Traditional Hand-Forged Door Bolts – Cast Iron & Armor Coat Options for Outdoor Use

Author: Carl Benson

Carl is the founder of Suffolk Latch Company, with a background in engineering and over 20 years’ experience in home hardware. He works closely with suppliers and designers alike to develop quality ironmongery that stands the test of time. Read my full bio.

“Hand-forged bolts combine practical strength with the beauty of traditional craftsmanship.”

Introduction

Hand‑forged door bolts are small yet essential pieces of traditional hardware, designed to provide both security and timeless character. Perfect for period homes, gates and rustic interiors, these bolts combine practical strength with the beauty of traditional craftsmanship. Our collection includes hand‑forged, cast iron and weather‑resistant Armor Coat bolts, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use—even on acidic timbers such as oak or Accoya. In this post, we look at the different types, finishes and applications of traditional bolts, explaining how to choose and fit the right style for your project. If you’re restoring a period property or seeking an authentic finishing touch, browse our Traditional Hand‑Forged Door Bolts collection today.

Table of Contents

1. What are traditional hand-forged door bolts?

2. What are the different types of door bolts?

3. Can hand-forged bolts be used outside?

4. How do you fit a traditional door bolt?

5. What finishes are available on hand-forged bolts?

6. Why choose hand-forged bolts instead of modern ones?

7. How do you maintain a hand-forged door bolt?

8. Can traditional bolts be locked?

9. Conclusion

10. External links

What are traditional hand-forged door bolts?

Traditional hand-forged door bolts are solid metal fasteners designed to secure a door by sliding a bar into a keep. Unlike mass-produced bolts, each one is individually made by a blacksmith who heats wrought iron or mild steel in a forge and hammers it by hand on an anvil to form the head, body, and fixing plates. This process gives every bolt subtle hammer marks and slight variations that reveal its handmade origin.

These bolts are available in several distinctive designs, most notably the Shepherd’s Crook and Fishtail patterns. The Shepherd’s Crook features a curled, looped end reminiscent of a traditional crook handle, while the Fishtail design is shaped into a flattened, flared end that echoes early Tudor ironwork. Both styles are offered in straight and cranked versions — straight bolts are ideal for flush doors or gates, while cranked bolts allow for offset fitting on ledged and braced doors or uneven surfaces.

Finishes include classic beeswax for indoor use, providing a rich dark sheen, and pewter for a softer, aged look. For exterior applications or acidic timbers such as oak, Armor Coat weather-resistant finishes offer additional protection without compromising the traditional appearance. Cast iron versions also replicate the hand-forged look while providing a cost-effective alternative for decorative use.

Hand-forged bolts remain valued today for their weight, durability, and period authenticity. They combine simple, reliable function with the handcrafted detail that brings character to doors, gates, and furniture in heritage homes and restoration projects.

Hand-Forged Fishtail Door Bolt – Beeswax Finish

Hand-Forged Shepherd’s Crook Bolt – Pewter

What are the different types of door bolts?

Traditional door bolts come in 4-inch and 6-inch sizes, with straight or cranked options. Designs include fishtail, shepherd’s crook, cast iron Tudor, Armor Coat, and long-reach French door bolts. Beeswax and pewter finishes suit indoor use, while Armor Coat options protect exterior and acidic timber applications.

Our collection of traditional door bolts generally comes in two main sizes — 4-inch and 6-inch. The smaller size is often used on shutter windows or for privacy fittings in bathrooms and closets, while the larger option is suited to standard internal or external doors.

Bolts are available in straight and cranked versions. Straight bolts are designed for doors or windows that sit flush within their frame, whereas cranked bolts are used when the door or window is slightly recessed, typically fitted with a receiver plate.

In terms of design, we offer two distinctive styles — the Fishtail, which is the most traditional shape, and the Shepherd’s Crook, which features a graceful curled end. The latter is a decorative design that also appears in our matching window furniture range.

To complement our hand-forged options, we also supply cast iron Tudor bolts, ideal for garden gates and exterior applications, along with our Armor Coat range, specially designed for use on acidic timbers such as oak and Accoya. For larger openings, our long-reach French door bolts feature an extended arm that allows them to be operated easily from floor level.

The hand-forged bolts are available in two traditional finishes — Beeswax and Pewter — both decorative and authentic in appearance, but best suited for interior use.

Can hand-forged bolts be used outside?

Hand-forged bolts in beeswax and pewter finishes are designed primarily for interior use. For external applications, cast iron or Armor Coat bolts are the recommended alternatives, providing greater resistance to the elements and compatibility with acidic timbers such as oak and Accoya.

