Arundel Lever Lock (57mm c/c) Furniture – Short Plate

The Arundel Lever Lock is a hallmark of the Fulton & Bray collection by Zoo Hardware. It is widely recognized for its traditional aesthetic and high-quality hot-forged brass construction. This Arundel Lever Lock is specifically designed for use with a standard UK mortice sash lock, offering a timeless look that suits both period restorations and high-end modern homes.

The Arundel represents a bridge between Victorian elegance and Edwardian practicality. Its design is characterized by a “scrolled” or “curved” lever that fits the natural grip of the hand, mounted on a traditional long backplate.

• Architectural Versatility: While it looks perfectly at home in a 19th-century manor, the Arundel’s clean lines allow it to sit comfortably in “Modern Heritage” interiors. It provides a sense of “weight” and history that is often missing from modern, thin-gauge hardware.

• The Power of the Backplate: The standard Arundel backplate (typically 245mm x 42mm) is an intentional design choice. Beyond aesthetics, the large surface area is highly functional for renovations, as it can easily hide old screw holes or wood scarring from previous handle installations.

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2. Engineering: The Hot Forging Process

What sets the Arundel apart from budget hardware is the hot forging process. Most mass-market handles are “die-cast” from a zinc alloy (Zamak), which is brittle and light. The Arundel is forged from solid brass.

• Density and Strength: In hot forging, a solid billet of brass is heated until malleable and then pressed into a die under extreme pressure. This creates a much denser metal grain structure, resulting in a handle that is significantly heavier and stronger.

• Tactile Quality: You can feel this engineering the moment you touch the handle. There is a reassuring “heft” to the lever that cheaper alternatives cannot replicate.

• Precision Springing: The internal mechanism features a high-grade spring that is cycle-tested to ensure the handle returns to a perfectly horizontal position every time, preventing the “sagging handle” look common in older or cheaper hardware.

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3. Safety and Certification

In modern construction, beauty must be backed by performance. The Arundel Lever Lock is a high-specification component that meets rigorous UK and European safety standards.

Fire Safety (FD30/60)

The Arundel is successfully tested to BS EN 1634-1. This means it is certified for use on 30-minute and 60-minute timber fire doors. In an emergency, the solid brass construction maintains its structural integrity far longer than lower-grade metals, ensuring the door remains operable for exit or containment.

Durability Standards

It is categorized under BS EN 1906 (Grade 3), meaning it is suitable for high-frequency use in buildings with a high probability of “robust” handling, such as busy family homes or public office suites.

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4. Recommended Arundel Configurations

For those selecting hardware for a full property, the Arundel series offers consistency across different room functions.

The Arundel Lever Lock in Polished Brass is the quintessential choice for heritage restorations. The brass is finished with a high-quality lacquer to maintain its golden glow, though it can also be ordered as a “living finish” that patinas beautifully over time.

• Best For: Traditional entry doors and formal dining rooms.

• Warranty: Includes a 10-year mechanical guarantee.

For a cooler, more clinical aesthetic, the Arundel Lever Lock in Polished Chrome offers a mirror-like finish that is exceptionally easy to maintain. It is highly resistant to the high-moisture environments often found in bathrooms or coastal properties.

• Best For: Modern interior suites and contemporary renovations.

• Key Detail: Standard 57mm centers for UK sash locks.

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5. Installation and Maintenance Guide for Arundel Lever Lock 

Technical Compatibility

The Arundel features 57mm centers (the distance between the center of the handle spindle and the center of the keyhole). This is the standard for most UK 3-lever and 5-lever sash locks.

Installation Pro-Tip: The “Bolt-Through” Method

For the most secure fit, the Arundel should be installed using bolt-through fixings. These bolts pass entirely through the door and the mortice lock body, “sandwiching” the two plates together. This prevents the handle from pulling away from the door over time—a common issue with simple wood screws.

Finish Maintenance

• Chrome/Satin Chrome: Simply wipe with a microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints. No chemicals are required.

• Polished Brass: Use a soft, damp cloth. Avoid metal polishes unless the lacquer has been intentionally removed, as abrasives will strip the protective coating and cause uneven tarnishing.

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6. Summary Table: Arundel Lever Lock Comparison

Feature	Polished Brass	Polished Chrome	Satin Chrome
Aesthetic	Warm / Traditional	Bright / Modern	Subtle / Industrial
Maintenance	Low (Lacquer Protected)	Very Low (Wipe Clean)	Minimal (Hides Smudges)
Material	Solid Forged Brass	Solid Forged Brass	Solid Forged Brass
Warranty	10-Year Mechanical	10-Year Mechanical	10-Year Mechanical
Fire Rated	Yes (30/60 min)	Yes (30/60 min)	Yes (30/60 min)

The Arundel Lever Lock is an investment in durability and style. By choosing a handle forged from solid brass, you ensure that your door hardware remains a beautiful, functional part of your home for decades to come.

Add a touch of elegance and practicality to your doors with the Arundel Lever Lock (57mm c/c) Furniture – Short Plate. Designed with a compact backplate, this Arundel Lever Lock set is perfect for doors where a neat and refined appearance is required. The 57mm centre-to-centre (c/c) lock configuration ensures compatibility with standard mortice lock cases, making it an excellent choice for both traditional and modern interiors. Its short plate design enhances the overall look of your door, offering a stylish finish without overwhelming the surface.

Crafted from durable, high-quality materials, the Arundel lever lock set provides long-lasting strength and dependable performance. The smooth lever action makes it comfortable to use, while the sturdy construction ensures reliable security for your property. Installation is straightforward, with standard fittings included, making it suitable for homeowners, landlords, and professionals alike. Ideal for bedrooms, studies, and living areas where a classic lock and handle combination is required, this lever lock furniture blends functionality with timeless design. Its compact size, stylish profile, and durable build make it a versatile choice for everyday use.