the elegant curves of an art nouveau letterbox or the hansome engraving of a victorian letterbox.
We may not send much post anymore in this age of mobiles and the internet but we can still celebrate great design! So why not make a statement with your letterbox? After all as we say at Snobs Knobs and Posh Knockers - interior design starts on the outside! 22 December 2009
Keep an eye on our antique door furniture section over the forthcoming weeks as we'll be adding new antique items to our range. Perfect for all those where home improvements is top of their New Year resolutions!
21 December 2009
Snobs Knobs and Posh Knockers would like to wish all their customers and clients a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
12 December 2009
It's always gratifying when our products get a mention in the press, so we were really pleased to see that our Number 10 Downing Street Knocker got not one but two mentions in publications in recent weeks. Firstly well known columnist Alison Cork selected it in her best festive buys feature for the Daily Mail in the section wish list for house. While Period Ideas magazine have featured it in the Expert Advice on Historic Style section in the January issue which is on sale now. To take a peak at these articles check out our fan page on facebook which can be accessed through the join us button at the bottom of our home page.
5 December 2009
Is your front door graced by an item of door furniture from Snobs Knobs & Posh Knockers? If you proudly display one of our door knockers, door pulls or letterboxes, then why not share this with us by posting a photograph of your front door on our facebook page! You can join us on facebook and become a fan by using the join us button at the bottom of our home page. Festive doors with all the decorations are particularly welcome!
1st December 2009
Customers are always asking us how to attach an item of door furniture or where they can find the various springs, bolts and screws required to maintain a much loved fixture. Well ask no more as in response to customer demand Snobs Knobs Posh Knockers have introduced a new category to their on line shop - called Spare Parts. If you are looking for a replacement spring for a redundant letterbox or the correct screws to attach a door knocker then this is the place to shop.
26 November 2009
Snobs Knobs Posh Knockers is on Facebook - for the latest information on what we're up to, new products and promotions why not join us and become a fan of your favourite door furniture company. Just use the join us button at the bottom of our home page.
24 November 2009.
BBC 4 have screened some great programmes this month celebrating Art Deco and it's influences.
Art Deco revolutionised every aspect of design from grand buildings and ocean liners to door knobs and door knockers. It introduced a sense of modernity which is as relevant today as it was then.
If these programmes inspired you to add a touch of Art Deco to your home then why not browse our shop as you find a number of items of Art Deco door furniture in our range. With items in categories from Letterboxes to Interior door handles. |
Recently Viewed
Best Sellers
Edwardian Brass Oval Door Knobs
Edwardian oval door knob 70mm dia rose 65mm dia solid brass
Ebonised Wood & Brass Beehive Escutcheon
Escutcheon 60mm Long x 15mm Wide.
