It may be because it’s no longer aligned properly. Fortunately, we know a few ways to tell if this is the case and we can give you solutions to fix it. Let’s go over four of them.

1. Difficulty Opening/Closing

If your door used to open and close smoothly, but no longer does, this is one of the most obvious signs of a misalignment. You shouldn’t have to use excessive force to shut your door and it shouldn’t stick or jam frequently. This could be because of shifts in your home, changes in temperature and humidity, or general wear and tear. Whatever the reason, the solution will involve checking that all hardware in the door is still intact and tightened. If issues still occur, the hinges (or entire door) may need to be replaced. If you’re unsure, a locksmith can help.

2. Visible Gaps

If there are gaps around the door when it’s closed, that’s another warning sign. This condition can allow light, dust and even pests to enter your home, in addition to creating a security concern. Energy efficiency may suffer, as well as indoor comfort, so this isn’t an issue you want to live with. Whether the gaps are on the top, bottom or sides of the door, you can start addressing it by inspecting for warping or damage. Use a level to confirm whether the door frame is straight, and if not, adjust or replace the door as necessary.

3. Uneven Floor Clearance

There should be consistent clearance along the bottom of the door. If one side seems higher or lower than the other, that means the door is likely misaligned. This can be due to uneven flooring surfaces as well, or improper installation. Again, check for damage to the door frame and make any adjustments that need to be made. If you can’t fix it by shimming the hinges, adjustable door sweeps can help compensate for uneven alignment. But your best bet is to see a professional locksmith for their advice.

4. Excessive Noises

Finally, if you notice consistent squeaking, grinding, scraping, creaking or other sounds, it could be due to a misalignment or friction between moving door components. In this case, inspect the hinges, latch and door hardware for issues (and lubricate as necessary). If the noises persist, consider replacing the hinges or hardware with options that restore smooth operation and prevent future issues.

These are just a few examples of how to work with or fix misaligned doors in your home. If you still have a door problem you can’t diagnose or you’re interested in new locks, keys or other security needs, contact A-1 Locksmith today.

Prox cards. Electric strikes. Door releases. What do all of these terms have in common? They’re related to door hardware. Whether you work with doors regularly, have employment in the locksmithing industry or simply want to increase your practical knowledge, knowing these terms can come in handy.

Let’s review 10 door hardware terms that you might not know. 

1. Access Control

This is a broad term that basically describes the device that controls access to your doors, gates or wherever else you place them. Often used by businesses, these utilize smart technology to function and are usually powered by electricity or batteries. They can be accessed by several devices and methods, which we’ll cover below.

2. Prox Cards

Also known as “proximity cards,” these devices use advanced technology to access and unlock both door and gate entry systems. It gets its name from the fact these cards have to be in close proximity to the access control panel for them to trigger unlocking the door or gate. Note that these cards depend on signals, which could get interrupted if anything is between the card and access control panel.

3. Card Swipes

These are also known by a variety of other terms, such as key card door locks, card swipe door locks and card reader door locks. These are similar to prox cards in that many models allow you to swipe the card in close proximity to the access control panel for it to open. Other models include additional access options such as combinations, fingerprints, card slots and standard key slots.

4. Touchless Access Control

As you’ve seen above, access control provides several options for locking and unlocking doors. Another entry method is the touchless version, which can be anything from a panel that detects hand movement to panels you unlock with your phone. This can provide peace of mind about the spread of germs and also utilizes the latest technology.

5. Button Keypads

These are what you usually find at most businesses. They are usually composed of 12 buttons, though the number can vary depending on your desired complexity and aesthetics. Using a simple combination on the keypad, you can unlock whatever door it’s installed on.

6. Electric Strike

This is the part of the lock that enables the electric release of the latch or bolt. It’s triggered via an electric signal, which can be sent through prox cards, phones, hand waves or whatever method you choose for the access control panel.

