FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

We aim to offer as much product, finish, technical, and maintenance advice as possible through our website, but if you can't find the answer you're looking for, explore our FAQs section below! If you've looked through our website and are still struggling, please get in touch with us using the button below...

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General Questions
What is your carriage-paid order requirement?
Our prepaid carriage rate is applied to orders over £100 in the UK mainland.
Where are your products made?
We have three factories in which our products are produced: one in the UK (near our headquarters in Llandrindod Wells), one in Europe, and one in Asia.
What base metals do you use?
This depends on the finish. Our Black, Beeswax, & Pewter products have a mild steel base. Our Polished Brass, Aged Brass, Polished Nickel, Polished Chrome, and Satin Chrome products have a solid brass base. Our Polished Bronze and Aged Bronze products have a Solid bronze base. Our Polished & Satin Stainless Steel products are made of either Marine grade 316 stainless steel base (door & window furniture), or a grade 304 stainless steel base (cabinet furniture).
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How To Buy
How can I find the product I'm looking for?
If you know the product code (SKU) of the item you are looking for then simply enter that code into the search bar (top right corner) of the website and you will be taken straight to the item. If you are unsure of the code, it's possible to search for any item via the top menu (door, window, cabinet furniture etc.) which displays all the product subcategories. You can use then use our filter system to find exactly what you're looking for.
How can I buy genuine From The Anvil products?
Visit the How To Buy section of our website. Here, you can find your nearest store by entering your postcode. This will display a map of all the genuine From The Anvil retailers near you. Alternatively, you can buy online from our selection of trusted online stockists. These companies offer a fantastic service which is worry and hassle free.    Regardless of where you buy, you can still get in touch with us for any further help ...
Can I see your products before I buy them?
Our large showroom in Mid-Wales has all our products available for you to see. Feel free to pop in whenever or contact us in advance to book a free consultation!    Many of our stockists across the UK also have their own showrooms featuring several From The Anvil displays where you can browse our products. Type your postcode in the How To Buy section of our website to find your nearest showroom!
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Finishes & Care
Are your products lacquered?
Most of our products are unlacquered to give an authentic, living finish that ages over time to create a beautiful tarnish (although you can reverse this process using our Brasso polish). We avoid lacquer when possible because it wears away and makes the product look unsightly.  Only our Pewter and Polished Bronze finishes are lacquered. Our Aged Bronze is an applied lacquer finish, but it's extremely hardwearing.
What finishes do you offer?
We currently offer over 22 finishes, each with their own unique properties. Our Finishes page contains detailed information about the how each finish is manufactured, how to care for them, and where to use them. We also have a number of Videos that cover the basics of our finishes. If you'd like to see the finishes for yourself, feel free to visit one of our retailers...
Can all your finishes be used externally?
No. Although most of our finishes are suitable for external use, some are not. Please read our Finishes Guide for more detailed information about where each finish can be used. We don't recommend using our standard Beeswax finish outdoors as the base metal is only protected by a coating of wax which will likely rust in harsh environments. If you'd like to use these products outdoors, please use our External Beeswax finish which we ...
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Lever Handles
Are your lever handles sprung or unsprung?
Do I need a left or right-handed door handle?
Many of our handles are left- or right-handed. This affects how the handle interacts with the locking mechanism. To determine which hand you need, stand on the side of your door where it closes towards you. If the hinges are on the right side, you’ll need a right-handed handle (or left-handed if they're on the left side). Some handles aren't handed e.g. pull handles because they operate independently to the lock. These are suitable for both left & right-hinged doors.
Can I buy one handle with a keyhole and one handle with a blank back plate as a set?
For items we don’t carry in stock, or for a large quantity of handles, we can have these sets made bespoke. Otherwise, we can split a couple of standard product sets to meet your requirements – this is not something we advertise as we don’t want to end up with piles of unwanted half-sets in stock. Please contact us for more details.
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Door Knobs
Can I use one of your centre door knobs as a functioning door handle?
In theory, yes. However, we wouldn’t recommend it as our centre door knobs are large and very heavy. This would put a huge strain on even the most heavy-duty latch. Please note, our centre door knobs aren’t supplied with a grub screw to locate and lock the spindle into position which will make it difficult to use them as a functioning door knob.
What size backset lock do I need?
The ‘backset’ is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the spindle & determines where a knob will sit on the door. Usually, a 64mm case has a 44mm backset, & a 77mm case has a 56mm backset. With door knobs, you'll want the spindle to sit central to the stile. With door handles, you can offset them slightly to accommodate the lever. Check your existing backset against your new one to ensure its large enough, otherwise you may hit your knuckles when opening the door.
