1. The axis distance — the most important parameter
The axis distance is the distance between the centre of the handle axis and the centre of the locking axis. The European standard for interior doors in Romania is 72 mm for interior doors in Romania.
How to check: Measure with a ruler the distance between the centre of the handle hole and the centre of the locking hole in the door.
2. The length of the square spindle
| Door thickness | Recommended spindle length |
|---|---|
| 35–45 mm (standard HDF doors) | 65 mm or 70 mm |
| 45–55 mm (semi-solid doors) | 75 mm or 80 mm |
| 55–70 mm (solid wood doors) | 85 mm or 90 mm |
3. The locking type — BB, WC or OA
- BB (Bedroom) — handle without locking. For bedrooms, living rooms, offices.
- WC (Bathroom) — locks from the inside with emergency release. A must for bathrooms.
- OA (with key) — locks with a key from the outside.
4. SLIM rose thickness — 5 mm or 7 mm
It depends on the groove machined into the door. Read the full guide on roses SLIM
Summary — what to measure before ordering
- Axis distance (standard: 72 mm)
- Door thickness → spindle length
- The locking type needed (BB/WC/OA)
- Groove depth → rose thickness (5 mm or 7 mm)
The axis distance (PZ) — the most important dimension
The axis distance (PZ — from the German Profilzylinder-Abstand) is the distance between the centre of the locking cylinder and the centre of the handle spindle. It determines whether the handle fits the lock in your door.
| Standard | Axis distance | Use |
|---|---|---|
| European standard | 72 mm | The most common in Romania, interior and exterior doors |
| Small standard | 62 mm | Older doors, some bathroom doors |
| Large standard | 92 mm | Armoured exterior doors, industrial doors |
The handle spindle length
The spindle passes through the door and connects the front handle to the back one. Its length must match the thickness of your door.
| Door thickness | Spindle length needed | Door type |
|---|---|---|
| 35-40mm | 70-75mm | Budget standard interior doors |
| 40-45mm | 75-80mm | Standard interior doors in Romania |
| 45-50mm | 80-85mm | Premium interior doors, solid wood |
| 50-60mm | 85-95mm | Simple insulated exterior doors |
| 70-100mm | 110-130mm | Armoured, secured doors |
Enger handles ship with a standard spindle of 80mm, suitable for doors 40-45 mm thick. For thicker doors, order the spindle separately in the right length.
Rose dimensions
A rose has several relevant dimensions: outer diameter 52-55 mm on standard round roses; 52×52 mm on square roses; cylinder hole diameter 28-30 mm (compatible with standard European cylinders); profile thickness 5 mm or 7 mm (SLIM) or 12-15 mm (classic); handle spindle hole 8 mm standard (square).
Door thickness and cylinder length
The locking cylinder must be proportioned to the thickness of the door. Too short and it will not fix properly; too long and it protrudes from the rose, vulnerable to snap attacks.
| Door thickness | Recommended cylinder | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 40mm | 30+10mm | 40 mm cylinder in total |
| 45mm | 30+15mm | 45 mm cylinder in total |
| 55mm | 30+25mm | 55 mm cylinder in total |
| 65mm | 30+35mm | 65 mm cylinder in total |
Safety rule: the cylinder should not protrude more than 3 mm past the surface of the rose. A protruding cylinder can be wrenched off with an adjustable spanner (snap attack).
Lock dimensions
The door lock (the internal mechanism) must be compatible with the handle. Key parameters: backset 60 mm or 70 mm — the distance from the door edge to the centre of the handle spindle; faceplate height 235 mm European standard; spindle square 8 mm standard; latch travel 13 mm or 18 mm.
How to measure correctly — step by step
(1) Measure the PZ axis distance — from the centre of the cylinder hole to the centre of the handle spindle hole. Use a metal ruler. Typical result: 72 mm. (2) Measure the door thickness — with the door open, measure the full panel thickness. Add 5 mm to determine the spindle length needed. (3) Check the lock backset — from the edge of the door to the centre of the handle spindle. 60 mm or 70 mm are the standard values. (4) Photograph the current cylinder — if replacing a cylinder, photograph it with a ruler next to it. The length and format must stay identical. (5) Not sure? Send us photos and measurements and we will help you identify compatible products — free of charge.
Need help with the dimensions?
The LC Design team helps you choose the right handle for your door — free, with no obligation.