Glossary of Terms
- Bail
- The hanging handle on a drawer pull.
- Cast Brass
Casting is a many centuries old process that involves liquefying metal and then pouring it into molds. In the case of brass, the metal is heated to around 2000 degrees in a ceramic crucible (like a giant bowl) in a gas fired furnace. In our foundry, the crucible holds about 85lbs. The crucible is put into a metal frame and supported by overhead tracks. Two people pour it by tipping it forward and quickly filling a small hole in the mold as fast as possible to get the maximum pressure. This process is very dramatic, and the metal is quite beautiful--much like molten lava. It is also the most dangerous work we do, and those involved wear fire resistant suits like fireman do and breathing gear. The photo from the cover of our old catalog shows this process quite accurately.- Finishes
- Most hardware is available in your choice of antique brass, semi-bright brass, dark antique, and polished brass. Some kitchen hardware is available in polished nickel and satin nickel. Read about our finishes.
- Japanned
- Japanning is a black lacquer that is applied to surfaces and presents a glossy finish. We use it on our straight cupboards locks.
- Machine Screw Fitting
- A machine screw is a round headed, slotted bolt that is threaded through the hole from the inside of the door or drawer into the back of the knob or ring pull or whatever. The alternative is a post with a nut on the inside of the door or drawer or a pointed wood screw fitting; which does not use a through hole at all.
- Measuring Boring
- Boring is the distance between post holes on a drawer. This distance is measured from the center of one hole to the center of the other hole. Careful measurement is important. If you are replacing existing hardware, measure the boring and then select replacement hardware that is available in that boring from the boring chart. If you are ordering hardware for new furniture, select the ideal boring, shown in bold print in the list of available borings next to each item. If you are selecting hardware for a curved drawer front, please tell us. Sometimes we will give you special posts or advice about installing your hardware that is specific to your situation.
- Dimensions:
- Overall dimensions are provided for most of our products. The first measure given is always the horizontal dimension (width), and the second measurement is always the vertical dimension (height). Please feel free to call if we can provide additional information. Actual size tracings are available for Chippendale patterns, and we can always photocopy a backplate to help you decide. These services are especially useful if you need to cover marks on the wood.
- Selvedge
The selvedge of a lock is the part that wraps around the edge of the door or drawer- Style
A style is the thin piece of wood that separates the doors on cabinets where two doors close together.- Whitesmithing
- A process where all of the scale that comes from forging is hand filed and removed, leaving a whitish, silvery, pewter-like finish. Most of our iron is sold in a black iron finish, but some padlocks and hasps are available in the whitesmithed finish.
Why Horton Brasses?
Construction. Our hardware reflects the countless hours spent building your masterpiece. Details make the difference.
Our Crew
Chris Burch started in September of 2002 and has learned to do our semi-bright and to buff (polish) the hardware to our brightest finish, and handles many of the manufacturing jobs.
Our Catalog
Our current catalog is #72, which will be valid until further notice. We will be delighted to send you a copy of this 72 page catalog.
Horton Brasses Inc., 49 Nooks Hill Road, Cromwell CT 06416, 800-754-9127