General

How do I determine the handing of a door?

The handing of a door is always determined by facing the exterior of a door.

Door Handing

When ordering a handed product, specify LH or RH. Not all products are handed; only specify handing when required.

 

How long is my guarantee?

 

Please click here to view the Interlock, Lockwood and Securicraft guarantees.

What can I use to clean my door and window hardware products?


With care and regular cleaning, your hardware products will have a long life and stay in good condition for many years. Just as washing your car is important for removing dirt and grime, your hardware products need to be given a regular wash to keep them looking smart and performing well.


The effects of ultra violet light, atmospheric pollution, general dirt and grime, along with airborne salt deposits can all accumulate over time and should be removed at regular intervals.


Maintaining the Finish of Your Hardware
As a general rule, cleaning should take place at least every six months. In areas where environmental deposits are more prevalent, such as beach-front houses and industrial or geothermal areas, then cleaning should be carried out on a more frequent basis i.e. every two to three months.

Three Steps to Cleaning Your Powdercoated Hardware
Step 1. Remove loose deposits with a wet sponge rather than risk scratching the surface with dry dusting.
Step 2. Using a soft brush/cloth and soap or a mild household detergent in warm water, clean the surface to remove dust, salt and other deposits.
Step 3. Always rinse with fresh water after cleaning to remove any remaining detergent.

Weathered powdercoated areas, blemishes or scratches can be restored with the use of a Repair Kit. Please contact your aluminium joinery supplier for this.
Precautions for Powdercoated Hardware
- NEVER use aggressive solvent cleaners on the product i.e. thinners
and petrol.
- AVOID the use of any solvents near joints or plastic components.
- NEVER use anything abrasive i.e. steel wool, scrapers, scouring
liquids or powders.
- Ensure that the solvent is thoroughly rinsed from the product surface.
- Mask windows if painting. Where paint or plaster has spilled on the powdercoated finish, remove immediately with water or methylated spirits. (Prolonged use of methylated spirits is not recommended and if used should be rinsed off immediately using clean water. Test a small area first to ensure that no damage to the surface or colour change
will occur).

Maintaining Your Plated Hardware
Special care needs to be taken to maintain plated surfaces.
- CLEAN with a soft damp cloth or dry duster.
- NEVER use abrasive cleaners, scourers or rough cloth that may
damage or scratch the plated surface.
- NEVER use detergent.
- NEVER use chemical cleaners such as solvents or Brasso.
- AVOID the spray from ammonia window cleaners getting onto
plated surfaces.
- PROTECT all plated surfaces when painting, varnishing or plastering.
Caring for Stainless Steel Product
- ALWAYS CLEAN AND RINSE stainless steel that may have come in contact with construction cleaning chemicals or their vapours immediately.
- CLEAN REGULARLY using detergent and warm water, rinse with fresh water and dry afterwards.
- CLEAN STAINS and DISCOLOURATION with citric or nitric acid based cleaners or mild abrasive detergents like Jif. Rinse with fresh water
and dry.
- NEVER allow construction cleaning chemicals (or any other cleaning chemical) to remain in contact or ‘pool’ on stainless steel.
- NEVER clean with wire wool or wire brushes (these will leave iron deposits that will rust).
- NEVER allow salt deposits to build up on stainless steel product.

Maintaining the Functional Performance of Your Hardware
Friction Stays – These may become stiff if the window is not operated at least once a week. If stiffness does occur, a light oil spray lubricant such as WD40 should be applied to the joints of the stays. Following application the window should be opened and closed at least ten times to remove the stiffness.
Hinges – Regular cleaning to remove build-up will ensure that the hinges retain a smooth operation. When necessary WD40 can be used to lubricate.
Cylinders – Salt build-up along with dust and grit can affect the performance of your cylinders. Keys can become harder to turn as build-up accumulates. WD40 is effective in reviving your cylinder. Spray WD40 in the cylinder and on the key. The repeated use of the key in the cylinder will free up the working components.                                                                                                                                     Mortice Locks – To free up moving components WD40 can be sprayed into the lock body around the bolt and latch area. For best results depress the latch bolt for easy access to working parts. Operate the lock approximately ten times to lubricate moving parts.
Electrical Products – Do not allow the product to get wet. Ensure there is no obstruction such as leaves or branches during the operation of the product. Treat it as you would any other electrical appliance. Wipe keypads with a clean damp cloth. Do not use solvents. To clean chains, brush off dirt and dust.
Rollers – Keep the track clear of debris such as sand, leaves and dust. If the roller does appear to be stiff, Vaseline on the bearing can free this up.
Window Fasteners – Regular cleaning to remove build-up will ensure that the fasteners retain a smooth operation.

