DIY? Or Call TDC? ... Replacing The Lockset On Your Commercial Doors

[In this edition of our "DIY Or Call TDC?" we'll show you how to replace a lockset on your commercial doors.]

It is easy to dismantle a standard door lockset that needs replacing because it’s worn, damaged, or you simply wish to replace it. To replace your existing lockset with a newer model or one with a more secure lock, follow these easy steps.

Step 1 – Remove the Trim or Rosettes

Remove the trim or Rosettes on your door. The Rosettes are the metal rings you will find behind each doorknob on both sides of the door. To remove these rings, unscrew the two screws located on each side of the door that holds the rings in place.

If your doorknob is a newer model, it may not have any screws.  In this case you will need to use a flat tool to pry under the ring to lift the ring off. Slide your tool very carefully under the ring so that you do not cause any damage to the door.

Step 2 – Remove the Long Screws Holding the Lockset in Place

When the rings or Rosettes have been removed, you will note that there are two long screws imbedded in the edge of the door and holding the lockset in place. Use your screwdriver and remove these two long screws completely from the door.

Step 3 – Remove the Knob/Handle from the Spindle Rod

Most are attached to a spindle rod. Therefore, once the two long screws have been unscrewed, you will be able to easily remove the lockset handle from the spindle rod.

Step 4 – Removing a "Spring Loaded" lockset

If your particular lockset is a 'spring loaded' style, you will instead need to remove the knob/handle by pushing in the small metal indentation found at the very base. By pushing in the indentation, you will be able to free it and pull it easily off the spindle.

Step 5 – Remove the Two Screws and Bolt

Once the /knob/handle have been removed, you will notice two screws and a bolt.  These two screws and the bolt hold the door mechanism securely. You can now remove the two screws and the bolt with your screwdriver.

Step 6 – Leave the Strike Plate

Normally you would not need to do anything with the strike plate, the metal plate attached to the door frame that catches the bolt or lock when it’s released on the door.  If the strike plate happens to be damaged or worn and you wish to replace it, you can do so merely by removing the screws and lifting the plate off.

Step 7 – Replacement

Simply either reverse the above order to install a new lockset, or, most new locksets come with a complete set of instructions on how to do it. If you run into any problems, call your local expert, such as The Door Company of Ohio for assistance.  Most of the time, minor issues can be fixed right over the phone.

In addition to solid advice, we also have a walk-in parts counter if you need parts for this project. Call us at (614) 338-1414.

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DIY? Or Call TDC? ... Adjusting The Hinges On Your Commercial Doors

[In this installment of our "DIY? Or Call TDC?" series, we're talking about making simple adjustments to your door hinges to make sure your doors work properly. These are do-it-yourself projects in most cases, but you can always call The Door Company at (614) 338-1414, if you need help or parts.]

You need to regularly adjust door hinges to make sure that a door closes properly. All you need to do is to tighten the screws which, in effect, secure your door into the door frame properly.

Step 1: Examine your Door

A standard commercial door hinge has
four screws

Examine the door for any loose hinges and loose hinge screws. Open the door and look if the hinges have any missing screws as well. Examining the door will give you a good idea of what you should do to adjust the door hinges.

Step 2: Tighten the Top Screws

With a screwdriver, tighten any loose hinge screws that you find. Normally, a standard commercial hinge has four screws, which attaches the door into the door frame. If these screws are not tightened properly, your door will not close and open properly.

When to call the experts

If the area of the door frame where the hinge screws are set is damaged, then you usually have to replace the door frame.  If you determine that the frame is damaged and needs replaced, now is the time to consult a professional commercial door company, like The Door Company of Ohio.  There are many different sizes of frames made for different applications.  The last thing you want to do is order a new frame for an existing door, and then have them not match up or align properly.

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DIY? Or Call TDC? ... How To Unstick a Heavy Wooden Interior Door

[This week in our series "DIY? Or Call TDC?" we're discussing how to deal with a sticking interior wood door. This project and others in this series are tasks you can do yourself for your business.]

If you have a wooden interior door that is sticking you might be able to fix it quickly and with a minimum of tools and skill. This is a common problem with heavy wooden doors.

Step 1: Tighten The Hinge

If your door is dragging at the top or bottom of the frame or on the floor, chances are a loose hinge may be the problem. Over time hinges will work themselves a bit loose. Only a slight loosening can cause a door to stick or drag. Use the screwdriver to tighten down all screws. Don't use a drill or electric screwdriver for this job as they tend to over tighten and you may strip the threads on the screw.

Step 2: Lubricate Door
Open and close the door to see where it is sticking. You may find that all you need to do is rub the edge of the door with an old candle or wax bar to lubricate it a bit.

Step 3: Sand the Door
If these fixes don't work then you might need to sand the area that is dragging until the door opens and closes smoothly. You can also use a wood plane for this job, however, if you have any reservations about sanding or using a plane, call the experts at The Door Company of Ohio at (614) 338-1414. Too much sanding or using a plane can cause visible damage to an otherwise beautiful wood door.

Thank you for reading!

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DIY? Or Call TDC? ... How To Replace Your Door Threshold

[This week in our series "DIY? Or call TDC?" we're covering the replacement of a door threshold. This project and others in this series are tasks you can do yourself for your business. Don't have time? Need parts or assistance? You can always call The Door Company at (614) 338-1414.]

Here are 4 simple steps that will help you quickly and easily replace a door threshold.

