Tigris Omega – End of an era

In the realm of security solutions, adaptability is key. Today, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment as the Tigris Omega cylinder locksuite faces discontinuation due to supply challenges. However, amidst this change, we at Doorstuff are excited to announce our partnership with Access 2 to facilitate a smooth transition to the innovative Premier 3 platform

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Fire Rated Door Hardware

In this blog we will be looking at fire rated door hardware. When you have a door which is required to be fire rated it is important that all hardware used on the fire door is also fire rated. There are many things which can be used with fire doors so that these regulations are still met.

Fire Rated Hinges

All hinges used on fire doors must be fire rated to ensure that fire regulations are met. At doorstuff, we sell multiple different types and sizes of fire rated hinges which can be used. All our fire rated hinges can be found on our website here and these hinges are all in compliance with BS EN1365 Grade 13. The hinges are available in different finishes such as BZP, SZP, EBP and BSS depending on your preferences, and multiple sizes are also available. All of our fire rated hinges must be fitted with the intumescent pads, also available on our website.

Door Closers and Floor Springs

Door closers and floor springs are also commonly used with fire doors, especially in non-domestic properties such as hospitals, schools, etc. Though lighter duty door closers can be used in domestic properties with a lower footfall, these are also fire rated. 

Fire Signage

Fire signage should be displayed on fire doors in public areas, reminding the public that the doors should be kept shut whilst they are not in use, these signs can read various phrases such as ‘fire door keep shut’, ‘fire door keep locked’ and ‘automatic fire door keep clear’. These are mandatory signs which must be displayed. All signs are supplied in various finishes with matching fixing screws.

Intumescent Fire and Smoke Seals

Intumescent fire and smoke seals should also be used on fire doors. All of our fire and smoke seals are supplied in our default sizing but can be easily cut to size on request, so they are compatible with any door shape and size. We also supply different coloured strips to match the colour of your door frame and camouflage the product as much as possible to promote a productive yet stylish look. 

If you require any more information on fire doors or fire door hardware, please do not hesitate to get in touch by phone or e-mail, we will be happy to help.

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Doorstuff Diaries – The Disappearance of Jebron

Welcome to Doorstuff diaries, a new blog series where we discuss unusual customer requests, in today’s edition we have ‘The Disappearance of Jebron.’

The Disappearance of Jebron - now EXIDOR Door Closer

The Disappearance of Jebron

‘We are looking to replace 2 of our door closers like for like, I have looked online but cannot find them anywhere. The door closers are from a brand called Jebron, but I am unsure what the model of the door closers are, could you help with this?’

This customer sent us an e-mail requesting 2 replacement door closers from a brand called Jebron but was unsure on the model of door closer currently installed. The first problem is that Jebron is no longer in manufacturing, but they been bought by another company, EXIDOR who sell the same products at a higher quality. The second problem is that we don’t know which model of door closer is required, so we ask customers to send us photos in order to identify this.

Our Solution

‘If you could send us over a couple of photos of the door closers you currently have installed, as well as a photo of both ends of the closer, we can identify a like for like replacement for you.

Please note that Jebron is no longer manufacturing door closers, and they have been taken over by another company called EXIDOR. We can still supply a like for like replacement as EXIDOR are selling the same products, which have just been upgraded for quality and longevity purposes.

The customer then sent us the requested photos so that we could identify the model of door closer and quote them for two of these.

So, if you have any old Jebron products that need replacing and can’t find them online anywhere, this will be because they are no longer sold. You can send us an e-mail or give us a call for help if you need any Jebron items as we are still able to supply the same products under a different brand. To help us identify your Jebron closer, we will need photos of the front and both ends, as well as a measurement of the length of the body.

If you require any further information or have any other queries, please feel free to pop us an e-mail or give us a call, we are always happy to help.

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Types of Mortice Locks

A mortice lock is any lock that sits in a pocket, cut in to the edge of a door. In this blog we will be looking at the different types of mortice locks.

image of a mortice lock

Mortice Deadlocks

The first type of mortice lock is a deadlock. Deadlocks are operated by a key only and are sometimes used alongside a rim night latch to provide additional locking in the centre of your door. Handles are not required with deadlocks, turning the key or thumb-turn retracts the centre deadbolt. Mortice deadlocks are commonly fitted to external front and back doors. They are fitted to wooden and timber doors but cannot be used on uPVC or composite doors.

Mortice Sash Locks

Sash locks are a combination of a latch and a deadlock. The lock can be activated from the inside or outside by either a key or a thumb-turn, whilst the latch part is operated by a handle or a knob from either side. Mortice sash locks can be used on both internal and external doors, you should ensure that they are British Standard approved if being fitted on an external door.