What’s the difference between Rim knobs and Mortice knobs?
Whether you need a rim or mortice knob depends on whether your lock/latch mechanism is fitted internally or externally on your door frame. Rim knobs are used with rim locks, which are mounted on the surface of the door. Rim knobs feature a removable rose which can be used or removed depending on your preference. Mortice knobs are used with mortice locks/latches, which are recessed into the door frame. Mortice knobs have a fixed rose which cannot be removed.
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Latches & Turns
What type of latch do I need?
Thumblatches and Suffolk latches are used on plank doors. The handle is fitted to one side, but allows opening from either side & can be used with a locking pin e.g. for bathroom doors. Cottage latches & latch sets are usually used on garden gates. They're surface fixed and have a ring turn handle on both sides. Privacy latches only allow opening from one side of a door and are usually used on pantries/cupboard. See our Guides for more.
What thumblatch should I choose for my door?
Firstly, measure the thickness of your door. Our standard Medium thumblatch works with 55mm doors, but for thicker doors we recommend our XL version which is suitable for upto 75mm. Once you know what size you need, you can choose a style you like such as our Bean or Gothic thumblatches. You can even mach these to your hinges!
How do your thumblatches work?
The thumb bar is fitted to one side of the door and allows the user to depress the thumblatch. This raises the latch bar off the keep on the other side of the door and opens the door. The staple pin/screw-on staple is used to restrict movement of the latch bar. The frame keep pin is driven into the door frame and screw-fixed for safety. It's used to hold the door closed.
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Hinges
Are your hinges fire rated or weight tested?
Most of our hinges aren’t fire rated or weight tested, but upon request, we could source some that meet these requirements.
What type of hinge should I choose for my door?
This entirely depends on what you use them for! But as a general rule; ball bearing or butt hinges for modern doors, T-hinges for ledge & brace doors, H or HL-hinges for heavier doors, Parliament hinges to project a door away from the frame, butterfly hinges for a decorative option, stormproof hinges for a waterproof fit, and friction hinges for wood, uPVC, or aluminium windows.
What size hinge should I choose for my door?
T-Hinges: For traditional plank doors, we recommend T-Hinges where the strap part reaches across 2/3rds of the width of the door. Usually, if the hinge reaches 1/2 way across the door, it should be able to support the weight. However, if you have a particularly heavy door, you may require slightly longer straps, or you could add a third hinge. Other hinges: we recommend choosing a 4” butt hinge for solid front/back doors. If the door will be heavily used over the years, then a ball bearing hinge...
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Door Knockers
Do I need a surface-fixed or bolt-through door knocker?
Solid wood doors can use both surface fixed and bolt-through products. Most types of doors can use bolt-through systems, although they may need to be fitted professionally, but for non-wood doors (plastic, composite etc.) you'll need to check with your manufacturer or joiner.
What's the difference between surface fixing and bolt-through fixing?
Surface fixed products (usually door knockers) are screwed (fixed) to the exterior surface of a door. These products are supplied with wood screws which makes them ideal for use on timber doors. Bolt-through products are bolt-fixed to your door. This requires a hole to be drilled all the way through the door so the bolt can be secured by a nut on the inside. 
What's a strike plate?
Strike plates are designed to protect the surface of your door where a knocker would otherwise hit it. It's a small piece of metal that's usually fitted the same way as the knocker itself, i.e., surface fixed or bolted-through.
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Letterplates & Covers
Will your letterplates fit the existing opening in my door?
The size of letterplates can vary greatly between manufactures, so we advise measuring the size of your opening before choosing a product. If your opening is too small, you'll need to enlarge it - we recommend asking a professional to do this! For more information, take a look at our Traditional Letterbox Fitting Guide.
What will your letterplate look like on the inside of my door?
With a standard letterplate, you'll see a classic, square letterplate externally, but you'll be able to see the opening flap and spring mechanism from the inside (dependent on how the product was fitted, you may also be able to see the two fixing on either side). For a cleaner look, we recommend using one of our letterplate covers in a matching finish. This is a larger flap designed to conceal all the inner workings and limit draughts.
What's the maximum door thickness for your letterplates?
This depends on the letterplate. Blacksmith finishes (Pewter, Beeswax & Black): ≤ 74mm Period finishes (Bronze, Brass, Nickel, & Chrome): ≤ 65mm Maximum thickness is the same for large and small letterplates. However, our Postal & Art Deco letterplates have a max. thickness of 60mm.