This information has been prepared to help you get the best life from your hardware products. Failure to adhere to recommended maintenance procedures will render the product warranty null and void and may cause permanent damage to the product. If you have any questions please contact your aluminium joinery supplier.

Product Related Questions

001 Deadlatch | 355 Deadlock

 

When I put the key in the outside cylinder it is free spinning without locking the lock.
The tailpiece on the outside cylinder has been cut to short or is not connected to the hub.

The lock will not deadlock or function properly.
The tailpiece on the outside cylinder has been cut to long as is protruding into and interfering with the lock mechanism.

The safety release on the 001 deadlatch is not operating properly.
If the lock has been re-keyed, the cam on the back of the inside cylinder (which operates the safety release) has not been reset correctly the safety release feature will not work.

I have an outward opening door, can the 001 deadlatch be fitted in this situation.
Yes, but if the door is outward opening or metal frame you will need to order the version of the 001 to suit these applications.

I lock the 355 deadlock from outside with the key, but the inside does not deadlock.
The deadlocking of the 355 is a very manual process, as the internal and external locking operate independently.

Digital Locksets

 

Turn knob difficult to operate
The alignment or installation of code pad is incorrect or the connecting bar has not been cut to the correct length.

Turn knob doesn’t open when you enter your code
The ‘C’ button has not been entered at the start of the code.

Problems that contribute to premature wear of the code pad mechanism

  • Not pushing the “C” button at the start of the code
  • Pushing multiple buttons at the same time (e.g. top 4 buttons of code pad)
  • Pushing multiple buttons while trying to operate the turn knob
Door Closers

 

The door is closing too fast or too slow
Adjust the closing and latching speed valves to achieve a suitable door closing speed.

The door closer is not latching the lock properly

  1. First, ensure the door is swinging and latching freely with the door closer disconnected from the door.
  2. Check if the door closer is the correct power for the door
  3. Check if the door closer is installed correctly
  4. Check if the door closer is adjusted correctly (power, closing, latching)


My parallel arm door closer is lacking power
Need to factor in power loss of approximately 20% when using parallel arm configuration. Additionally, arm must be pre-loaded per the instructions.

My slide rail door closer will not let the door open all the way.
Slide rail door closers have limitations on how far the door may open. This should be assessed prior to installation of the door closer, for suitability of the closer to the door. A door stop should be used to prevent opening the door past the closers’ limit.

Does temperature affect the hydraulic valve settings?
Yes, it can and its affect may be noticeable at extremes of heat and cold.

Electro-Mechanical Products

 

Does “fail secure” mean that people will be locked in if the power is cut?
No, not necessarily. Products should be configured in a way to ensure safety and security.

  • Example 1: Electric mortice lock can be set as fail secure, with vestibule function.
    This means that the inside handle is always free, and the outside handle will be locked when there is no power to the lock.
  • Example 2: Electric strike can be set as fail secure and used with a vestibule function lock.
    The lock will provide the egress and the strike will remain secure when there is no power to it.

Why are mag-locks only available in fail-safe?
The electro-magnet requires power to energise the magnet.

Can electro-mechanical locks be fitted to glass doors?
Yes, this is a rapidly growing area and there are many options available, using patch fittings and adhesives as alternatives for mounting. There is a product catalogue dedicated to this area, called “Electro-Mechanical Locks for Glass Doors”

I have a door with an electric strike, when the strike is activated, the door needs to be “rattled” to get it to open.
This is usually a result of the strike being subject to pre-load conditions. When the door is rattled, it briefly removes the pre-load, allowing the strike to release.

I have a door with an electro-magnetic lock, it sometimes releases just from trying to open the door firmly.
Electro-magnetic locks can suffer from a significant reduction in holding force if the lock and armature become misaligned. A mag lock should not be the only item securing a door.

Endeavour Sliding Door Deadlock

The locking beaks do not line up with the striker.
The reasons for this happening are:

  • Fitting template has not been followed correctly and striker height needs adjustment.
  • Fitting template has not been followed correctly and holes for lock body are out of position.
  • Because of the different types of door sections in both timber & aluminium, there may be a requirement for an extra width striker or a striker or lock body packer.

The key and internal turn snib are hard to operate.
When fitting the lock rather than using the recommended 10mm drill bit when drilling holes for the lock body, an undersize hole has been drilled. This will cause the cylinder turn bar to bind on edges of the drill hole.

