Applied, visible components, usually made of metal, that facilitate use of an object by allowing its parts to move, be secured, or attached to one another.

 

Brackets

Horizontal structures made of wood or metal that project from a vertical component. Brackets may support weight applied from above, such as a shelf; support suspended weight, such as a hanging object; or be purely decorative.		  

Locks

Hardware that relies on a key to secure part of an object.
     

Escutcheons

Large, usually flat plates that surround openings such as keyholes or projections such as door knobs. See also keyhole surrounds.

Also called brasses.

  

Mounts

Shaped metal ornaments applied for decoration and to protect the corners or edges of surfaces, especially veneered surfaces.
     

Hinges

Hardware that attaches two adjacent components and allows one component to move in one plane. Frequently made of two interlocking plates joined with a pin that acts as a pivot point.

  

Nails

Slender metal fasteners used to join materials or components. Nails with large, decorative heads may be applied solely for purposes of decoration, as in some over-the-rail upholstery.

Also called brads or tacks.
     

Latches

Hardware in which a moving horizontal component, such as a bolt, holds in place part of an object.

  

Pulls

Handles or hand-holds that facilitate opening a door or drawer by providing something to pull.

Also called brasses.