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Escutcheons, Pulls & Thumbturns
What's an escutcheon? Do I need one?
Escutcheons are a finishing touch designed to cover key holes and tidy up the look of your door. We have an extensive collection of escutcheons for all types of locks, and even some with covers to stop draughts coming in through your keyhole. We recommend using an escutcheon when possible.
What is a cylinder or door pull used for?
Similar to an escutcheon, a cylinder pull fits around a rim or euro cylinder to tidy up the keyhole. They also have a finger pull which allows you to pull the door shut from the outside.
What are thumbturns and when would I use one?
Thumbturns are used in conjunction with bathroom locks which they operate via a simple turning motion. In an emergency, these locks can be opened from the outside using a coin in the external slot.  
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Security & Protection
What security measures should I use on my external doors?
Ideally, you'll want the most secure systems available to protect your home. Multi-point locks are one of the best choices - they offer 3- or 5-point locking mechanisms, which secures your door at the top, bottom, and middle. However, these can be expensive and need to be fitted by someone experienced. If this is too inconvenient or unaffordable, then a British Standard 5 lever lock will satisfy all insurance requirements.
Can I add additional security measures to my property?
Yes, of course! You can add bolts along your door for extra strength, a door viewer so you can see who's knocking, and a chain which prevents the door fully opening when engaged. You can also upgrade your existing locks or add BS deadlocks to enhance your security. The Security & Protection section of our website shows all the products we currently offer.
Do I need security on my internal doors?
This is entirely up to you! If you want an interior door that locks, we suggest fitting a sash lock. For bathroom doors, we recommend using a bathroom mortice lock with a thumbturn. For plank doors, we recommend locking mechanisms designed to fit your thumblatches.
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Window Handles & Stays
What type of window handle do I need?
This depends on your window type and requirements. If you have a casement window, you can use a locking fastener if you need it to lock, or a non-locking fastener if you don't. If you have uPVC windows which contain a locking mechanism, then you'll need an espag. handle. For more information, visit the Choosing Ironmongery section of our website.
How do locking and non-locking fasteners work?
Our fasteners work via a grub screw incorporated into the handle which is screwed into the fixing plate using an Allen key.
Do I need a left or right-handed window handle?
Although some of our handles are reversible, others are handed, so it's important you choose the correct one. When viewing your window from the inside, if your handle opens clockwise away from the frame, you'll need a left-handed version. Equally, if your handle opens anti-clockwise away from the frame, choose a right-handed handle.
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Sash Window Furniture
How can I lock my sash windows?
All our sash fasteners are fitted with a small grub screw which can be used to lock your sash windows in the closed position. For extra security, you can also add a bolt to your window.
What should I use to open my sash windows?
Our sash pull handles or sash lifts are both great options for sash windows and are available in a wide range of finishes to match your existing ironmongery. We recommend fitting two of these (one on the left and one on the right-hand side) to your window so it can be lifted easily and evenly with two hands.
How can I restrict opening of my sash windows to make them safer?
For safety purposes, you may want to limit how far your sash windows can open to prevent children/pets climbing out. You can do this by fitting sash stops which prevent the window opening beyond a certain point. These stops can also be pushed back in to allow the sash to open fully if desired. Find our collection of sash window furniture here.
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Ventilation
How can I improve ventilation in a room?
To improve ventilation, you can add a night vent fastener handle to your window, which can be locked in a slightly open position to create a small amount of air flow whilst providing security. For further ventilation, we recommend adding a trickle vent. This is usually fitted to the top of a window frame with the vent on the inside, a grill to prevent insects entering, and a canopy on the exterior to prevent rain.
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Cabinet Furniture
What pull handles do I need?
Obviously you'll want to choose a style and finish that suits your interior, but you also need to consider the size. Make sure you measure your space before choosing your handles - if they're the wrong size, they may catch on nearby items or look out of place. Also make sure you consider mouldings which are present on some doors and drawer fronts as these may interfere with the product placement.
What's the correct orientation of your pull handles?
This is entirely up to you! You can use them vertically or horizontally depending on your preference (i.e., vertically on cupboard doors, horizontally on drawer fronts).
Can I mix and match my cupboard ironmongery?
Yes, of course! We have many different designs across a range of styles, so you can match pull handles, cabinet knobs and drawer pulls however you like! However, we would recommend sticking to a single product finish or range to create consistency throughout your property.
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Door Closers
When should I use a door closer?
