Black Door Bolts

Traditional Hand-Forged Black Door Bolts

Our traditional black beeswax bolts are individually forged from mild steel. The making process creates natural variation in the surface and shape, giving each bolt the character associated with traditional architectural ironmongery.

Choose from decorative fishtail door bolts and shepherd’s crook bolts. These styles work particularly well with cottage doors, ledge-and-brace doors, period joinery and other hand-forged door furniture.

Straight or Cranked Door Bolt?

The correct version depends on the relationship between the door and its frame:

• Straight door bolts are designed for surfaces that sit flush or level with one another. They are normally supplied with the appropriate receiver bridge or plate specified on the product listing.
• Cranked door bolts, also called necked or offset bolts, are used where the door and receiving surface sit at different levels.

Check how the door closes before choosing. Architraves, door stops, weather seals and recessed frames can all create an offset that requires a cranked bolt.

Fishtail, Shepherd’s Crook and Knob Bolts

Fishtail bolts have a flattened decorative handle inspired by traditional forged ironwork. Shepherd’s crook bolts have a curved handle, while knob bolts provide a simpler grip and a more understated appearance.

These differences are primarily about appearance and operation. The most important practical choices remain the size, straight or cranked configuration, receiver type and suitability for the intended location.

Can Black Door Bolts Be Fitted Vertically?

Selected sprung bolts can be mounted either vertically or horizontally without the bolt dropping under its own weight. Traditional hand-forged designs may use a leaf spring, while some other models use an internal spring or ball-bearing mechanism.

This should not be assumed for every product in the collection. Check the individual product information before fitting a bolt vertically at the top or bottom of a door.

Choosing a Door Bolt Size

Smaller 3-inch and 4-inch bolts are useful for cupboards, bathroom doors, bedroom doors and compact stable-door applications. Larger 6-inch designs offer a more substantial appearance and may be better proportioned for full-sized doors.

A larger bolt does not automatically provide a particular security rating. Consider the door material, frame, receiver, fixings and intended purpose as part of the complete installation.

Black Door Bolts for Internal Doors

Black beeswax bolts are particularly well suited to dry interior locations. They can be used as privacy bolts on bedrooms and bathrooms, to secure cupboards or to hold sections of a stable door in position.

If using a surface bolt for privacy, consider whether the room needs emergency access from the opposite side. Bolts should also be positioned where young children cannot accidentally lock themselves inside a room.

Exterior Door and Gate Bolts

For external doors, barn doors and garden gates, choose a bolt whose product specification confirms exterior suitability. Two relevant options are:

• Tudor Door Bolts, made from cast iron with a UV- and rust-resistant black coating.
• Door Bolts with Armor-Coat®, featuring a protective exterior-grade finish and a ball-bearing mechanism.

The Tudor bolts and Armor-Coat® products are separate designs and should not be treated as the same finish or construction.

Are Black Door Bolts Suitable for Coastal Locations?

The black Tudor cast-iron bolts are not recommended for coastal locations. Although their coating is rust resistant, cast iron is a ferrous material and may corrode if the coating becomes damaged, particularly around moving parts.

For a coastal property, choose hardware specifically approved for salt-laden and highly exposed environments. Do not rely on the words “exterior” or “rust resistant” alone as confirmation of coastal suitability.

Are Surface Door Bolts Security Locks?

A surface-mounted door bolt can provide privacy, hold a door closed or add a secondary locking point. However, it should not be treated as a replacement for an appropriately rated mortice lock, cylinder lock or multipoint locking system on an external entrance door.

If security is the main purpose, consider the complete door and frame construction and seek professional advice about the correct primary lock.

Caring for Black Door Bolts

Keep the bolt and receiver clean and apply a small amount of suitable light oil to moving contact points when required. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could remove black beeswax or damage a powder-coated or Armor-Coat® finish.

On cast-iron exterior bolts, inspect the coating periodically. Treat chips or worn areas promptly and keep moving parts lightly lubricated to reduce the risk of corrosion.

Choosing the Right Black Bolt

Before ordering, check:

• Whether the fitting surfaces are flush or offset
• The required bolt length and overall dimensions
• The receiver or keep supplied with the product
• Whether vertical installation is permitted
• Whether the finish is suitable for interior, exterior or coastal use
• Whether the bolt is intended for privacy, holding or supplementary security

For further guidance, read How to Choose the Right Door Bolt, or browse our complete door bolt collection.

For coordinated exterior fittings, explore our garden gate furniture.