Hardware and fasteners — price, types and what to check
Locks, hinges, channels, screws and anchors.
Small items with outsized impact. Cheap hinges sag, poor channels jam and rusting screws stain — good hardware is what makes woodwork feel expensive.
The basics
- SS 304 resists rust; brass gives a classic look; zinc alloy is the budget option.
- Soft-close hinges and telescopic channels are standard in modular furniture.
- Fasteners include screws, nails, wall plugs, rawl bolts and chemical anchors.
Hardware and fasteners types and price ranges in India
| Type | Specification | Best used for | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mortise / main door lock | Brass / SS | Main doors | ₹1,200–8,000 |
| Digital smart lock | Fingerprint / PIN | Keyless entry | ₹8,000–35,000 |
| Butt hinge | SS 4″–5″ | Door frames | ₹80–400 |
| Soft-close cabinet hinge | Auto-close | Cabinets | ₹80–400 |
| Telescopic channel / tandem box | Soft-close | Drawers | ₹300–5,000 |
| Handles, knobs, tower bolts, stoppers | SS / brass / zinc | Doors and furniture | ₹50–2,000 |
| Screws and nails | SS / zinc-plated | General fixing | ₹60–400 |
| Wall plugs, rawl bolts, chemical anchors | Nylon / steel | Heavy fixings | ₹5–150 |
Quality checks before you accept delivery
- SS 304 is largely non-magnetic — a magnet is a quick first check.
- Heavier hinges and handles usually mean better metal.
- Channels should slide silently under full load.
- Cycle hinges and channels fully open and closed before buying.
- Plating should be free of pits or peeling.
- Confirm the load rating on drawer channels.
Pro tips
- Three hinges per door; four for heavy teak doors.
- Hinge screws should go at least 1¼″ into the frame.
- Specify SS 316 hardware outdoors in coastal cities.
- Buy hinges and channels from one brand so they adjust together.
- Use anti-corrosion screws in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Grease hinges once a year.
- Register key codes for main locks.
Mistakes to avoid
- Iron screws on SS fittings — rust stains.
- Too few hinges on tall wardrobe doors.
- Digital locks without a mechanical key backup.
- Undersized screws on heavy doors.
- Look-alike hardware without brand markings.
Where you can save
- Mid-range branded fittings outlast unbranded 'premium-looking' ones.
- Buy screws by the box.
How much you need
Roughly 3 hinges, 1 lock, 1 handle set and 2 tower bolts per door.
Brands to know
Dorset, Godrej Locks, Hettich, Hafele, Ebco, Europa, Yale, Ozone
Related materials
Doors and windowsFrames, shutters, uPVC and aluminium windows.Plywood and laminatesWardrobes, beds, panelling and their finishes.Grills, railings and shedsWindow grills, stair railings, MS sheds and general metalwork.Shutters and gatesShop shutters, rolling shutters, collapsible and main gates, automation.