Door closers are usually used for fire doors or in draughty rooms. Door closers force the door to close, which is particularly useful for automatically closing doors that would otherwise remain ajar. Often used in commercial properties or home offices and workshops.
Can I adjust my door closer to close slower or faster?
Yes, of course! Simply remove the cover and adjust the valve mechanism to alter the latching speed.
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Nails, Studs & Screws
What type of hand-crafted nail do I need?
It depends on the job! Rosehead nails are used for fixing plank/ledge & brace doors so that part of the nail passes all the way through the planks & is then bent over to hold everything in place. The shape of their shaft is also ideal for fixing floorboards as it holds the boards to joists. Our other types of hand-made nails can be used for various creative and practical uses, from fixing coffee tables to hanging jackets.
What quantities are your nails sold in?
Our Rosehead nails are sold in kilo bags, so it depends on which type you purchase. For example, there will be more 1" nails in a bag than 3" nails because they weigh less per item. All our other types of nails are sold in singles or set quantities. Make sure you read the information on the product's page before buying so you receive the quantity you need!
Can Rosehead nails be used externally?
In short, yes, but they may stain the wood. Our Rosehead nails are finished in a black oxide coating to protect them against rust and prevent staining, but harsh external conditions will eventually cause degradation of this finish.
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Curtain Furniture
Can I join your curtain poles together to extend them/cut them down to make them shorter?
Yes, of course! You can join multiple bars together using a joining bar which are sold separately. We recommend using an extra mounting bracket to support the centre of the joint bars to support the additional weight and cover the join (so it doesn't get in the way of the curtains). You can also glue this in for extra security. You can also cut the poles to a shorter length using a decent metal saw, but be careful and file the fresh cut down to remove sharp edges!
Can I use your curtain poles in a bay window?
Unfortunately, due to the way our mounting brackets support the curtain poles, they're not suitable for use with bay windows.
How many mounting brackets do I need for my length of curtain pole?
In most cases, two mounting brackets should support any of our standard-length curtain poles when fitted correctly, although if your curtains are especially heavy, we recommend using an additional bracket. If you join two or more poles together, you'll need an additional mounting bracket at each join to support the additional weight and cover the join itself.
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Locks & Latches
What's the difference between a deadlock and a sash lock?
A mortice sash lock is morticed into the door frame. It has a latch bolt, which is a spring-loaded bolt designed to keep the door in place when closed. It also has a deadbolt which locks and unlocks the door. A mortice deadlock is also morticed into the door frame. It has a deadbolt which is opened and closed via a key. Unlike a sash lock, it does not have a latch bolt.  
What’s the difference between a 2-lever, 3-lever, and 5-lever lock?
A greater number of levers makes key duplication more difficult, and therefore increases the security of the lock. 2-lever locks are the least secure and are usually found in bathroom doors – not BS3621 approved. 3-lever locks are usually used for internal doors – also not BS3621 approved. 5-lever locks are the most secure and are BS3621 approved. These are the only types of locks that are appropriate for external doors.  
How do I measure a cylinder?
Measure the length from the centre of the screw hole (X) to the edge of the backplate on the external door (O). Round UP to the nearest 5mm (i.e., 38mm = 40mm). Measure the length from the centre of the screw hole (X) to the edge of the backplate on the internal door (I). Round UP to the nearest 5mm (i.e. 26mm = 30mm). Use these two values to determine which size cylinder you ned. E.g., if O = 38mm and I = 26mm, you'll need a 40/30 5pin euro cylinder.
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Spares & Accessories
Where can I get spare parts for my Anvil products?
If you lose a piece or break a part, don't worry! We sell a large selection of spares and replacements for most of our products! Find them in the Spares & Accessories section of our website.
Do you sell extra screws and bolts?
Yes, we do! All the screws and bolts supplied with our products are also available to purchase as spares. If you're unsure which parts you need, see the technical drawing on the product page for your item as this should contain all the information you need!
What type of spindle do I need?
Products that require spindles are supplied with one, but we do sell spares/replacements. Threaded spindles are designed for door knobs with different lengths & sizes available for different products. Split spindles are for lever handles. We sell long-split spindles which you can cut down to size for any door thickness. Taylor's spindles are surface-fixed to one side of a door to create static (non-turning) knobs for wardrobes or cupboard doors.
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Pendant Lighting
How are your pendants manufactured?
Our range of pendant lights are all hand-spun from solid base metals and then hand-finished in a variety of bare metal or painted finishes. Our Brass and Nickel lights are manufactured from solid brass, and our Copper pendants are manufactured from solid copper.
