All content copyright Tom Rubenoff 2010-2021
Someday you might come home or go to open up your business and find that your key won’t turn at all, not even a little. There are several reasons this might occur. At right, illustrations show the operation of a standard pin tumbler lock. When you insert your key, the key raises the pins to … Continue reading “When Your Key Won’t Turn”
As a locksmith I was called many times to fix what the customer thought was a lock problem only to find that the problem was with the door, not with the lock. “What’s the difference?” you may well ask, proving to me that you are no locksmith. “Well,” I would smugly reply, relishing my brief … Continue reading “Door Problems”
Definition Basically: Fail Safe = power off, it’s unlocked Fail Secure = power off, it’s locked Electric locking devices include: Electric strikes Electromagnetic locks Electromechanical locks Electrified exit devices Most electric strikes are sold fail secure by default. For example, if you order a Von Duprin 6123 24V US32D, and architectural grade 1 electric strike, … Continue reading “Fail Safe and Fail Secure Electric Locking Devices”
A huge variety of door hinges are available in today’s commercial hardware market. Which hinge is right for your application? This article discusses hinge types, hinge characteristics, and basic guidelines on how to choose a hinge for your application. Parts of a Hinge At right is an illustration that details the components of a full … Continue reading “Hinge Basics ‐ Architectural and Residential Hinges”
About Tom Rubenoff Door Hardware Genius. (Formerly known as The Hardware Weasel: ferreting out that hard-to-find hardware for you.) Senior Poetry Editor: Eye on Life E-Zine More than 30 years in the hardware industry: 14 years in hardware distribution, 17 years as a commercial locksmith. Bachelor of Science in Technical Communications, published poet and writer. … Continue reading “About”