Our hand-forged door bolts, available in traditional beeswax and pewter finishes, are intended for use on internal doors, window shutters, and bathrooms where privacy and additional security are required. The beeswax and pewter coatings provide a rich decorative finish but offer no long-term protection against moisture or temperature changes.

These finishes should not be exposed to rain or damp conditions. Even in a sheltered porch, condensation or airborne moisture can trigger surface oxidisation, especially when fitted to acidic timbers like oak or Accoya. Over time, this reaction can cause dark staining on both the metal and the surrounding wood.

For outdoor or exposed locations, we recommend choosing one of our Cast Iron Tudor bolts or Armor Coat bolts. Cast iron versions, while prone to slight oxidisation at first, quickly stabilise and develop a dark, aged patina that complements traditional gates and exterior joinery. Our Armor Coat bolts, on the other hand, feature a specialist protective finish that offers excellent weather resistance and is formulated specifically for use on acidic timbers.

Whether securing a cottage gate or adding character to internal doors, selecting the correct bolt for the environment ensures long-term performance and maintains the authentic look of traditional ironmongery.

Traditional French door bolt with extended arm, hand-forged hardware

Tudor door bolt in cast iron, rustic traditional hardware

How do you fit a traditional door bolt?

To fit a traditional door bolt, you fix the bolt body and a matching receiver plate or bridge to the door and frame, using pilot-drilled screw holes and a careful hand to avoid damaging the slot-head screws. Straight bolts suit flush doors; cranked bolts suit recessed doors or windows.

Installing a hand‑forged bolt is similar to any surface‑mounted slide bolt. Traditional bolts are supplied with two types of receivers.  A mortice receiver plate is a flat plate with a slot slightly larger than the bolt head.  It is used where the door or shutter sits slightly inside the jamb, so the bolt can slide into the recess.  A receiver bridge is a U‑shaped bracket with two flanges at right angles to the bridge; these flanges have fixing holes.  It is used where the door face and frame are flush, allowing the bolt to slide across and under the bridge.

Select a straight bolt if the door closes flush with its surround; choose a cranked bolt for recessed shutters or windows (for example, if a weatherstrip or draught excluder pushes the frame back). Hand‑forged bolts are also available in cranked versions to suit recessed windows and doors with weatherstrips.

Mark the bolt body and receiver position on the door and frame, ensuring the bolt slides smoothly into the receiver. Drill pilot holes for the supplied screws; the pilot should be slightly smaller than the screw’s thread diameter.  Because traditional slot‑headed screws are softer than modern Pozidrive screws, it helps to pre‑cut the thread by driving in a hardened screw of similar size and then removing it.  Finally, fix the bolt using the supplied screws and a flat‑bladed screwdriver ground to fit the slot.  Avoid using a power screwdriver; feeling the screw tighten by hand helps prevent stripping the slot or snapping the screw.

What finishes are available on hand-forged bolts?

Hand‑forged bolts are offered in several finishes to suit different tastes and applications. Beeswax and pewter finishes are primarily for indoor use, while Armor‑Coat and cast‑iron versions provide durable options for exterior doors and acidic timbers.

For an authentic period look, beeswax is the classic choice. The molten wax soaks into the pores of the iron, creating a rich, dark finish that protects against surface rust in dry environments. This coating enhances the natural hammer marks and slight irregularities, making it ideal for interior doors, shutters and privacy bolts. If you prefer a lighter tone, pewter patina highlights the forged texture. The silver‑grey finish catches the light on raised areas while leaving recessed hammer blows slightly darker; it’s a decorative option that offers the same operation and durability but stands out by its unique finish.

For exterior doors and garden gates, consider Armor‑Coat bolts. These have a high‑performance protective coating designed to resist oxidisation and prevent the staining that occurs when iron reacts with acidic woods such as oak and Accoya. Armor‑Coat is recommended wherever bolts may face exposure to rain, condensation or salt air. Cast iron bolts offer another weather‑resistant alternative. They are sand‑cast into traditional shapes rather than hand‑forged, making them affordable for outdoor applications. While cast iron will develop surface oxidation initially, it soon darkens to a stable patina and suits garden gates, outbuildings and other rustic settings.

Traditional hand-forged straight knob bolt – black finish

Shepherd’s Crook universal bolt, hand-forged, classic design

Why choose hand-forged bolts instead of modern ones?

