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   • Eric Sloane

Start Here > Shutter Hardware Elements

Functional shutters were necessary appointments on early homes; providing security, protection from storms and sun, and privacy to the homeowner. Regardless of the period, location, size or style of the shutters, they required hardware to stay open when not in use and to swing closed and lock in that position when required.

Generally three elements of shutter hardware are involved in a functional installation:

• Hinges and pintles – the hinges attach to the shutters, the pintles attach to the structure and provide the pins on which the hinges (and shutters) swing from open to closed.
• Hold-opens – attach to the structure and serve to keep the shutters in the open position. Shutter tie-backs or dogs are most common; hooks of various sorts were also used.
• Locks – if you can’t lock the shutters in the closed position they are not functional. This critical hardware element is the one most often forgotten. Locks keep the shutters closed. Closed shutters provide storm protection, privacy, shade the interior and its contents, and secure the home over night or for the season. They’re also the most visible hardware element when the shutters are in the open position – which is most of the time.

There are a lot of considerations in configuring a shutter/hardware package for your windows or doors. There are a lot of terms specific to shutter hardware that are new to most people. There are many approaches to combining shutters and hardware. Since we make what we sell, we can tailor solutions specific to your installation that are available from no other hardware retailer.

Please remember that we work with these details on a daily basis and have years (decades, actually) of experience in making shutters work. Don’t hesitate to call with questions. We’re happy to work with you to put together a package that will best serve your needs, install easily on your structure, and work with your budget.