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  • What is an ADA compliant door closer?
    They are door closers that meet ADA (American Disabilities Act) requirements for door opening force. Click here to learn more about ADA Compliant Door Hardware
  • What is a Door Closer Arm and what are the differences?
    Regular Arm: This is the only pull-side application where a double lever arm is used. It is the most power efficient application for a door closer. Since the arm assembly projects directly out from the door frame, the Regular Arm mounting may present aesthetic issues. Top Jamb: For efficiency reasons this application provides the best alternative to the Regular Arm mounting. Top Jamb mounting provides the best door control for doors in exterior walls that swing out of the building. The entire door closer and arm assemble project from the frame, similar to the Regular Arm mounting. Parallel Arm: This application provides the most appealing appearance for a over head surface mounted door closer having a double lever arm. It is also beneficial in abuse (vandalism) prone areas. It is on the push side of the door and the arm assembly extends almost parallel to the door. When the door is closed there is very little hardware projecting from the frame face. Parallel Arm application will also allow the door to swing 180 degrees. Due to the geometry of the arm, it is approximately 25% less power efficient than Regular Arm or Top Jamb mounting. Hold Open Arm: is the ability of the door closer to hold the door in the open position. Most over head door closers achieve this function via a special type arm (Hold Open Arm).
  • How do I determine the handing for a lock?
    To determine the handing of a door lock, stand Outside the room or building facing the door. If the hinges are on the left side of the door, the door is Left Hand (LH). If the hinges are on the right side, the door is Right Hand (RH).
  • What is Backset and how do I determine the backset for a door lock?
    A. Measure from the edge of door to the center of the bore hole or the lock body that you are replacing. Most backsets are either 2-3/8" or 2-3/4".
  • What do the different lock functions mean?
    Lock functions control the flow of people through a building. Here are a few examples. Keyed Entry or Entry Lock: Uses a key to open the lock from the outside so you can gain entry to space. Some entry locks use cards or push buttons instead of keys. Privacy: Locks but has access to unlock from the outside via a small hole or slot to insert a simple tool. Privacy locks do not offer security. Used on bedroom and bathroom doors. Passage: Latches door closed and does not lock. Used on hall and closet doors. Dummy: Single Dummy for one side of door. Double Dummy for both sides of door. Used as a door pull or for matching trim. Most commonly used on the inactive door on double doors. Storeroom: Outside lever/knob fixed, entry by key only. Inside lever/knob always unlocked. Classroom: Outside lever/knob locked and unlocked by key. Inside lever/knob always unlocked
  • What is the meaning of a single and double cylinder?
    Single Cylinder: Is controlled by a key on the outside and a turn knob on the inside. Double cylinder: is controlled by a key on both the outside and inside. Normally used where you have glass next to the lock, as it can be broken and unlock if a turn knob was there.
  • What is a mortise latch or mortise lock?
    A lock designed to fit in a cavity that is approximately 7" long by 2" to 6" deep in the edge of door.
  • What is a strike?
    A metal plate that receives the door bolt or latch when the door is closed. Strike Plates come in many shapes, styles and sizes for different applications.
  • How do you determine the handing of a door?
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