Traditional Hand Forged Door Bolts

Straight or Cranked: Check the Door and Frame First

Close the door and compare the two surfaces where the bolt and receiver will sit. A straight bolt suits surfaces that are level. A cranked bolt, also called a necked or offset bolt, has a shaped bar for surfaces at different levels. Check the technical drawing against the actual offset; cranked designs do not all provide the same clearance.

The receiver matters too. Our core Shepherds Crook and Fishtail cranked bolts are supplied with a receiver plate, not both a plate and a bridge. Tudor cranked bolts also have a receiver plate, while Tudor straight bolts have a receiver bridge. Other ranges may include several keeps. Check the contents of the selected product rather than assuming that receivers are interchangeable.

Shepherds Crook, Fishtail and Knob Designs

The curved handle of a Shepherds Crook bolt and the flattened handle of a Fishtail bolt offer two traditional patterns for timber doors and cupboards. Our core range comes in black beeswax or rustic pewter, with 4-inch and 6-inch straight and cranked options. These core products are intended for internal use.

The collection also includes separate From The Anvil Fishtail and knob-bolt ranges. Knob bolts use a round operating knob rather than a shaped handle. Compare the fixing plate, projection, receiver and finish specification as well as the pattern: similar-looking bolts from different ranges can have different dimensions and exterior-use guidance.

Universal and Long-Reach French Door Bolts

Monkeytail and Shepherd’s Crook Universal Bolts are supplied with a selection of keeps for different fixing arrangements. “Universal” describes that flexibility; it does not mean the bolt fits every door or window without checking the dimensions.

Our French Door Bolt has an extended cranked handle for easier operation when fitted near the top or bottom of a tall door. It is available in 6-inch and 10-inch sizes. Check reach, handle clearance and the selected finish before ordering.

Choosing the Size and Fitting Position

Measure the available fixing area on the door and frame, leaving room for the slider to retract fully and enter its receiver. Check clearance from door stops, architrave, glazing and other fittings. The quoted inch size is not a universal measure of bolt travel, strength or security.

For cupboards or smaller internal doors, a compact bolt may be sufficient; larger doors may need a different size or reach. The door construction, receiver position and soundness of the fixing surface remain important. Several products use spring retention for vertical or horizontal fitting, while Armor-Coat bolts use a ball-bearing system. Follow the individual product’s permitted orientation.

Which Finishes Can Be Used Outside?

Choose by the exact product specification, not colour alone. The black beeswax and rustic pewter finishes on our core Shepherds Crook and Fishtail bolts are for interiors. From The Anvil External Beeswax is a different finish from standard interior beeswax, and pewter specifications also vary between ranges. Where an option is labelled only “Beeswax”, ask us to confirm the selected variant before using it outdoors.

Tudor Door Bolts are cast iron, not hand forged. Their black protective coating permits interior and exterior use, excluding coastal locations. The coating provides corrosion protection; exposed cast iron can rust if that coating becomes worn or damaged.

Door Bolts with Armor-Coat are steel fittings with a specialist UV- and rust-resistant finish, listed for interior and exterior use and as compatible with Accoya timber. They are a separate range from the beeswax products. Even exterior-rated hardware needs suitable installation and ongoing care.

Fixing, Privacy and Care

Fit the bolt and receiver into sound supporting material and check that the bar moves freely before fully tightening the screws. Do not force the bolt to pull a misaligned door into position. For fitting detail, read our traditional door bolt guide.

A surface bolt can provide privacy or supplementary restraint, but should not be assumed to be a certified primary security lock. Consider emergency access before fitting one to a bathroom or bedroom, and do not obstruct an escape route. Our door bolt selection guide explains alternative arrangements.

Follow the care instructions for the chosen finish, inspecting moving parts and fixing points periodically. See our hand-forged ironmongery care guide, or browse the wider Traditional Door Hardware range for coordinating latches, hinges and pull handles.