Passage Door Knob vs Dummy Knob: Which One’s For You

You may often get confused between a passage doorknob and a dummy doorknob!

The main reason for this skepticism is that both of these knobs are non-locking.

So are they the same?

Or are they different? If yes, what are the differences?

And how do you know which one to buy?

To remove all your confusion, here we’ve laid out a solid comparison between the passage door knob vs dummy doorknob.

It’ll help you understand each of these knobs so that you can figure out which one suits where.

Are Both These Knobs Really Same

Although some think that the passage and dummy doorknobs are the same, in reality, they are not.

The main difference is that a passage set is a functional knob, whereas the dummy knob isn’t (works only as a pull).

When required, the passage knob sets have an active latching mechanism to fasten the door. Whereas the dummy knobs have no latching and the name itself suggests it’s a non-functional property. But they’re used for adding style accents.

Other differences include door compatibility, mounting style, and so on.

What is a passage door knob?

A passage door knob is a handle on the door that’s turned to release the latch. Generally, most knobs include a door handle with lock, but it isn’t the case here.

It only has an active latching but doesn’t include any locking system. There’s no key cylinder in this knob, hence, it provides no way for locking.

So the knob only provides a way to open and close the door. But it’s unlike a door pull or dummy knob as well.

Since this knob is a non-locking option and doesn’t offer privacy to any room, you can’t use it on the front door.

However, these interior non-locking door knobs are widely used in closets, laundry rooms, hallways, pantries, and so on.

What is a dummy door knob?

The dummy door knob is a kind of ‘pretend’ knob that doesn’t have any functional part like other traditional knobs and is used more as a decorative element.

It neither has a locking system nor a latch. The only benefit that you can make out of this knob is that it serves as a beautiful door puller or handle.

Or you can say it’s a means for grabbing the door onto for opening and closing it. In that sense, it’s handy for making this task easier.

Because of its decorative aspect, it’s widely used in wardrobes, closets, etc. You can find them in a single dummy version (half knob) to use on one side of the door or in a double-dummy version (full knob) to use on both sides.

Passage Door Knob Vs Dummy: What Is The Actual Difference?

Passage door knobs are quite different from the dummy knobs, although they look similar from the outside.

But there are some differentiating factors for both these knobs. What are those?

Let’s find out.

Active Vs Inactive Latch

The passage door knob has an active passage latch to operate. It helps fasten the door when required. On the other hand, you don’t have a latch in the dummy knob.

Turning Vs Pulling

Although the passage set doesn’t have a lock on it, it still requires you to turn the knob or the handle for releasing the latch and opening the door. In this case, it’s like most of the regular door knobs.

Dummy knobs, on the other hand, acts as a puller or a simple handle for providing the convenience of opening and closing the door. And it doesn’t require any turning.

Installation Type

With passage knob installation, you need a bit of drilling. It also comes with a strike plate that needs to be installed for mounting the knob. You can also install it with a separate deadbolt.

On the contrary, a dummy knob is easier to install and doesn’t require you to drill any hole through the door. They’re generally available in thru-bolted or surface mounting options. You can also use this on the pre-drilled doors with little modification.

Door Compatibility

The passage knob is mostly used in interior doors where the associated room doesn’t require any privacy, such as the doors in the hallways, closets, pantries, etc.

Whereas the dummy knob, due to its decorative accent, makes a great choice for interior door knobs such as French doors, shallow closets, and small pantries.

See Also : privacy vs passage door knob

Passage Door Knob Vs Dummy: Which one to buy?

Now it all comes down to which of these doorknobs you should buy. Let’s find out what the passage knob and dummy doorknob can offer you.

Advantages of a Passage Knob: Why You Should Buy It

• Avoid the hassle of locking where privacy isn’t important
• Open and close doors conveniently by releasing the latch
• Go between internal rooms easily
• Add style accent to the door

Advantages of a Dummy Knob: Why You Should Buy It

• Pull the door to open and close without the hassle of locking and latching (where privacy and security isn’t a concern)
• Add decorative accent

Comparison Chart

Topic	Passage Knob	Dummy Knob
Latch	Present	Absent
Turn Vs Pull	Requires turning to retract the latch and open door	Requires pulling to open the door
Installation	Mounted on strike plate	Surface or thru-bolt mounted
Door Compatibility	Hallways, closets, pantries	Cupboards, shallow closets, french doors

FAQs

If you still have questions in mind, answers to the following FAQs should clear them all. Check out!

What is a passage set?

A passage set is the part of the doorknob that allows the latch to be retracted when the handle is turned. It doesn’t include a locking mechanism.

Is it possible to use a passage door knob as a dummy door knob?

The answer is yes, you can use a passage door knob as a dummy knob; however, you cannot use it in its original shape. You must convert or repurpose the passage knob by removing it from the equation and replacing it with something else.

Do passage door knobs turn?

Yes, they do, for releasing the latch.

What do you use a dummy door knob for?

To work as a puller to open and close the door. Also, for adding a decorative accent to the door.

Do dummy door knobs turn?

No, they don’t.

What is a double dummy door knob?

Double dummy door knobs are two non-functioning knobs used either on the side by side of the door or on both sides of the door.

Conclusion

Due to a great amount of resemblance, it’s hard to figure out between passage door knob vs dummy knob. However, you should’ve been schooled enough so far to know how they’re different.

While both of these are non-locking knobs, the active latching system in the passage knob helps fasten the door of your hallway, pantry, and laundry while also keeping them shut. Something you don’t get with the dummy knobs.

However, dummy knobs fit well where you want to avoid the hassle of turning and unlocking things such as your closets, wardrobes, and French doors. It also adds a style accent to the doors to make them look better.

So now you probably know which one you should choose!