7. Electric Solenoid

This is what actually powers the motor to open the lock when it’s triggered. There are a couple of other ways to accomplish this (e.g. magnet), but the electric solenoid relies on an electric current to lock and unlock the door. It’s important to note that these electric solenoids often have a fail-safe option that unlocks automatically if the power cuts off. (Though fail-secure door hardware options are also available.)

8. Electric Motor

As you can glean from the above information, the motor powers the lock. An electric motor is powered by the electric solenoid and works with the strike plate and signal-sending device to lock and unlock the door it’s installed on.

9. Battery Keypad

If power isn’t an option on the door you want to secure, a battery keypad might be the best option. These act similar to button keypads, but they use batteries instead of an electric current to operate the solenoid, motor and strike. It’s clearly important to replace these batteries regularly to avoid access problems.

10. Door Release

These are a simpler type of door access control in that they only require a button to release the door. If you’ve ever seen one of those “push to exit” buttons at a hospital or another facility, you’ve seen a door release.

This is just a sampling of the door hardware terminology out there. If there are other door hardware terms, technology or replacement options you’d like to know about, visit any of our Dallas-Fort Worth A-1 Locksmith locations today!

Check Hardware and Materials Ahead of Time

The more you prepare ahead of time and reduce your likely number of trips to the hardware store, the faster and smoother the process for your door installation will be. Make sure you have both the tools (e.g. hammer, saw, screwdriver) and materials (e.g. frame, screws, nails, caulk). If you’re installing a specialty door lock, you might want to triple check your supplies before getting started.

Measure, Then Measure Again

That old saying “measure twice, cut once” exists for a reason. It’s literal in this scenario, as we’re talking about measuring things like the frame and door gap properly. You want to ensure everything is level and aligned so the new door lock will fit and operate smoothly. If you don’t measure properly, it might require adjustments and another door lock installation attempt. If you’re actually drilling the holes for the door hardware, this becomes even more important because you can ruin a door in a worst-case scenario.

Make Adjustments As Necessary

Speaking of adjustments, it’s better to do them than risk failure or premature wear in the near future. Yes, installing a door lock (or door lock hardware) again right after you installed it is a pain, but it will cost you less time and money than having to replace it again in a few months.

Turn to A Professional If Needed

If it feels like you’re in over your head, that means you probably are. There is no shame in hiring a professional for something seemingly small like a door lock. Security is one of the most important aspects of your home, so controlling who can access it is important. There’s nothing wrong with a DIY attempt for most things in your home, but when it comes to home security, why not trust a professional locksmith instead? If you have any other door or security-related questions, contact the team at A-1 Locksmith today and we’ll be happy to help you out.

For simplicity, replacing door hardware is almost always the economically correct decision. The question is, what are the symptoms you should look for that should prompt you to replace your door hardware? Are there also reasons to replace perfectly good door hardware?

From broken handles to worn locks, the hardware on your door can be replaced for a variety of reasons. Let’s go over five of the most common ones.

1. You’ve Had a Break-In

If you’ve had a burglary or some other security issue (like an ex who makes you uneasy), it’s a good idea to replace your door hardware. For one, it’s apparent you need a better security solution. Secondly, the person who broke in might still have access to keys or a way to enter your home or business. For peace of mind, it’s always a good choice to replace. 

2. You Moved Into a New Home

Similar to the above situation, you have no idea who has access to your home when you move into a new one. There are the former homeowners, contractors, realtors and other people who have had control of your locks and entry points, so replacing door hardware will help you ensure that only the people you choose can enter your home or business.

3. You Want to Upgrade

You don’t always have to be reactive when it comes to door locks and hardware. Upgrading is a smart decision even when you aren’t having security issues. Just like you change your password regularly online, it’s a good idea to upgrade or change out your locks every so often.

4. Your Existing Locks Have Wear or Damage

Anything mechanical is going to wear down eventually. Over time, your door locks may wear down and not provide adequate security for your building. Damage can also occur, due to blunt force, the weather or another accident. When it comes to replacing door hardware, you can choose to repair or replace, but we’ll always recommend the latter.