Mortice Night Latches

Mortice night latches lock as soon as a door is closed, so you don’t need to worry about using a key to lock the door. Once the door is shut it will be locked and you will need a key to open it from the outside again. From the inside, the door can be unlocked by turning the handle.

3 Lever Mortice Locks

3 lever mortice locks are designed mainly for internal timber doors in domestic properties. They are best suited for doors which need to be locked for privacy purposes, rather than for security purposes. Because 3 lever locks have fewer levers, keys can be duplicated more easily and therefore the locks are less secure. Keys are supplied with 3 lever mortice locks.

5 Lever Mortice Locks

5 lever mortice locks are usually used on external timber doors in domestic properties, they are more secure than 3 lever locks as they have 2 extra levers. The lock itself is made up of a latch and a deadbolt. These are one of the three types of external door locks that home insurance companies require, providing they are compliant and kitemarked to BS3621. Keys are supplied with 5 lever mortice locks.

If you require any further information, or if you wish to speak to anyone about any of our other products, we are more than happy to help via phone, or you can pop us an e-mail and we will get back to you.

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Choosing the Right Finish

There are many different finishes available for lots of different products, in this blog we will be looking at the different finishes on offer, as well as how to care for them, so you can choose the right finish for you.

Stocked Finishes

There are several different finishes which we carry in stock, these finishes are available for most of our products.

Stainless Steel Finishes

Stainless steel finishes include brushed/satin stainless steel (BSS/SSS) and polished stainless steel (PSS). Satin stainless steel finishes are a brushed, or matte steel-based finish, they are great for hiding fingerprints and give a smooth appearance. Polished stainless steel finishes give more of a mirror shine look, which can cause finger prints to be more visible, however polished stainless steel finishes can be slightly more resistant to corrosion due to the surface of the metal being so smooth.

Satin stainless steel finish door handle
Satin Stainless Steel Finish

Chrome Finishes

Chrome finishes include satin chrome (SC) and polished chrome (PC) finishes. These finishes appear similar to the satin and polished stainless steel finishes, however they are not steel-based, and are usually plated brass, zinc or nickel. They are often less durable than the steel-based finishes above, and are more likely to get damaged over time due to wear.

Polished chrome finish door handle
Polished Chrome Finish

Special Finishes

Special finishes are generally not held in stock, however they can still be supplied with longer lead times on delivery. There are many special finishes available.

Electro brass finished door handle
Electro Brass Finish

Antique brass

Antique brass finish is polished brass with a bronze patina applied over the entire surface. Polishes are then used to remove some of the bronze patina, exposing the brass underneath and highlighting the variance of shades giving an antique finish. A protective coating of electrophoretic lacquer is then applied over the surface to preserve the final appearance.

Matt Bronze

Matt bronze finishes are made up of aged brass and a clear lacquer. Over time, the bronze colour can lighten along edges or any surfaces that are frequently touched or handled, creating a natural aged appearance as the brass below becomes exposed. This finish will change over time.

Other Finishes

There are many other special finishes available, Croft architectural have a range of special finishes available which you can see here.

Caring for Different Finishes

Maintaining the quality of finishes require occasional care by removing dust and stains from the surfaces. All plated and lacquered finishes will eventually break down over time, there are certain factors which can affect the breakdown of finishes such as climate exposure: coastal areas and polluted areas often see plated finishes break down faster.

For lacquered and plated finishes such as antique brass, satin nickel, matt bronze, satin brass and polished brass, regularly removing dirt and watermarks with a non-abrasive cloth will help to maintain the longevity of the finish. For products that are used externally, applying a non-abrasive light wax coating can help to protect the lacquer and could extend its life. Metal cleaners or any other aerosol sprays should NOT be used as these will damage the finish.

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Keeping your Doors Held Open

As the weather is getting warmer and summer is quickly approaching, we have put together a blog on different ways you can keep your doors held open and let the breeze in.

Foot Operated Door Holders

image of a foot operated door hold open device
1082 Foot operated door holder

Foot operated door holders are a great way to keep your doors open. These devices work on most door types; however, they are not suitable for internal fire doors. They should be attached to the bottom of the door and your foot can be used to press down the plunger, which engages the rubber foot on to the floor, stopping the door from moving. We have foot operated door holders both medium and heavy duty. The 34713 is a medium duty foot operated holder, this offers a 30mm lift. The 1082 is heavy duty and offers a 50mm lift, so this is ideal for sloped floors where more leeway is required. They are easy to retro fit to a door and should the wind become too strong they will allow some give in the door so it will move and not just break. A small tab on the side of the plunger once pressed, springs the holder back off the floor allowing the door to move easily.

Cabin Hooks

Cabin hooks are another great option for keeping your doors open, the disadvantage being that you need something on the other side of a door, for example a wall, or anything else which the hook catch can be attached to. These hooks are designed to be fitted to your door, and the catch can be fitted to anything next to the door, the hook slots into the catch and holds the door in an open position. Cabin hooks are a fixed stop and any large force from the wind can rip the fixings out of the door or wall and allow the door to slam. For this reason, we do not advise them in areas that have strong winds.

