All content copyright Tom Rubenoff 2010-2021
Colloquially known as round corner hinges, radius corner hinges are used mainly on residential doors but also in some commercial applications. In the United States radius corner hinges come in two curvatures: ¼-inch radius and 5/8-inch radius. The difference is easy to see when the different radius hinges are side by side as shown below. … Continue reading “Radius Corner Hinges”
This just goes to show that there is no substitute for field experience. In the quest to provide the best service to his customer, this locksmith went past my advice and the advice of factory tech support to find the best solution. The locksmith inquired about a replacement latch for a Schlage CO200MS mortise lock. … Continue reading “Schlage CO and AD Series Mortise Lock Parts”
This article is for facilities or property managers who need to buy hardware for change-of-use projects in which there is no architect involved. On larger projects that involve build-outs or new construction, along with the doors architects usually specify the door hardware, often with the help of an Authorized Hardware Consultant (AHC). On smaller projects … Continue reading “How to Order Door Hardware for Small Commercial Projects”
There are many sources on the Internet that provide guides to door hardware finishes with brief descriptions. In this article I describe the most common finishes in more detail to try to make it easier for hardware specifiers and installers to identify finishes in the field. The ‘finish’ of a piece of door hardware refers … Continue reading “Identifying Door Hardware Finishes”
If you are a door hardware professional you’ve seen them: the stupid specification, the dumb door schedule and the hardware take-off from hell. If I had a penny for every dollar I’ve saved customers by debunking bad specs, I’d probably be a gazillionaire today. Where do they come from? There are a couple of sources. … Continue reading “The Scary Spec”
A Pullman latch is a type of exit device latch. The leading edge of a Pullman latch, the part that hits the strike first as the door closes, is a ramp. The back of the latch, the part that rests against the strike to keep the door latched shut, is rounded. When the Pullman latch … Continue reading “What Is A Pullman Latch?”
Security in our elementary and secondary schools has become much more important. Schools across the country are implementing lockdown procedures in case of emergency. Lockdowns are achieved through the use of locks, and new lock functions have been developed for use in concert with existing lock functions to answer the need for increased security. Classroom … Continue reading “Overview: School Security Hardware”
The door hardware industry breathlessly awaits the debut of Securitron’s new PowerJump ICPT™ Inductive Coupling Power Transfer. The PowerJump is Securitron’s miraculous new device that may put a significant dent in the electric through-wire hinge market. I mean, why would you drill a half inch hole the width of a 36-inch door when you could … Continue reading “Securitron’s new PowerJump ICPT™ Inductive Coupling Power Transfer”
One of the hallmarks of bad hardware choices is the “pocket ripper” strike, used on a pair of doors when there is an inactive leaf with flush bolts or a vertical rod exit device and an active leaf with a rim exit device. Whenever I see this I think, “Cheap bastard,” because the only reason … Continue reading “The Double Door Rim Strike – A.K.A. “The Pocket Ripper””
Simple and robust design helps to ensure security and longevity; single motion egress ensures life safety code compliance. Simple to order and to install, the Trident offers excellent security while preserving life safety. The first thing I noticed when I unpacked the box was the small number of parts. The second thing I noticed … Continue reading “Securitech Trident Multi-Point Deadbolt Exit Lock”