Archive for the ‘Home Hardware Tips’ Category
Jun
04
Measure Twice, Buy Once (And Cut Your Expenses in Half)
It’s a common saying anywhere there are tools.
“Measure twice, cut once.”
It makes perfect sense especially when you consider that most times, you’ll only get to “cut once” either way. The only question is whether or not you’ll be happy with what’s left.
Buying hardware isn’t as final as cutting wood or metal but it can create delays, stress and tie you up in returns and exchanges for weeks.
Here are some tips to avoid the mis-measurement purgatory:
- Always measure first. There is no excuse for not measuring. It only takes a couple of minutes and it could save you months in delays. Grab your tape measure and go.
- Be as exact as possible. You might be tempted to round off numbers. Don’t do that. There might not seem like a big difference between 2 3/4″ and 2 3/8″. Just 3/8 of an inch, right? It’s actually two completely different products. If you need 2 3/8″ but get 2 3/4″ then you are in trouble. So don’t guess, ballpark or estimate. Be exact.
- Make sure you don’t get caught up on these common problem areas:
- Floor Registers: Don’t measure the register you have. Measure the vent you are trying to cover. If you’re floor register is near a wall then measure the distance between the edge of the vent and the wall. Your new register will only be able to overlap by that much.
- Door Hardware: There are two main points to measure here: door thickness and backset. Door thickness is easy. Measure how thick the door is and make sure your new knob or lever will accomadate that thickness. The backset isn’t as obvious. Measure from the edge of the door to the center of the hole your knob or lever will fit into. You’ll probably measure 2 3/8″ or 2 3/4″. Remember, be specific.
Measuring isn’t fun. Cutting things is. That’s why they came up with the saying “Measure twice, cut once.” Buying may not be as much fun as using a power tool (depends on what you are buying, I guess) but it’s more fun than measuring.
Measure anyway. It’s more fun than sending things back.
Jun
02
What is a Cremone Bolt?
If you have swinging double doors then you’ll need a cremone bolt to secure and lock them. The cremone bolt will extend past the edge of the door and into the floor and ceiling. This keeps the door from swinging.
Items like cremone bolts are why the term “decorative hardware” exists. Cremone bolts are highly visible, so you’ll want them to be as pretty as possible.
Installing cremone bolts isn’t difficult. There are two steps. First, make sure you’ve carved out a pocket above and below the door that the cremone bolt can extend into. Once that is done you can move on to the second step: mounting your cremone bolt on the door.
Our cremone bolts are made by Baldwin Hardware and come with all the necessary mounting screws you’ll need and with complete installation instructions.
May
24
Right or Right Now?
You need a piece of hardware.
Do you need it right, or do you need it right now?
If you need it right now then you should get something cheap, plastic or pull it off the shelf of your nearest big-box hardware store. We might be able to help you, but now has never been our number one priority.
Getting things right always has been our number one priority.
What’s “right?” The right front door handleset that will give you the security you need, but still make your front door look great. The right floor register will be able to stand up to your guests big feet but look so good nobody will want to step on them.
Something’s right when you don’t have any regrets about buying it. It looks and works exactly the way you want it to; you can look at it in your home without any doubts it was the right one to buy.
But what about the wait?
What about the wait? If the perfect handleset takes one month to get to you then you’ll regret the long wait for exactly one month. If you settle for the less-than-perfect handleset that you can get right away then you’ll regret not waiting everytime you look at your front door.
Get it right. Pick the best piece of hardware you can find, the one that is exactly what you want.
The one that is worth the wait.
May
21
How To Buy Cabinet Hardware: Two Important Tips!
Buying new cabinet knobs should be fun. You have wide selection to choose from and the knobs you buy can make your home prettier and feel newer.
It’s not entirely fun. There are pitfalls. One mistake can lead to headache after headache as you send knobs back then order new ones and go crazy while you wait for them to be delivered. Getting the perfect knob turns into getting any knob because it is enough already!
You don’t want to feel italicized about your cabinet knob. You want to feel happy, pleased and content. Here are two tips to avoid common problems first-time shoppers make and guarantee you’ll finish with a bold feeling about your cabinet hardware.
1. Buy a sample.
You test drive a car before you buy it, right? Take your cabinet knob for a “test drive” and you’ll be sure to feel good about the type you buy.
Don’t just go out and buy 20 or 30 of one type of knob. You need to see how it will look in your home before you can make a final decision. A cabinet know will look different in the store. It will be under specially arranged lighting, around a bunch of matching knobs, and you’ll have a salesman telling you it is the greatest knob ever made, and he has 50 just like it at home. Don’t believe him. Don’t believe your eyes.
Here’s what we recommend you do: Purchase a selection of knobs and take them home. Try each one on your doors and decide which you like best. Once you’ve picked a winner, send the rest back and order enough of your favorite to finish the room.
The extra effort is worth it because you’ll know what you’re getting and you won’t have any doubts that the elusive “right one” is still out there somewhere. Don’t worry about the extra cost of shipping either. Good stores – like A Touch of Brass – will reimburse the cost of shipping the sample knob if you come back and place a second order later on. So in the end, you’ll be saving money!
2. Buy extras.
Hardware can wear out. It’s a sad but unavoidable truth about owning a home. At least a few pieces of the shiny new hardware you’re buying today may need to be replaced sooner or later. That poses a problem if some of your cabinet knobs wear out much sooner than others. The knob on your silverware drawer will see a lot more action than the knob on your “why did I buy this from an infomercial?” drawer. If your hardware isn’t on the market anymore you’ll either have to buy all-new cabinet knobs, search for a look-alike or just turn your kitchen into a mismatched gobblety-gook of miscellaneous cabinet hardware.
Or you can just do what we recommend, which is to buy a few extra cabinet knobs when you make your initial purchase. That way, if a knob wears out or if you somehow lose one, you won’t be in trouble. Consider the extra cabinet knobs to be an insurance policy against future inconvenience.
Cabinets can really tie a room together so don’t be hasty during the selection process or stingy when you place your order. Take the time to find the perfect knob and buy a few extras just in case. Once you get your kitchen or bathroom to perfection you don’t want anything to keep it from staying that way
Feb
19
Why Order Online? No Sales Tax!!!
One of the biggest advantages of shopping online is that you don’t pay sales tax. If you shop at a brick and mortar store in your area then you’ll pay a 6% sales tax on every purchase. You can avoid that by shopping online. Depending on your purchase that 6% can really add up.
Sometimes the cost of the sales tax is just replaced with the cost of shipping. We’ve helped you avoid that by offering free shipping on all orders over $35! The only exception to our free shipping policy is brass bar railing and related accessories.
Avoiding sales tax really helps your bottom line on big ticket items like handlesets and fireplace doors.
So save yourself some money! Browse all you want at the local stores but when it comes time to make your purchase, shop online with A Touch of Brass!
Feb
18
Exterior Hardware: Get Your House Ready for Warm Weather!
We’ve passed the halfway point of February and that means that the end of winter is in sight, if not quite in reach. That’s fine! A little extra time is just what you need to get your house ready for warm weather.
Warmer weather and longer days means you can stop treating your home like a fortress that’s protecting you from winter’s harsh attacks and start letting your guard down!
We have screen door locks for those perfect days when you’ll want the windows open and fresh air flowing through your house and smooth window locks that will make opening and closing your windows effortless.
The outside of your home can shine as bright as the spring sun with all of our exterior hardware. Address plaques that will let your party guests find you with ease and door knockers and doorbell buttons that will announce their presence with style! We have kickplates and door pulls to protect your door from wear and tear and outdoor lights that will make your summer days endless affairs, even after the sun sets.
Don’t wait for the ice melt before you starting thawing out your home. Get ready for spring and summer now!
All of these items ship fast and all orders over $35 ship for free! So order now!
If you have questions about prepping your home for the warm months to come please call us at 1-800-272-7734 or just send your question to Ask Jim!
Feb
16
Need Some Remodeling Work Done? Get It Done Right!
Done Right, Inc. have been remodeling and renovating homes for over 30 years. If you’d like to give your kitchen, bath or living room a face lift than Done Right, Inc. will get it done for you.
Click here to see some of their handiwork!
Their motto is “No job is too small!”
So if you need a tiny touch-up to one part of your house or complete makeover, Done Right, Inc. will be happy to help you.
A Touch of Brass is proud to recommend Done Right, Inc. You can visit them on the web here.
If you need work done in the Maryland area don’t know who to call then call us! With over 35 years of experience in construction, remodeling and home decoration we know where to go for quality service, fine craftsmanship and work you’ll be proud of. Please call us at 1-800-272-7734 or just send your question to Ask Jim!
Feb
14
Baldwin Madison Handleset, A Great Choice For Any Door!
Finding the right handleset for your front door can be tricky for many reasons. You might want a special finish or a particular design and none of the handlesets you see match what you want. The only way to solve those problems is to keep looking until you find what’s right. Some problems, however, are much simpler to solve.
For example, the most common roadblock people run into when looking for a handleset is finding one that will fit.
The Baldwin Madison handleset will fit any front door that is prepped for a tubular lock. This is because it is a sectional lock, the Madison has no CTC measurement, so fitting it to your door will be no problem.
The Madison comes with an interior knob or an interior lever and is available in all of Baldwin’s famous finishes. If you order the Madison today it will ship within a week and it will ship absolutely free!
Click here to view the Madison handleset!
If you have questions about how the Madison will fit on your door please call us at 1-800-272-7734 or send your question to Ask Jim!
Feb
11
Baldwin Images Manchester Handleset Is Perfect For Your Front Door!
The Manchester Handleset by Baldwin Hardware is a beautiful lock that would brighten the door of any home. Made of solid brass, this handleset comes with a 3/4 escutchen backplate. The backplate doesn’t cover the entire handle, just the two locks, so the overall effect is more modern than a full backplate model.
The Manchester comes with an interior lever and it is available in all of Baldwin’s world famous finishes, including there unbeatable lifetime finishes.
Before you order make sure you know the following:
1.How thick your door is.
2.What your center-to-center measurement is.
3.What your backset is.
4.What handing you’ll need.
All of the other options are completely up to your style and tastes.
The Manchester is ready to ship and ships completely for free.
Take a look and see if Baldwin’s Manchester handleset is right for you!
If you’d like us to help you figure out if the Manchester is the right handleset for you please call us at 1-800-272-7734 or send or send your question to Ask Jim!
Feb
09
Emtek Brass Keypad Deadbolt Now Available!
Emtek has taken security and convenience to the next level with their Brass Keypad Deadbolts! The keypad allows you to unlock or lock your door without a key.Here are a few situations where having a keypad makes life much easier:
- If there is an emergency at your home and you’re not there you can call 911 and give them your security code so they don’t have to break down the door. This could save them vital seconds or minutes during an emergency
- Need to let a friend into your house but you can’t get them the key? Just call them up and give them your security code for easy access?
- Is the painter, plumber, etc. coming by when you can’t be around to let them in? Give them the code and then easily change it later that day! You can store multiple codes at once, so keep one code just for workers or visitors and then change when they are done. li>
Those are just a few of the situations where a keypad lock would come in handy. Being freed from your house key will have countless benefits!
Emtek’s Brass Keypad deadlock comes in brass or sandcast bronze. The Brass Deadbolt is available in oil rubbed bronze, lifetime brass or satin nickel. The Sandcast Bronze Deadbolt is availabe in deep burgundy, medium bronze, silver patina or flat black.
These products are in stock and ship for free!
Click here to view the Emtek Brass Keypad Deadbolt and start making your life easier!
If you have a question about Emtek’s Brass Keypad Deadbolt please call us at 1-800-272-7734 or just Ask Jim!
