Supplied by Trade Door Handles, trusted UK supplier of architectural ironmongery since 1976, with quick nationwide delivery.

When it comes to architectural ironmongery, few names are as respected as Carlisle Brass. Known for its durable, reliable, and stylish hardware, the Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery range sets the standard for both commercial and residential use across the UK.

This comprehensive guide explains the differences between stainless steel grades 202, 304, and 316, their properties, where they’re best used, and introduces the EuroSpec stainless steel hardware range — the professional-grade extension of the Carlisle Brass brand.

As part of our premium architectural range, Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery continues to set the benchmark for quality, durability, and style across the UK.

Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery is synonymous with strength, corrosion resistance, and design versatility. These qualities make it the perfect choice for doors, windows, and fittings in both modern and traditional spaces.

Advantages include:

• Outstanding rust and corrosion resistance

• Excellent fire-rating and compliance standards

• Easy maintenance and long lifespan

• Stylish satin or polished finishes

• Suitable for domestic, commercial, and coastal use

Whether you’re an installer, architect, or homeowner, the Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery range ensures quality, safety, and style.

Carlisle Brass is the parent company behind EuroSpec, a professional sub-brand that specialises exclusively in Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery for commercial, architectural, and high-spec residential projects.

EuroSpec products are precision-engineered, rigorously tested, and fully compliant with the latest UK and EU regulations. They’re designed for architects, contractors, and professional installers who require long-term durability and performance.

Every EuroSpec fitting is part of the wider Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery portfolio — a trusted name in quality, consistency, and finish across the UK.

Carlisle Brass Ltd holds both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, ensuring that all Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery is fully traceable from manufacture to delivery, while continuously improving environmental performance.

This partnership between Carlisle Brass and EuroSpec ensures every stainless steel fitting reflects the highest standards of British design, safety, and reliability — the true benchmark of professional Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery.

Every product in the Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery range is manufactured using precise grades of stainless steel, ensuring the right balance of performance and longevity.

Before selecting your Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery, it’s important to understand how different stainless steel grades perform.

Stainless steel combines iron, chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, with each element influencing corrosion resistance, durability, and finish quality.

Within the Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery collection, three main grades are used — 202, 304, and 316 — each chosen for specific performance, appearance, and environmental suitability.

Grade 202 is the most affordable grade within the Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery range.
It contains approximately 16–18% chromium, 4–6% nickel, and 7–9% manganese, delivering reliable strength for interior door handles and light commercial environments.

Ideal for: Offices, residential interiors, and non-corrosive indoor environments.

Pros:

• Strong, durable, and cost-effective

• Ideal for internal applications
  Cons:

• Not suited to exterior or coastal conditions

This grade is used in the EuroSpec Grade 201 CSL Backplate Range, an excellent example of efficient and affordable Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery design.

Grade 304 stainless steel is the true workhorse of Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery, balancing corrosion resistance and clean visual appeal.
Containing 18% chromium and 8–10% nickel, it’s ideal for both commercial and residential interiors across the UK.

Ideal for: Hotels, schools, offices, and sheltered exterior doors.

Pros:

• Exceptional rust and stain resistance

• FD30/60 fire-door certified

• Hygienic and low maintenance
  Cons:

• May show slight tarnish in coastal exposure

You’ll find Grade 304 used extensively throughout the EuroSpec CSL, SWL, and SSL series — all key components of the Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery family.

Grade 316 stainless steel represents the top tier of Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery, crafted for the toughest conditions.
It contains 16–18% chromium, 10–14% nickel, and 2–3% molybdenum, offering maximum protection against salt, humidity, and environmental pollutants.

Ideal for: Marine buildings, public leisure facilities, and coastal properties.

Pros:

• Superior corrosion resistance

• 25-year mechanical warranty
  Cons:

• Higher cost but unmatched longevity

This premium grade is showcased in the EuroSpec Grade 316 Pull Handles — the flagship of the Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery collection, built for extreme environments.

Each stainless steel grade within the Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery portfolio offers the ideal balance of durability, design, and compliance.
From cost-effective Grade 202 interior levers to marine-grade 316 pull handles, Carlisle Brass provides every level of specification with precision, traceability, and trusted UK manufacturing quality.

Each stainless steel grade within the Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery collection is engineered for precision, compliance, and design continuity — ensuring that every installation, whether residential or commercial, performs beautifully for decades.

The EuroSpec Grade 304 Levers on Rose collection forms a cornerstone of the Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery range, combining contemporary design with exceptional durability. Each handle is manufactured from Grade 304 architectural stainless steel and available in both round and square rose variations, giving architects and installers a flexible, design-led solution.

Key features:

• 10-year mechanical guarantee for lasting performance

• FD30/60 fire-door rated to UK safety standards

• Ideal for offices, hotels, schools, and modern residential projects

• Satin and polished finishes to match the wider Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery portfolio

These levers provide reliable function and minimalist styling — the perfect balance between design and practicality. Whether used in large commercial buildings or contemporary homes, they exemplify the strength and elegance associated with Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery.