Hand‑forged bolts are valued for their authentic appearance, robust construction and period‑correct design.  Made by heating and hammering metal by hand, they bear the subtle marks of the blacksmith’s craft — a texture and character that cannot be reproduced by mass‑production.

Modern door bolts are usually made from stamped or cast components that are uniform, lightweight and affordable.  They suit contemporary projects where the hardware should blend in, but they lack the heft and individuality of traditionally made pieces.  By contrast, hand‑forged bolts hark back to a pre‑industrial age when local blacksmiths supplied simple but durable hardware for cottages and barns.  These bolts were designed for practical use by working people and were often the only affordable option before factory‑made ironmongery became widespread.

Today, handmade bolts are often chosen for period restorations, barn conversions and cottages because they match surviving ironwork from earlier centuries.  They bring the right sense of weight and proportion, and their rustic finish complements other heritage fittings such as hinges and thumb latches.  Homeowners who value craftsmanship or who live in designated historic properties often select hand‑forged bolts to respect the building’s character and maintain authenticity.  Although they may be slightly more expensive than mass‑produced hardware, the difference in look and feel is immediately apparent. 

How do you maintain a hand-forged door bolt?

Most hand‑forged bolts require very little upkeep: pewter finishes are virtually maintenance‑free, while beeswax finishes may benefit from occasional re‑waxing in damp conditions. For smooth operation, lubricate the bolt’s moving parts with a light oil and avoid degreasers such as WD‑40.

Hand‑forged bolts are robustly built and, once installed, need little day‑to‑day care. On bolts finished in beeswax, handling can gradually wear away the protective layer and leave the iron more exposed. If the bolt is fitted in a period property with high background humidity, or in an area where it is often handled, apply a thin coat of clear beeswax very occasionally, rub the wax lightly over the bolt, then buff it to restore the dark sheen. Pewter‑patina bolts require almost no maintenance; their finish is achieved by a light metallic coating that naturally resists oxidisation in normal conditions.

All hand‑forged bolts use a leaf‑spring mechanism: the bolt shank is bent over to create a slight spring that holds the bolt in place, even when fitted vertically. To maintain a smooth action, place a drop of light machine oil (such as 3‑in‑1 oil) on the contact points and moving surfaces every when the bolts starts to feel stiff. Avoid using WD‑40 for regular maintenance; although it provides short‑term lubrication, it is primarily a degreaser and will strip away any wax or protective oil, leaving the surface dry and more prone to corrosion.

Hand-forged Shepherd’s Crook universal bolt with pewter finish

Pewter cranked knob bolt with offset arm, hand-forged

Can traditional bolts be locked?

Traditional hand‑forged bolts do not include built‑in locking mechanisms. They are mainly used on internal doors or shutters, where privacy or light security is all that is required. For garden gates, sheds or side doors that need locking, a pad‑bolt—designed to accept a padlock—should be used instead.

Most hand‑forged slide bolts are intended for interior applications—on bathroom doors, cupboards or window shutters—where simply securing the door in a closed position is sufficient. Because these bolts are operated by sliding the bolt into a keeper, they do not incorporate any additional locking feature. If a higher degree of security is needed, for example on a garden shed or side gate, a pad‑bolt is the preferred choice. A pad‑bolt has a staple‑plate with an eyelet; once the bolt is slid across and hooks under the plate, you can insert a padlock through the eyelet to secure the door. This allows the bolt to stay firmly closed while also protecting against opportunistic entry.

It is not advisable to fit padlocks to main entrance doors that are used as emergency exits. Fire safety regulations typically require that exit doors can be opened easily from the inside without a key so occupants can escape quickly in an emergency. Locks that need a key or padlock could delay evacuation. Instead, choose a mortice lock or night latch designed for domestic front doors, and reserve pad-bolts for outbuildings and garden gates.

Conclusion

Traditional bolts may appear simple, but they carry a history of craftsmanship that can’t be replicated by modern mass‑produced hardware. Whether you choose the classic fishtail or the elegant shepherd’s crook design, select a finish such as beeswax, pewter or Armor Coat, or opt for a robust cast‑iron bolt, each option offers its own blend of practicality and period style. By understanding where and how to use different bolt types—straight or cranked, indoor or outdoor—you can enhance both the security and the authenticity of your doors and shutters. From cottage gates and barn conversions to shutters and bathroom doors, hand‑forged bolts bring a sense of weight and character that makes them stand out. Explore our full range of bolts to find the right match for your home, and enjoy the blend of durability, design and traditional charm they provide.

External links

UK Building Regulations – Fire Safety (Means of Escape)

Historic ironwork care and conservation: