1. What is the difference between Brass and Brass plated?
2. Which type of doorplate serves which purpose?
3. Will any lock fit any door?
4. Can locks be re-keyed so that more than one uses the same key?
5. What is the difference between a single-cylinder and a double-cylinder deadbolt?
6. Will a door closer work on a heavy storm door?
7. What should be done if the hole for your doorknob is miss-drilled?
8. Is there any hardware that makes installing a strikeplate easier?
9. Which is a bigger nail - No. 6 or No. 8?
10. What do the numbers like 8-32 mean on a machine screw?
11. What is the use of a deadbolt?
12. Are there multiple door locks that require only one key?
13. What is PVD?
14. What is Living Finish on door hardware?
15. How do you determine the lever handing for your door set?

What is the difference between Brass and Brass plated?
Many hardware items are usually made of pure brass. Brass is a fairly soft metal and it is weatherproof. It can be used inside or outside the house. Brass has to be used with great care around salt water, because this can make it corrode. Brass plated is steel that has been coated with brass and it is not weather proof.

Which type of doorplate serves which purpose?
If the door is latched with a privacy lock, be sure to buy a doorplate that is drilled with a hole for the privacy pin. Doorplates with a privacy lock hole will be specifically labeled. All other latches like passage, mortise, and latches will use a standard doorplate. Do not confuse the privacy lock hole with a normal keyhole. Some doorplates are available with or without a keyhole, while others are only available with a keyhole. The keyhole is functional when used with a mortise lock but is fashionable for tube latches and sets. Regardless of the presence of a keyhole, a separate hole is drilled in the backplate if it is to be used with a privacy latch.

Will any lock fit any door?
The customer needs to know the distance of the center of the hole away from the edge of the door or purchase a lock that has an adjustable backset.

Can locks be re-keyed so that more than one uses the same key?
Locksmiths can re-key existing or new locks to the same key. However, they have to use the same key black or use the same brand.

What is the difference between a single-cylinder and a double-cylinder deadbolt?
A single-cylinder deadbolt is a key operated from the outside. A double cylinder is the key operated on both sides.

Will a door closer work on a heavy storm door?
A traditional screen door closer is not very strong. However, the heavy-duty door closers have the advantage of staying open automatically if they are opened all the way. Some newer doors have two closures--one on top and the other on bottom.

What should be done if the hole for your doorknob is miss-drilled?
One option is to use a brass door reinforcer which will also increase the strength of your door.

Is there any hardware that makes installing a strikeplate easier?
Yes, there is an adjustable strikeplate.

Which is a bigger nail - No. 6 or No. 8?
No. 8 - the bigger the number the bigger the nail.

What do the numbers like 8-32 mean on a machine screw?
The first number is the diameter and the second number is the number of threads per inch. The bigger the number the bigger is the screw.

What is the use of a deadbolt?
The dead bolt locks provide more security because the deadbolt latch is larger and penetrates farther into the door frame. The deadbolt can also be keyed on both sides for additional security.

Are there multiple door locks that require only one key?
There are some locks in the market that come in pairs and that use the same key.

What is PVD?
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is a technique for protecting brass. PVD is a tarnish-resistant, scratch-resistant, and corrosion-resistant finish, applied on brass to maintain the shine.

What is Living Finish on door hardware?
Living finish has no protective coatings. It is designed to change with time and use. The finish may rub off when it is frequently used and darkens where it is not. This is considered to be a normal evolution of the finish and cannot be considered as a defect. Any item or liquid that comes into contact with the finish can affect the color. With time, living finishes will vary in color and tone, adding character and uniqueness.

How do you determine the lever handing for your door set?
Handing for lever door sets is determined by standing outside facing the door. If the hinges are on the left hand side, you need a left handed lever set. If the hinges are on the right hand side, you need a right handed lever set.