5. You Want to Change Things Up!

Finally, you might just not like how your existing door hardware looks. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of styles, colors and materials to choose from with door hardware. In addition to upgrading your door hardware security, it can deter potential thieves who can see that you keep up your home or business security.

If you’re interested in more door hardware advice or have a residential security-related question, contact the team at A-1 Locksmith today.

Locks, handles and knobs… they all seem like pretty easy hardware to fix, but are actually more complicated than you might think. Here are some best practices to follow, as well as when to call a professional locksmith. 

Know Your Types

First, get to know the different types of door locks, keys and door hardware components. Door hardware can vary in type (e.g. simple, exposed, privacy, fastener, etc.), with different closures, features and mechanical components. Follow a security tips blog, do some research and know what you’re working with before you get started.

Determine the Situation

Next, try to determine what is wrong with the door hardware. Are you replacing it for functional or cosmetic reasons? If it’s the latter, you’re probably safe with some less diligent approaches such as referencing some instructions or videos. If you’re worried about function or the type of hardware, you may want to call a professional locksmith to give you a concrete answer.

Repair or Replace?

Repairing or replacing the door hardware is another best practice to consider, as many existing components can be repaired, while others need to be replaced. If any component is worn down, damaged or compromised in another way, replacement is the best safety/security option. Repair is feasible for certain issues, like stuck locks, but usually requires the assistance of a professional locksmith experienced with door hardware. 

When To Call A Pro

If you want to save yourself the hassle, frustration and time/monetary costs of attempting a door hardware replacement yourself, give a professional locksmith a call as your first option. The expert technicians at A-1 Locksmith, for example, have installed, repaired and replaced thousands of locks, doors and keys over the years and know what to look for when it comes to door issues. They can quickly help you identify the problem, determine if replacing or repairing is the best route to take and then give you advice or handle the task for you.

If you’d like more residential security tips like this, give us a call at (972) 284-7500 or stop by any of our DFW-area locations today and one of our expert technicians will be happy to answer your questions.

Like any other home appliance, a door and its related hardware requires routine inspection and maintenance to make sure that everything works correctly. The following guide is meant to help you understand the hardware of your door, as well as what you can do if it needs repair or replacement.

Door Hardware Specifics

Nearly all doors are installed with the same (or similar) hardware. To be sure, in order to latch shut, the door must contain a latch on the door, as well as a latch strike on the door frame. And, if the door utilizes a deadbolt, opposite this will be a deadbolt strike in the door frame, as well. Finally, the door will possess a mortise plate that surrounds the latch, as well as a lever or knob to open the door itself. This is not an exhaustive list of the hardware you may see on your door; however, issues often arise with these specifically, so understanding their placement and purpose can help in the pursuit of a remedy.

Inspecting and Maintaining Door Hardware

In general, as a homeowner or business owner, it is imperative that you take action immediately if you notice an issue with one of your doors. And, one of the most common issues to arise with door hardware involves the door not latching easily when shut, or not latching at all. This can be an inconvenience, at best; or a safety hazard, if the door cannot be locked.

Ultimately, if the door is unable to latch, it means either the latch or the deadbolt (or both) is missing the strike on the door foundation; this could be due to the house foundation shifting over time, or the door pulling the hinges downwards.

Check Your Hardware Routinely, and Call a Locksmith for Help

While there is no exact amount of time after which you must check your door hardware, doing so on a routine basis, especially if you notice wear and tear, can help you catch problems before they arise.

Of course, if you do notice a problem with your door hardware, it is imperative that you contact a locksmith. A skilled locksmith can identify the source of the issue and find a quick solution to help you protect your home.

Do you need a locksmith in the Dallas area? Reach out to us today at A-1 Locksmith for assistance. We have been helping Dallas residents for over 65 years, and we would like to put our experience to work for you immediately.