The One Rule You Need

Stand facing the front of the cabinet (the side the door opens toward you). Look at where the hinges are:

Hinges on the left → Left-hand door
Hinges on the right → Right-hand door

That's it. Everything else follows from this.

The lock goes on the opposite side from the hinges. A left-hand door (hinges on left) has its lock on the right side. A right-hand door (hinges on right) has its lock on the left side.

Why Door Handing Matters for Hardware

Swing Handle Locks

Swing handle locks are the most hand-sensitive hardware category. The handle swings open in one direction, and the internal latch mechanism is designed to engage from a specific side. Installing a left-hand swing handle on a right-hand door means the handle swings the wrong way — it may physically operate, but it will interfere with the door frame or adjacent panels.

The MS861-1 swing handle lock is available in both left-hand and right-hand variants. When ordering, specify the handing based on the rule above.

Some swing handle models, like the AB302 flush handle, are designed as universal — the handle and latch mechanism work for both left-hand and right-hand doors by flipping the mounting orientation. This is a significant advantage for inventory management: one SKU covers both door configurations.

Rod-Control Multi-Point Locks

For rod-control locks like the MS840-1SUS 3-point lock, door handing determines which direction the connecting rods need to extend. The rods run vertically from the lock body to the top and bottom of the door — they don't care about left/right. But the handle and lock body orientation still depends on door handing, since the handle must swing away from the hinge side.

Cam Locks (Quarter-Turns)

Most cam locks are inherently universal — the cylindrical body rotates 90° regardless of door handing. The cam (the tail piece that engages the frame) can be mounted in any rotational position. This is one of the practical advantages of cam locks for standardized production: you don't need to stock left-hand and right-hand variants.

Hinges

Hinge handing is critical and non-reversible. A left-hand hinge has its pin axis and leaf geometry designed for a left-hand door — installing it on a right-hand door either won't work mechanically or will result in the door opening the wrong direction.

The CL250-1SUS concealed hinge and CL257-1SUS detachable hinge are available in left and right variants. Always order hinges in matched pairs for the same door handing.

Double-Door Cabinets

Double-door (French-door) cabinets have both a left-hand door and a right-hand door — one on each side. The two doors meet in the center with an overlapping edge or a center post.

Hardware considerations for double doors:

Each door gets hinges matching its own handing (left hinges for the left door, right hinges for the right door)
The primary door (the one you open first) typically has the lock
The secondary door often has flush bolts (top and bottom) rather than a keyed lock
If both doors are independently lockable, each needs a lock matching its own handing

Quick Reference Table

Door Type:

Single, left-hand | Hinge Side: Left | Lock Side: Right | Lock Hand: Left-hand* | Hinge Hand: Left-hand

Door Type:

Single, right-hand | Hinge Side: Right | Lock Side: Left | Lock Hand: Right-hand* | Hinge Hand: Right-hand

Door Type:

Double, left leaf | Hinge Side: Left (outer) | Lock Side: Center | Lock Hand: Left-hand | Hinge Hand: Left-hand

Door Type:

Double, right leaf | Hinge Side: Right (outer) | Lock Side: Center | Lock Hand: Right-hand | Hinge Hand: Right-hand

*For swing handles and handed locks. Cam locks are typically universal.

How to Avoid Ordering Mistakes

1. Photograph the cabinet face and mark the hinge side.

Send this photo with your order. It eliminates ambiguity between you and the supplier.

2. Specify "as viewed from front."

Different industries and different countries sometimes use different conventions for left and right. Always clarify the reference point.

3. When in doubt, order universal.

If your lock type offers a universal variant, use it. The small cost premium (if any) is far less than the cost of returning and re-ordering wrong-hand hardware.

4. For large projects, get a sample first.

Before ordering 500 locks, order one of each hand and verify fitment on your actual cabinet. Sheet metal tolerances, gasket positions, and cutout locations can make theoretical handing calculations irrelevant.

Common Mistakes

Confusing your perspective.

"Left" and "right" change meaning depending on whether you're looking at the front of the cabinet or standing inside it looking out. The standard convention is always: stand in front, face the door. Using the back-of-cabinet perspective inverts everything.

Assuming symmetry.

Some cabinet designs look symmetrical but have offset cutouts, ventilation slots, or internal mounting rails that dictate a specific door handing. Verify the actual door position, don't assume.

Mixing hands on double doors.

Each leaf of a double door is its own entity with its own handing. Ordering "two left-hand hinges" for a double-door cabinet gives you two left doors and no right door.

Browse our swing handle locks and concealed hinges — both available in left-hand, right-hand, and universal configurations.

Not sure which hand you need? Send us a photo of your cabinet and we'll confirm the correct handing for your order.