Archive for January, 2012
Jan
04
Keep Your Exterior Door Hardware Like New
Emtek Charleston Mortise Lock - A Touch of Brass
During the course of an average day, the front door lock can be locked and unlocked many times but it is only when the lock ceases to function properly that anyone notices that there might be a problem. Regular and proper maintenance of your exterior door hardware is important, so that it will last you forever.
Cleaning Products
Despite being of very high quality, Emtek Mortise Locks and Baldwin door hardware all require regular maintenance to keep them looking and working as good as new. Products like Super Lube Dri-Film or Lubrican Poxylube CP200 are the best for lubricating exterior door hardware components.
Cleaning Process
A Touch of Brass recommends that you begin cleaning your door hardware with a mixture of water, lemon and salt. The salt will act as a very light abrasive and the lemon is a natural degreaser. Use an old toothbrush and lightly scrub all exposed parts of the door hardware. Dry the areas with a soft, dry cloth. If the original finish on your lock is polished brass (like some Baldwin Hardware door knockers), then cleaning the exposed hardware with a polish specifically designed for brass is the best way to ensure it doesn’t get scratched.
Lubricating the Deadbolt
Using either the Super Lube Dri-Film or Lubrican Poxylube, shake the can well and then place the plastic spray tube into the deadbolt’s keyhole and depress the nozzle in short one second sprays; do this two or three times. Remove the nozzle and insert the key and turn it a few times to spread evenly the lubricant and to make sure it works. If the key won’t turn, repeat the process until the key turns easily in the lock. If after two applications of lubricant the key still won’t turn, you may need to take the lock apart or call A Touch of Brass for advice.
Treat the Hinges
There is nothing more annoying than a squeaky door and doors with rusty hinges sounds horrible. Open the door and find the hinges. Down the center of each hinge is a pin; pull the pin about half way out of the hinge and give it a short burst of lubricant. Replace the pin and repeat the process to protect your valuable brass door hinges.
Lubricate the Handset
Keyed entry locks or keyed handsets by Emtek require that the keyhole is also regularly lubricated. As with the deadbolt, shake the can of lubricant and place the nozzle into the keyhole. Spray short, one second sprays two times then turn the key in the lock to ensure a smooth motion. Spray short sprays into any seams on the handle where it turns or on the underside of the thumb lever. Clean up any excess lubricant with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Despite regular maintenance, door hardware can fail to function or it may become outdated. At A Touch of Brass, we specialize in door hardware and can guide you through the process of replacing your current door hardware.
Jan
04
Keep Your Exterior Door Hardware Like New
Emtek Charleston Mortise Lock - A Touch of Brass
During the course of an average day, the front door lock can be locked and unlocked many times but it is only when the lock ceases to function properly that anyone notices that there might be a problem. Regular and proper maintenance of your exterior door hardware is important, so that it will last you forever.
Cleaning Products
Despite being of very high quality, Emtek Mortise Locks and Baldwin door hardware all require regular maintenance to keep them looking and working as good as new. Products like Super Lube Dri-Film or Lubrican Poxylube CP200 are the best for lubricating exterior door hardware components.
Cleaning Process
A Touch of Brass recommends that you begin cleaning your door hardware with a mixture of water, lemon and salt. The salt will act as a very light abrasive and the lemon is a natural degreaser. Use an old toothbrush and lightly scrub all exposed parts of the door hardware. Dry the areas with a soft, dry cloth. If the original finish on your lock is polished brass (like some Baldwin Hardware door knockers), then cleaning the exposed hardware with a polish specifically designed for brass is the best way to ensure it doesn’t get scratched.
Lubricating the Deadbolt
Using either the Super Lube Dri-Film or Lubrican Poxylube, shake the can well and then place the plastic spray tube into the deadbolt’s keyhole and depress the nozzle in short one second sprays; do this two or three times. Remove the nozzle and insert the key and turn it a few times to spread evenly the lubricant and to make sure it works. If the key won’t turn, repeat the process until the key turns easily in the lock. If after two applications of lubricant the key still won’t turn, you may need to take the lock apart or call A Touch of Brass for advice.
Treat the Hinges
There is nothing more annoying than a squeaky door and doors with rusty hinges sounds horrible. Open the door and find the hinges. Down the center of each hinge is a pin; pull the pin about half way out of the hinge and give it a short burst of lubricant. Replace the pin and repeat the process to protect your valuable brass door hinges.
Lubricate the Handset
Keyed entry locks or keyed handsets by Emtek require that the keyhole is also regularly lubricated. As with the deadbolt, shake the can of lubricant and place the nozzle into the keyhole. Spray short, one second sprays two times then turn the key in the lock to ensure a smooth motion. Spray short sprays into any seams on the handle where it turns or on the underside of the thumb lever. Clean up any excess lubricant with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Despite regular maintenance, door hardware can fail to function or it may become outdated. At A Touch of Brass, we specialize in door hardware and can guide you through the process of replacing your current door hardware.