Jun
04
Measure Twice, Buy Once (And Cut Your Expenses in Half)
It’s a common saying anywhere there are tools.
“Measure twice, cut once.”
It makes perfect sense especially when you consider that most times, you’ll only get to “cut once” either way. The only question is whether or not you’ll be happy with what’s left.
Buying hardware isn’t as final as cutting wood or metal but it can create delays, stress and tie you up in returns and exchanges for weeks.
Here are some tips to avoid the mis-measurement purgatory:
- Always measure first. There is no excuse for not measuring. It only takes a couple of minutes and it could save you months in delays. Grab your tape measure and go.
- Be as exact as possible. You might be tempted to round off numbers. Don’t do that. There might not seem like a big difference between 2 3/4″ and 2 3/8″. Just 3/8 of an inch, right? It’s actually two completely different products. If you need 2 3/8″ but get 2 3/4″ then you are in trouble. So don’t guess, ballpark or estimate. Be exact.
- Make sure you don’t get caught up on these common problem areas:
- Floor Registers: Don’t measure the register you have. Measure the vent you are trying to cover. If you’re floor register is near a wall then measure the distance between the edge of the vent and the wall. Your new register will only be able to overlap by that much.
- Door Hardware: There are two main points to measure here: door thickness and backset. Door thickness is easy. Measure how thick the door is and make sure your new knob or lever will accomadate that thickness. The backset isn’t as obvious. Measure from the edge of the door to the center of the hole your knob or lever will fit into. You’ll probably measure 2 3/8″ or 2 3/4″. Remember, be specific.
Measuring isn’t fun. Cutting things is. That’s why they came up with the saying “Measure twice, cut once.” Buying may not be as much fun as using a power tool (depends on what you are buying, I guess) but it’s more fun than measuring.
Measure anyway. It’s more fun than sending things back.
Jun
02
What is a Cremone Bolt?
If you have swinging double doors then you’ll need a cremone bolt to secure and lock them. The cremone bolt will extend past the edge of the door and into the floor and ceiling. This keeps the door from swinging.
Items like cremone bolts are why the term “decorative hardware” exists. Cremone bolts are highly visible, so you’ll want them to be as pretty as possible.
Installing cremone bolts isn’t difficult. There are two steps. First, make sure you’ve carved out a pocket above and below the door that the cremone bolt can extend into. Once that is done you can move on to the second step: mounting your cremone bolt on the door.
Our cremone bolts are made by Baldwin Hardware and come with all the necessary mounting screws you’ll need and with complete installation instructions.
May
24
Right or Right Now?
You need a piece of hardware.
Do you need it right, or do you need it right now?
If you need it right now then you should get something cheap, plastic or pull it off the shelf of your nearest big-box hardware store. We might be able to help you, but now has never been our number one priority.
Getting things right always has been our number one priority.
What’s “right?” The right front door handleset that will give you the security you need, but still make your front door look great. The right floor register will be able to stand up to your guests big feet but look so good nobody will want to step on them.
Something’s right when you don’t have any regrets about buying it. It looks and works exactly the way you want it to; you can look at it in your home without any doubts it was the right one to buy.
But what about the wait?
What about the wait? If the perfect handleset takes one month to get to you then you’ll regret the long wait for exactly one month. If you settle for the less-than-perfect handleset that you can get right away then you’ll regret not waiting everytime you look at your front door.
Get it right. Pick the best piece of hardware you can find, the one that is exactly what you want.
The one that is worth the wait.
May
21
How To Buy Cabinet Hardware: Two Important Tips!
Buying new cabinet knobs should be fun. You have wide selection to choose from and the knobs you buy can make your home prettier and feel newer.
It’s not entirely fun. There are pitfalls. One mistake can lead to headache after headache as you send knobs back then order new ones and go crazy while you wait for them to be delivered. Getting the perfect knob turns into getting any knob because it is enough already!