What's the lead time on your pendant lights?
All our pendants are made-to-order with a lead time of 3-4 weeks. This accounts for both production and delivery time, but you'll be kept up to date throughout the process.
Do your pendants come wired?
Yes! Our pendants are supplied fully wired to UK standards and undergo extensive testing for electrical safety. Each pendant is also supplied with a matching ceiling rose and all necessary fixings.
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Plant Pots
Are your plant pots suitable for external use?
Due to their strong anti-corrosive properties, our largest size Stainless Steel plant pots come with drainage holes and are suitable for external use. Our Brass and Copper plant pots can also be used outdoors, but please be aware that they are unlacquered, meaning their finishes will tarnish and age naturally over time to develop a beautiful patina. Also, any plant pots used externally requires a drainage hole to protect the plant from overwatering.
Do your plant pots include a drainage hole?
Some of our Grade 316 Stainless Steel plant pots are available with and without a drainage holes – ensure you’ve selected the correct one before purchasing. Our Brass, Copper and Nickel plant pots are not manufactured with drainage holes as they’re intended for internal use. If you’d like one of these pots with a drainage hole included, please get in touch with us.
Do I need a drainage hole on my plant pot or not?
This depends on where your plant pot will be located. For external plants, you’ll need a pot with a drainage hole to allow excess rainwater to filter through and prevent the plant from drowning. For indoor plants, you won’t want a drainage hole to avoid water leaking onto your surfaces. For plants which may be moved indoors and outdoors, opt for a pot with a drainage hole, but remember to use a saucer or tray underneath it to catch excess water indoors.
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Boot Racks
How many pairs of boots do your boot racks hold?
We currently offer two different sized boot racks. Our smaller version has 8 boot support uprights which means it can hold up to 4 pairs of boots, and our larger version has 12 support uprights meaning it can hold up to 6 pairs of boots.
Are your boot racks suitable for external use?
All our boot racks are hand-crafted from a durable base of mild steel which makes them suitable for outdoor use. These products are relatively low maintenance, but occasionally wiping them with an oily cloth will aid protection against environmental elements.
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Fireside
What’s included in a companion set?
Each companion set includes a selection of durable tools including tongs, a poker, a brush, and a shovel, completed with a sturdy stand to keep them tidy and organised.
Are your companion sets heat resistant?
The mild steel components are very robust, therefore when used properly, these products should maintain their original appearance for years to come.
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Log Holders
Are your log holders suitable for external use?
All our log holders are hand-crafted from a durable base of mild steel which makes them suitable for outdoor use. These products are relatively low maintenance, but occasionally wiping them with an oily cloth will aid protection against environmental elements.
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Sinks
What are your sinks made of?
Our Nickel sinks are made from solid brass and plated in nickel. Our Copper and Brass sinks are made of solid Copper and Brass respectively and coated in a clear, environmentally friendly, electrophoretic lacquer.
How do I clean my sink?
Due to the polished nature of our sinks, we advise against using any sort of chemical cleaner. Rough scrubbing sponges and abrasive tools may also erode the finish of your sink. Instead, use a damp, soft cloth and lightly buff the surface to remove any marks. For tough stains, try dipping a sponge in white vinegar and gently scrub the area.
Are your sinks suitable for use with hard/soft water?
Our sinks can be used in both soft and hard water areas, but ensure you follow the proper care instructions to keep your sink looking its best.
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Returns
Can I return a product if I decide it's not right for me?
If for any reason you decide you'd like to return your product, you must contact us within 30 days of purchase so we can issue you a returns note. You can email us at customerservices@fromtheanvil.co.uk or get in contact with us here. We'll do our best to make your return process as quick and easy as possible!
What should I do if I receive a damaged product?
While we do our best to prevent it, damage can occasionally occur in transit. In this event, we'll do our best to send you a replacement as soon as possible! You can either reach out to the retailer you purchased your item from or contact us directly. You may be asked to send photos of the damage. From here, we'll either ask you send the damaged product back to us, or we'll arrange a collection for you and provide you with a replacement.
How do I return a product?
Firstly, you'll need to email us at customerservices@fromtheanvil.co.uk for a returns form. Then, you can pack your product in its original packaging and place your returns form inside. We'll either have you send this back to us, or arrange a collection. It's essential you pack your item in the same way you received it or it may become damaged in transit, and we'll be unable to issue you a full refund. Returned items must be in a resellable...
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