A horizontal handle on a lockset.

This is a horizontal handle for operating the latch mechanism. These handles are usually spring-loaded to ensure the return to the horizontal position after use. Lever handles may be preferred to knobs where the door is constantly used by people passing through with their hands full, i.e. an office door.  It is comparatively easy to depress the lever with an e bow and push a door when it opens away from you. Lever handles for architectural work should be functional, well proportioned and of simple clean-cut lines, except where ‘period styling' is required. The levers should be of good size providing a satisfactory grip, but the projection should not be excessive.  In busy premises such as schools, restaurants, hotels and hospitals where users are likely to pass close to a door, lever handles which return to the face of the door are more appropriate for safety reasons.

A horizontal handle for operating the bolt(s) of a lock.

a horizontal handle for operating the latch mechanism. The handles are usually spring-loaded to ensure return to horizontal position after use. Some foreign handles (NOT the ones we sell!) are un-sprung - but this is not a problem as the latch just needs a stronger spring instead.