I have fitted the Endeavour from the display pack and it appears to be working correctly, but there are many parts left over.
There are extra parts provided in the retail display pack because of all the different door sections and configurations in the marketplace.

Nexion Keyless Entry Lockset

 

Will I be locked out if the batteries go flat on my Nexion Keyless lockset?
No, the lockset can be operated with the standard keys provided.

Can I use rechargeable or Lithium batteries in my Nexion Keyless entry lockset?
No, rechargeable & lithium batteries do not have enough voltage force to throw the locking bolt.

Is there hard-wiring required for the Nexion Keyless entry lockset?
No, the Nexion Keyless entry lockset runs off 4 good quality AA alkaline batteries.

Can I purchase a mechanical Nexion and then add the electronic parts to it in the future?
No, you can replace the Mechanical with the Keyless, but you can not just add electronic components to the Mechanical version.

If I lose one of the remotes to my Nexion Keyless Lockset, can someone get in easily?
No, you can quickly re-program the Nexion and the lost remote will no longer operate the lock.

What is the range of the remote control?
Approximately 3 metres depending on the environment and battery strength, for example if there is a metal screen door installed in front of lockset, the range will be reduced.

The remotes will not operate my Nexion Keyless lockset.
Either your batteries are flat or incorrectly fitted. The remotes may not have been programmed in properly or it could be an alignment or installation error.

How easy is the Nexion to fit to a door?
Preparing the door for fitting the Nexion is aided through the use of a metal drilling template which is provided in each pack and when used in conjunction with the supplied instructions ensures that all holes are correctly placed. Handing of the lockset is also easily changed with no disassembly of the lockset required.

Can the Nexion be fitted in a new installation only?
No, the Nexion can be retro-fitted over many standard locksets.

Padlocks & Padlock accessories

 

What can I do about problems with padlocks corroding?
Select a grade 4 corrosion rated padlock – for the harshest of applications, such as marine use, use the stainless steel bodied and shackled marine grade padlocks.

The key is difficult to operate in my padlock.
As padlocks are often in exposed positions, lubrication of the cylinder may be required more often than with other locks.

My padlock case was cut with a hacksaw to open the padlock.
Brass (and stainless steel) padlocks are susceptible to this, for highest security, use a padlock with a hardened steel case.

Someone has unscrewed the locking plate on my factory gate and escaped with my goods.
All padlock accessories are supplied with suitable fixings for normal installations, it is important that they are used to maximise security.

Paradigm Deadbolt

 

Why is the bolt shorter on the Paradigm in comparison with other deadbolts?
The Paradigm bolt is actually longer than the bolt on most deadbolts. To achieve the highest security levels and strength half the bolt is in the door and half is in the frame

When I am using the turn knob or the key the bolt is not throwing.
The bolt tailpiece has not engaged with the lock mechanism.

Do I need to fit the door frame strengthener on the Paradigm?
It can be fitted without the door frame strengthener, but you will compromise your security on the lock and it may not meet level S3 of the door lock standards.

Do I need to fit the anti-rotation pins when I fit my Paradigm?
Yes, if they are not fitted the lock if forced may rotate, causing damage and possibly unlock.

The Paradigm is not operating properly.
Check operation with the door open – if OK, adjust strike position on frame. Alternatively, check the correct length tailpiece has been used and that the lock has been correctly aligned during installation.

Window Locks | Push Locks and Bolts

 

Will not lock via push button or button very hard to depress 
Incorrect alignment between the lock and hole or strike is a common cause of this, requiring adjustment.

How much gap should there be if I am going to lock product in a ventilated position?
To minimise the risk to security, the gap should be kept to a minimum.

There is a fin on my window where the lock should fit
You may need to side fix the push lock, as sometimes aluminium windows have rails that interfere with face fixing options

The key will not fully rotate to lock the bolt in place
The bolt has not fully thrown and this will stop it locking correctly.

General Issues

  1. There are some window sections that locks will not be able to be fitted on. This is because they have been designed to suit their own proprietary locks and latches.
  2. Some sliding aluminium windows have a channel less track and a push lock will not be suitable. This type of window may need a security bolt or mini window bolt.
  3. If your customer needs a house lot of window locks this can be solved either by trying to match key numbers of out of your existing stock, placing a special order with ASSA ABLOY or keying them alike in-store (CYL4® keying will be offered as part of level 2 course).
  4. Timber windows will swell and contract in harsh changes of weather conditions, it is important to be mindful of this when fitting window locks as alignment can sometimes change from one day to the next.
  5. If one-way screws are to be used, the lock should first be installed and tested with the conventional screws.