The EuroSpec Grade 304 SWL Range is purpose-built for fire-rated and smoke-control doors to BS EN 1634 standards, making it an essential component within the Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery lineup. Engineered from Grade 304 stainless steel, this range offers both structural integrity and refined visual appeal.

Highlights:

• 7 mm concealed threaded roses with secure Heso spindle fixing

• Fire Door rated and DDA-compliant for accessibility compliance

• Matching stainless-steel accessories ensure visual continuity

Chosen by specifiers, contractors, and developers across the UK, this range offers the dependable performance expected of Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery — ideal for hospitals, schools, and large commercial installations.

The EuroSpec Grade 304 SSL Range brings clean architectural lines and refined detailing to the Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery collection. Designed with a square 8 mm concealed rose, it provides a seamless, flush appearance — perfect for high-end residential and corporate interiors.

Benefits:

• Grade 304 stainless steel construction for long-term resilience

• Fully fire- and smoke-rated to BS EN 1634

• Secure Heso fixing system to prevent lever movement

• Available with matching door hardware and accessories

Favoured by architects working on luxury developments, hotels, and offices, this range embodies the strength and design precision synonymous with Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery.

The EuroSpec Grade 304 CSL 6 mm Range continues the evolution of Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery, embracing the trend toward low-profile, minimalist hardware. The 6 mm rose design delivers a sleek, modern aesthetic while retaining the strength and fire-rating expected from EuroSpec products.

Key attributes:

• Ultra-slim 6 mm rose profile

• FD30/60 Fire Door certification

• Stainless inner rose with secure spindle fixing

• Coordinated accessories for design consistency

Used widely across modern apartments, commercial offices, and premium interior fit-outs, this range is ideal for professionals specifying durable yet visually subtle Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery.

The EuroSpec Grade 304 CSL Range is one of the most popular specifications within Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery for its robust design and architectural-grade finish. With sprung levers on round rose, it delivers long-term performance in demanding environments.

Details:

• Grade 304 stainless steel construction

• 8 mm concealed zinc-plated inner rose

• FD30/60 fire rating and 10-year warranty

• Compatible with EuroSpec escutcheons and turn sets

It’s a dependable choice for commercial buildings, hotels, and large-scale public sector projects, offering the durability and aesthetic appeal expected from Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery.

The EuroSpec Grade 201 CSL Backplate Range provides a cost-effective solution within the Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery family. Manufactured from Grade 201 stainless steel, it delivers strength and style at an economical price point — perfect for large housing schemes or internal office doors.

Specs:

• Grade 201 stainless steel with 10-year guarantee

• Satin or Polished Stainless finish

• Latch, lock, euro, and bathroom plate variants available

• Compatible with CSL lever designs

For contractors or developers seeking high-value hardware that still meets architectural standards, this range delivers the trusted performance of Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery without compromise.

The EuroSpec Grade 304 Concealed Fix Levers on Backplate offer premium, clean-faceplate styling as part of the Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery collection. With no visible fixings, this range creates a seamless professional appearance suited to modern architectural settings.

Features:

• Return-to-Door or Straight Lever configurations

• Fire Door rated (FD30/60) and 10-year warranty

• Concealed fixing plates for secure, minimalist installation

Ideal for offices, public buildings, and architectural door sets, this design provides the sleek finish that defines Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery at its best.

The EuroSpec Grade 316 Pull Handles are the flagship of the Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery range — designed for the harshest environments. Made from marine-grade 316 stainless steel, these handles withstand coastal air, humidity, and constant public use.

Advantages:

• Marine-grade stainless steel with 25-year mechanical guarantee

• DDA-approved and FD30/60 fire-rated

• Satin (SSS) or Polished (PSS) finishes

• Lengths available up to 1830 mm

From leisure facilities to seaside properties, this collection represents the pinnacle of durability and engineering in Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery.

The EuroSpec Grade 304 Pull Handles combine form and function within the Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery portfolio. Offering dependable strength and design uniformity, they are a popular choice for commercial and domestic properties alike.

Highlights:

• Grade 304 stainless steel with 10-year warranty

• FD30/60 fire-rated and DDA-compliant

• Finishes: Matt Black, SPVD, or Satin Stainless

• Multiple diameters and lengths to suit every project

Whether for office doors, apartment buildings, or public interiors, these handles maintain the visual consistency and long-term reliability expected of Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery.

The EuroSpec Stainless Steel Accessories collection completes every installation and ensures cohesive design across your project. Every component is part of the Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery system, designed to maintain quality and visual harmony.

Includes:

• Finger plates, kickplates, signage, numerals

• Coat hooks, handrail brackets, flush pulls, and door stops

• Brushed (SSS) or Polished (BSS) finishes for all environments

These finishing touches give any architectural project the polish and professionalism associated with Carlisle Brass stainless steel ironmongery, ensuring your installation performs and looks consistent for years to come.