Gainsborough door knobs.

[skipdiver]

Fitted some of these in my sisters house 20 odd years ago and she wants to replace them but it seems they are no longer readily available. Been told there is some stock kicking around but cant track any down. I understand that the backplates can be exchanged for new ones, which she would be happy with as she has brass and wants chrome but is happy to keep the knob itself. Backplate can be unscrewed from the door and changed by removing the circlip holding it in place.

Failing that, can anyone recommend an alternative that has at least a 65mm backplate to cover old marks? The one a company recommended to me is the type that needs a 54mm hole drilling in the door which i'd like to avoid if possible. She wants to keep knobs on the door but they must be easy to turn as her husband has Parkinsons. The Gainsborough are non sprung so are easy to turn, with the spring being in the latch. Any help much appreciated.

 

[Steve Maskery]

I can't help you with the knobs SD, I'm afraid, but I would just point out that if your BIL has Parkinson's, he is, unfortunately, going to find it harder and harder to grip any knob properly. For practicality, a lever is much easier to operate.
It's not nice to have to contemplate these things, I know.

 

[skipdiver]

I can't help you with the knobs SD, I'm afraid, but I would just point out that if your BIL has Parkinson's, he is, unfortunately, going to find it harder and harder to grip any knob properly. For practicality, a lever is much easier to operate.
It's not nice to have to contemplate these things, I know.

I have already had the conversation with her and she is sticking with knobs for now. He is recently diagnosed and still able to work at the moment without too much bother but i suspect that he will worsen over time. We have a brother with the condition too and he is now struggling after many years of getting by. Think i'll have another word with her and see if she will change to handles but i would still need to find some that will cover the old marks left by the knobs as she doesn't want to change the doors.

 

[lurker]

I have just changed to handles on my mother's house for a similar reason.

Be aware that if folks are on steriods they end up with paper thin skin.
What appears smooth to you & I has the potential of causing nasty wounds if they catch themselves.
I had to change handles on the inlaws house for this reason a while back.

 

[skipdiver]

Thanks for the info guys, i will pass it along. The main problem i am having is something large enough to cover the old marks left by the roses which are about 65mm. Looked at handles on roses (most are around 50mm ish) and plain door handles but cannot find anything suitable yet.