FAQ

Hardware & Installation

What's the best way to install my new hardware?

We always recommend pre-drilling holes for installing hardware. Drilling screws straight into wood without a pilot hole can cause the wood to split, especially with hardwoods like oak or maple.

Without pre-drilling, you also have the risk of breaking off the screw's head.

Pre-drilling helps keep hardware aligned and evenly spaced, reducing installation mistakes.

Pre-drilling for machine screws: For machine screws, drill a hole that is slightly larger than the screw. The machine screw should be able to freely slide in and out of the pre-drilled hole.

Pre-drilling for exposed screws: When pre-drilling for exposed screws, use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw's thread.

Exposed screws made of brass are not as robust as steel screws. As such, we recommend using a hand screwdriver (rather than an electric drill) in addition to a pilot hole.

Are installation screws included?

Yes, we include installation screws for everything except backplates (which use the installation hardware included with knobs).

Knobs & Pulls: For knobs and pulls, we include machine screws in two lenths (1" & 1.5") to accommodate where you may be installing them. Our knobs and pulls with rear installation use machine screws with M4 thread size.

Hardware With Exposed Screws: Exposed screws are made of brass (5/8" length) and have the same finish as the hardware. Since brass screws are not as strong as steel screws, we always recommend drilling pilot holes and driving the screws with a hand screwdriver (rather than an electric drill).

Where are your products manufactured?

Our products are designed in the United States and produced in India.

Is your hardware labeled with the Prop 65 warning?

Yes, our products can expose you to chemicals, including lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Our brass contains less than 2% lead (third-party verified), well under the industry standard of 3-4%. For more information go to p65warnings.ca.gov.

The presence of lead in cabinetry hardware is normal and very common. Lead improves the machinability of brass. Lead-free brass is generally only used in plumbing and drinking water fixtures, where safety regulations are stricter.

Are your knobs hollow?

No, our knobs have solid cores of brass and have a nice heft to them.

Do you offer hardware samples?

We do not currently offer any sort of bundled sampling package, though this is something we're working on.

However, we do recommend ordering sample hardware pieces that you are considering for your project. This will ensure you are satisfied with the size, style, and finish color in your space before purchasing a larger order and minimize costly returns.

Can your pulls be used on appliances?

Our 12” and 18” pulls are designated as appliance pulls and feature wider and larger dimensions. However, the smaller pulls can also function as appliance pulls.

Finishes & Care

What finishes do you offer?

  • Unlacquered Polished Brass: Unlacquered polished brass, our most popular finish, is often called a 'living finish'. With no lacquer coating, the brass will naturally take on a beautiful aged patina over time. The rate at which this occurs can be affected by a number of factors from handling to humidity, and could vary among hardware pieces. This finished is polished to a high shine and left unsealed.
  • Polished Brass (Lacquered): (SHIPPING SOON.) Beautiful brass polished to a high shine and sealed with a lacquer coating to prevent any patina.
  • Aged Brass (Lacquered): Lightly textured brass with a moderate patina that is sealed to prevent further change. This finish will stay static over time.
  • Unlacquered Aged Brass: (SHIPPING SOON.) Lightly textured brass with a moderate patina that is left unsealed. This finish will patina further over time for a beautiful and traditional look. Do NOT use brass polish on unlacquered aged brass—it can damage the aged finish.
  • Polished Nickel: Polished nickel-plated brass. Polished to a high shine and sealed, making it resistant to tarnishing.
  • Matte Black: A stable, non-reactive coating that will protect your brass hardware. It is a matte finish with a very lightly stippled appearance.

How do I care for my brass hardware?

Use mild soap and water and a soft cloth (we recommend microfiber) to clean your brass hardware. For unlacquered brass finishes, this will not remove its patina. Avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive cloths or pads.

Keep in mind that unlacquered polished brass naturally develops a patina over time, which enhances its natural beauty. To remove patina and restore unlacquered polished brass to its original shine, use a brass polish and microfiber cloth. After polishing, it will begin to patina again over time just as it did before.

Do NOT use brass polish on Unlacquered Aged Brass—it can damage the aged finish.

Why do some unlacquered brass hardware pieces patina at different rates or amounts?

Check out our guide to understanding unlacquered brass patina.

Unlacquered polished brass, our most popular finish, is often called a 'living finish'. With no lacquer coating, the brass will naturally take on a beautiful aged patina over time. The rate at which this occurs can be affected by a number of factors from handling to humidity, and could vary among hardware pieces.

A knob or pull that gets used more may patina faster than one that is used less often. For most, this isn't a concern since the look of a natural brass patina is popular and highly sought after.

If you are concerned about slight patina variations among hardware pieces, we recommend our other finishes that are sealed with a lacquer coating, which will prevent any patina from developing.

Can I apply my own aging finish to my hardware?

Brass aging solutions will only work on unlacquered brass. While you are free to do so with your hardware, Tradition Hardware cannot be held liable if your hardware becomes damaged in the process of applying an aging solution.

Any pieces where an aging solution has been applied cannot be returned.

Orders, Shipping, & Returns

What is the status of my order?

You can see the status of your order and view its tracking (if it's been shipped) by logging into your Shopify account and going to the orders page.

What is your shipping policy?

We offer free shipping on orders over $99. For orders under $99, it is a calculated shipping rate.

You can read our full shipping policy here.

Can I return hardware pieces?

Yes, we have a 30-day return policy on most hardware items. You can see our full return policy here.

What do I need to do if items arrived damaged or missing?

Please contact customer support as soon as possible. You can reach us at support@traditionhardware.com. Or you can send us a message here.

What if the hardware I want is low or out of stock?

Low Stock: If the in-stock quantity of a hardware piece is lower than what you need, add to your cart the number that is in stock. After you complete your purchase, you'll be able to pre-order the additional pieces you need and an estimated delivery date will be provided.

Out of Stock: Generally, you'll be able to pre-order out of stock hardware pieces. An estimated shipping date is also listed on the product page.

When will pre-ordered hardware ship?

We do our best to replenish products before they are completely out of stock. In the event that a product does become out of stock, the shipping dates provided are estimates and are not guaranteed.

If you need further assistance, you can reach out to customer support at support@traditionhardware.com.