You don’t want to feel italicized about your cabinet knob. You want to feel happy, pleased and content. Here are two tips to avoid common problems first-time shoppers make and guarantee you’ll finish with a bold feeling about your cabinet hardware.
1. Buy a sample.
You test drive a car before you buy it, right? Take your cabinet knob for a “test drive” and you’ll be sure to feel good about the type you buy.
Don’t just go out and buy 20 or 30 of one type of knob. You need to see how it will look in your home before you can make a final decision. A cabinet know will look different in the store. It will be under specially arranged lighting, around a bunch of matching knobs, and you’ll have a salesman telling you it is the greatest knob ever made, and he has 50 just like it at home. Don’t believe him. Don’t believe your eyes.
Here’s what we recommend you do: Purchase a selection of knobs and take them home. Try each one on your doors and decide which you like best. Once you’ve picked a winner, send the rest back and order enough of your favorite to finish the room.
The extra effort is worth it because you’ll know what you’re getting and you won’t have any doubts that the elusive “right one” is still out there somewhere. Don’t worry about the extra cost of shipping either. Good stores – like A Touch of Brass – will reimburse the cost of shipping the sample knob if you come back and place a second order later on. So in the end, you’ll be saving money!
2. Buy extras.
Hardware can wear out. It’s a sad but unavoidable truth about owning a home. At least a few pieces of the shiny new hardware you’re buying today may need to be replaced sooner or later. That poses a problem if some of your cabinet knobs wear out much sooner than others. The knob on your silverware drawer will see a lot more action than the knob on your “why did I buy this from an infomercial?” drawer. If your hardware isn’t on the market anymore you’ll either have to buy all-new cabinet knobs, search for a look-alike or just turn your kitchen into a mismatched gobblety-gook of miscellaneous cabinet hardware.
Or you can just do what we recommend, which is to buy a few extra cabinet knobs when you make your initial purchase. That way, if a knob wears out or if you somehow lose one, you won’t be in trouble. Consider the extra cabinet knobs to be an insurance policy against future inconvenience.
Cabinets can really tie a room together so don’t be hasty during the selection process or stingy when you place your order. Take the time to find the perfect knob and buy a few extras just in case. Once you get your kitchen or bathroom to perfection you don’t want anything to keep it from staying that way
Feb
19
Why Order Online? No Sales Tax!!!
One of the biggest advantages of shopping online is that you don’t pay sales tax. If you shop at a brick and mortar store in your area then you’ll pay a 6% sales tax on every purchase. You can avoid that by shopping online. Depending on your purchase that 6% can really add up.
Sometimes the cost of the sales tax is just replaced with the cost of shipping. We’ve helped you avoid that by offering free shipping on all orders over $35! The only exception to our free shipping policy is brass bar railing and related accessories.
Avoiding sales tax really helps your bottom line on big ticket items like handlesets and fireplace doors.
So save yourself some money! Browse all you want at the local stores but when it comes time to make your purchase, shop online with A Touch of Brass!
Feb
18
Exterior Hardware: Get Your House Ready for Warm Weather!
We’ve passed the halfway point of February and that means that the end of winter is in sight, if not quite in reach. That’s fine! A little extra time is just what you need to get your house ready for warm weather.
Warmer weather and longer days means you can stop treating your home like a fortress that’s protecting you from winter’s harsh attacks and start letting your guard down!
We have screen door locks for those perfect days when you’ll want the windows open and fresh air flowing through your house and smooth window locks that will make opening and closing your windows effortless.
The outside of your home can shine as bright as the spring sun with all of our exterior hardware. Address plaques that will let your party guests find you with ease and door knockers and doorbell buttons that will announce their presence with style! We have kickplates and door pulls to protect your door from wear and tear and outdoor lights that will make your summer days endless affairs, even after the sun sets.
Don’t wait for the ice melt before you starting thawing out your home. Get ready for spring and summer now!
All of these items ship fast and all orders over $35 ship for free! So order now!
If you have questions about prepping your home for the warm months to come please call us at 1-800-272-7734 or just send your question to Ask Jim!