Step 1 – Prepare before Buying Your New Threshold Strip

In purchasing a new door threshold you'll need to know which sizes will best fit the door. Measure each door separately. All doors do not necessarily have the same dimensions. You'll need two measurements for each door: the width of the doorway—not the door, itself, and the gap between the floor and the bottom edge of the door. Examine the space between your door and the floor below it to determine what has created this space. Was the threshold not high enough? Is the threshold the right size, but is now worn down or broken off?  Has the concrete or other flooring been damaged under the threshold? Has the threshold been damaged by snow melt compounds?

Step 2 – Choose from Available Types

You'll find a large variety of thresholds on the market.  Most are made of aluminum and may or may not have lips with some type of gasketing material that helps provide a seal for the door against weather.

Be sure to check the measurement of the threshold you purchase, to ensure that it matches the type you'll need to fill the gap between the door bottom edge and the floor beneath it. If you are unable to find a threshold long enough to match your opening, buy one that is longer, one you will be able to cut and fit to the opening.

Step 3 – Remove the Old Threshold

Locate the screws that attach the strip to the floor. If no screws are visible, and if you see a rubber or plastic strip in the center of the old thresold, use a flathead screwdriver to remove this strip. It's very likely that you'll find your screws in the channel the rubber strip occupied. Use your screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the old threshold to the floor.

Step 4 – Attach Your New Threshold  

If you need to shorten your new threshold, carefully measure and mark it. Then, cut it to length. Check to see if holes in the new threshold are aligned with screw holes in the floor. If they're not, use your drill and bit to drill new holes that will line up with the new holes. Then, attach the threshold with new screws.

We can solve any door problem you have. If you need parts for this project, give us a call at (614) 338-1414. Our headquarters at 3247 E. 11th Ave., Columbus, features a walk-in parts counter, and we can get you what you need!

Thank you for stopping by!

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DIY? Or Call TDC? ... What To Do If A Door Doesn't Latch Properly

[This week in our series "DIY? Or call TDC?" we're discussing making sure your doors latch properly. This project and others in this series are tasks you can do yourself for your business. However, if you don't have time, need parts or run into problems, you can always call The Door Company at (614) 338-1414.]

Every door will have a time when it will not latch correctly. There may be different reasons why a door will not latch. Damp weather or heat may be warping the door. Ground that has frozen under the door may also cause the door not to close properly. Also, usual wear and tear can contribute to the door not latching properly. There are several ways to fix a door that will not latch.

Step 1- Check Hinges

If the door is not latching properly, the easiest place to start with is with the door hinges. When the hinges are loose the door will travel up and down while it is being opened and closed. If the door is sagging and will not line up with the latch, check the door hinges. Lift the door up to relieve the pressure on the hinges and tighten the screws. If the screws have been stripped, the screws will not tighten in the holes. In that case, take the hinges from the frame. Drill new holes that are slightly smaller than a wood dowel. Hammer in the dowel and cut off excess. Reinstall the hinges and attach the screws into the dowel.  For an emergency repair, a simple wood pencil can be used in place of a wood dowel.

Step 2- Check the Latch and Strike Plate

When you open the door you will see the latch on the door and the strike plate which is on the door jamb. Check both for loose screws. Tighten any screws that are lose and check the door again. If it latches securely then problem is solved. If not, then there is another problem.

Slide the latch in and out to see if it moves smoothly. If it doesn't, the door knob may be too tight. Loosen the knobs a little to relieve some of the pressure on the door and to free up the latch a little. If the latch is still catching in the door, apply WD-40 or silicone lubricant.

Step 3- Align Strike Plate

If the door still does not latch properly, then it could be that the strike plate is not aligning properly with the latch. Close the door and check to see if  the strike plate is too high or too low. Also check to see that it is aligning left and right. You can fix this problem in three different ways. For small adjustments, use a metal file on the strike plate to open it up a little more for the latch to set properly. You can also place a piece of wood in the strike plate and hammer the wood up or down to move the plate until it aligns.

The last plate repair suggestion is one that you can do easily. Simply unscrew the strike plate and reattach it at a different height--either lower or higher--depending upon how unaligned the plate was.

Need parts for this project? Give us a call at (614) 338-1414. Our headquarters at 3247 E. 11th Ave., Columbus, features a walk-in parts counter, and we can get you what you need!

Thank you for stopping by!

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DIY? Or Call TDC? ... Installing a Door Sweep for your Business

[We're beginning a new series called "DIY? Or call TDC?" this week. These posts will consist of repair and/or maintenance procedures for your business. Many of these tasks, you can do yourself. However, if you don't have time, need parts or run into problems, you can always call The Door Company at (614) 338-1414.]

A door sweep is an excellent way to prevent drafts and cold air from seeping in from underneath a door. Door sweeps can be as simple as a piece of rubber that is attached to the bottom of a door or as elaborate as an actual brush that not only prevents air from coming in from under the door, but also sweeps the area in front of the door as the door opens and closes.

Installing the Sweep:

Step 1

Purchase a door sweep that is the appropriate width for your door. Generally, door sweeps are the same width as the door. If you do not know the width of your door, then measure the door across.

Step 2

Using a power drill, attach the sweep to the bottom of the door. If you have a steel door, you will need to use a pre-drill holes with a bit designed for cutting into metal, or self-tapping screws.

Most door sweeps come with screws and holes already drilled into the sweep.

Step 3

Close the door and check to see that the sweep is preventing drafts and air from coming in under the door and that the door easily opens and closes.

If you need parts for this door sweep project, or any of the other projects we discuss in this series, give us a call at (614) 338-1414. Our headquarters at 3247 E. 11th Ave., Columbus, features a walk-in parts counter, and we can get you what you need!

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