Mortise locks and commercial grade locks not only represent a healthy investment in security, they control your premises physical security. Locks and locking mechanisms are expensive to replace. They are designed to provide years of service and made with the highest quality materials such as hardened steel to prevent kicking, sawing and drilling. So, when they wear out it behooves you to consider rebuilding them.
Rekeying VS Repinning a Lock
Rekeying is expensive because so many change the locks. Repinning those locks are a cheaper alternative. The tumbler has pins of various lengths. The key aligns these pins with the edge of the tumbler. As the pins align, they allow the turning of the tumbler opening or unlatching the lock. Repinning can be done relatively inexpensively compared to changing out the whole locks.
Lock Cleaner & Lubricant
Many locks can be restored to effective operation with a little cleaning and lubrication. The old lube is cleaned out with any accumulation of dirt removed. Fresh lubricant is then added restoring the lock to operational status. The heat and environment conspire to harden lubricants and to impregnate them with dirt and grime. As the lock wears metal also accumulates in the lube. A freshly cleaned and lubricated lock can give many more years of service.
Residential VS Commercial Lock Grades
Typically, home locks are of a lower quality than commercial locks. You can tell the quality of a lock by how much metal they have. If the lock is heavy, it is probably of high quality. Most consumer locks have less metal and may contain plastic parts. Many of the locks sold in retail stores fall into this category. And remember, even the big lock makers have different grades or lines of locks. Kwikset, Schlage and Best Lock Corporation all have economical to commercial grade products. Mortise locks and commercial grade locks are repairable with replacement of springs and parts. A rebuilt lock is as trustworthy as a new one and after repairing it will give dependable service for many years, and at a substantial cost saving compared to replacement.
Mortise Door Lock Installation
Many mortise locks contain both the door knob latch but the deadbolt in one mechanism. They slide into a slot cut in the edge of the door. Any force against the door, the large profile of the lock will spread the forces throughout a broader area lessening point area failure. The robust face plate also aids in maintaining door integrity. Mortising locks are a bit pricey, and once a door is set up for one it becomes the only latch that will work. The upside is that many are repairable and will last many years.
Keyless Door Lock Option
Keyless locks are becoming popular. A mainstay of hotels, motels and internal corporate security they do away with the key. Instead they use a combination or a key card. This allows rapid entry for authorized personnel and makes rekeying a breeze if a privilege is revoked. Many locks are wireless and can access key logging and access codes. This way you know who is coming and going from various areas. You can even build layers of access if some areas are off-limits except for key personnel. Keyless entry is expanding to the home markets as well.
Door Lock Installation, Replacement, Repair & More in San Mateo, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, Woodside, Portola Valley, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Stanford, Mountain View, Los Altos Hills, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Campbell, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, San Jose, Milpitas & Los Altos, California
The on call experts at First Lock & Security Technologies will be glad to assist in any repair or replacement decisions. Contact us to learn more today!