Feb
16
Need Some Remodeling Work Done? Get It Done Right!
Done Right, Inc. have been remodeling and renovating homes for over 30 years. If you’d like to give your kitchen, bath or living room a face lift than Done Right, Inc. will get it done for you.
Click here to see some of their handiwork!
Their motto is “No job is too small!”
So if you need a tiny touch-up to one part of your house or complete makeover, Done Right, Inc. will be happy to help you.
A Touch of Brass is proud to recommend Done Right, Inc. You can visit them on the web here.
If you need work done in the Maryland area don’t know who to call then call us! With over 35 years of experience in construction, remodeling and home decoration we know where to go for quality service, fine craftsmanship and work you’ll be proud of. Please call us at 1-800-272-7734 or just send your question to Ask Jim!
Feb
14
Baldwin Madison Handleset, A Great Choice For Any Door!
Finding the right handleset for your front door can be tricky for many reasons. You might want a special finish or a particular design and none of the handlesets you see match what you want. The only way to solve those problems is to keep looking until you find what’s right. Some problems, however, are much simpler to solve.
For example, the most common roadblock people run into when looking for a handleset is finding one that will fit.
The Baldwin Madison handleset will fit any front door that is prepped for a tubular lock. This is because it is a sectional lock, the Madison has no CTC measurement, so fitting it to your door will be no problem.
The Madison comes with an interior knob or an interior lever and is available in all of Baldwin’s famous finishes. If you order the Madison today it will ship within a week and it will ship absolutely free!
Click here to view the Madison handleset!
If you have questions about how the Madison will fit on your door please call us at 1-800-272-7734 or send your question to Ask Jim!
Feb
11
Baldwin Images Manchester Handleset Is Perfect For Your Front Door!
The Manchester Handleset by Baldwin Hardware is a beautiful lock that would brighten the door of any home. Made of solid brass, this handleset comes with a 3/4 escutchen backplate. The backplate doesn’t cover the entire handle, just the two locks, so the overall effect is more modern than a full backplate model.
The Manchester comes with an interior lever and it is available in all of Baldwin’s world famous finishes, including there unbeatable lifetime finishes.
Before you order make sure you know the following:
1.How thick your door is.
2.What your center-to-center measurement is.
3.What your backset is.
4.What handing you’ll need.
All of the other options are completely up to your style and tastes.
The Manchester is ready to ship and ships completely for free.
Take a look and see if Baldwin’s Manchester handleset is right for you!
If you’d like us to help you figure out if the Manchester is the right handleset for you please call us at 1-800-272-7734 or send or send your question to Ask Jim!
Feb
09
Emtek Brass Keypad Deadbolt Now Available!
Emtek has taken security and convenience to the next level with their Brass Keypad Deadbolts! The keypad allows you to unlock or lock your door without a key.Here are a few situations where having a keypad makes life much easier:
- If there is an emergency at your home and you’re not there you can call 911 and give them your security code so they don’t have to break down the door. This could save them vital seconds or minutes during an emergency
- Need to let a friend into your house but you can’t get them the key? Just call them up and give them your security code for easy access?
- Is the painter, plumber, etc. coming by when you can’t be around to let them in? Give them the code and then easily change it later that day! You can store multiple codes at once, so keep one code just for workers or visitors and then change when they are done. li>
Those are just a few of the situations where a keypad lock would come in handy. Being freed from your house key will have countless benefits!
Emtek’s Brass Keypad deadlock comes in brass or sandcast bronze. The Brass Deadbolt is available in oil rubbed bronze, lifetime brass or satin nickel. The Sandcast Bronze Deadbolt is availabe in deep burgundy, medium bronze, silver patina or flat black.
These products are in stock and ship for free!
Click here to view the Emtek Brass Keypad Deadbolt and start making your life easier!
If you have a question about Emtek’s Brass Keypad Deadbolt please call us at 1-800-272-7734 or just Ask Jim!