Hold Open Arms

Hold open arms are designed to be used in conjunction with a door closer, they attach on to door closers replacing the regular arm. These arms are designed to hold doors in an open position mechanically. Arms can be purchased separately for most door closers on our website under the ‘component parts’ section. On scissor arm closers such as the TS2000V the hold open function normally requires you to reach up to the arm to close the door, but with guide rail closers such as the TS3000V, the door just needs to be pulled and it will close itself. This is also a safety feature on the guide rail closers, as it releases before the closer mechanism or the door is damaged.

If you require any further information, or have any questions, please contact us by phone or e-mail and we will be happy to help you.

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Electromagnetic Door Closers – Hold Open or Free Swing

image of an an electromagnetic free swing or hold open door closer - EXIDOR 9870

Electromagnetic door closers come in two variations; Hold open or Free swing. In this blog we will be looking at the main differences between the two types, and how you can change from one to the other. When purchasing and installing an electromagnetic hold open or free swing door closer you will need to ensure that they suit the location of the door, as well as how the door should function.

Hold Open Door Closers

Hold open door closers are designed to hold a door in an open position, generally holding them open at around 90-120 degrees. Upon activation of a fire alarm, hold open door closers will activate and return the door to the frame, closing it.

These types of door closer are great for use in places with a high footfall, such as schools or hospitals. Hold open door closers ensure that busy corridors, etc. are free from any obstruction that a continuously opening and closing fire door could cause.

Free Swing Door Closers

Free swing door closers work by allowing a door to be opened and closed as if there is no door closer installed. Upon activation of a fire alarm, free swing door closers will still ensure that the door fully closes from any angle.

A good use for free swing door closers would be bedrooms within care homes, boarding schools, etc. where the door closers make it much easier to open heavy fire doors. These closers also do not restrict any movement around a building, and give peace of mind, knowing that the doors will close from any angle once a fire alarm has been activated.

Converting from Hold Open to Free Swing

Converting a door closer from one configuration (hold open or free swing) to another will depend on the brand of door closer you have.

Generally, GEZE scissor arm door closers will require you to change the arm. For example, the GEZE TS4000E is a hold open door closer which can be converted to the TS4000EFS by changing the arm. Both standard and free swing arms can be purchased individually on our website. GEZE Guide rail door closers will require a whole new unit.

EXIDOR door closers are usually supplied with everything you need for either configuration, such as the EXIDOR 9870, which comes supplied with fixings for both applications. EXIDOR have a very useful YouTube video on how to convert their 9870 door closer from hold open to free swing, which you can watch here.

If you require any further information, or have any questions, please contact us by phone or e-mail and we will be happy to help you.

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Master Key Systems

In this blog we will be looking at master key systems; what they are, how they work, the benefits and more!

What is Master Keying?

A master key system refers to a mechanical locking system used throughout a building or complex, where one key can be used to access multiple different locks. Master key systems are designed to either provide or limit access to certain locked areas within a building.

Master key systems use cylinder locks featuring additional pins, these are referred to as either the ‘master shim’ or ‘wafer pin’. These allow the locks to be accessed by both normal individual keys, and master keys. The extra pin is inserted between the top and bottom pins within a standard cylinder lock, meaning the master keyed lock can be unlocked using at least 2 different keys.

Different Keys in Master Key Systems

As well as having master keys, there are also two other types of keys used within master key systems; Submaster keys and differ keys.

Submaster keys are designed to access certain doors, depending on the holder of the key. Master key systems work on a key distribution hierarchy, so submaster keys will have more access than keys that can only unlock one single lock, but they will not have as much access as the master key.

Differ keys are used where each lock has a unique cylinder that requires a different key to lock/unlock it. These keys will only unlock the lock they are specified for.

Benefits of Master Key Systems

There are many benefits of using a master key system, including enhanced security, control, and convenience.

Increased Security

Master key systems have the benefit of increased security. Planning a master key system means that all access is predetermined, as specific keys grant specific access. This increases the level of security for all involved, as well as the security of goods which may be stored in locked places. The decreased number of keys in a master key system also means that there are fewer keys that go missing.

Level of Control

The level of control is higher with a master key system, which is another benefit. Master key systems ensure that access at all levels is controlled. It is also not possible to get a master key, or a submaster key copied at any locksmiths. The only way you can duplicate a master key, or get a replacement, is for the registered owner to order one directly through the supplier or manufacturer.

Convenience

Having a system with a reduced number of keys means replacing lost/damaged keys is cheaper and more convenient, it also means you won’t have to carry lots of keys around together, which can get confusing and heavy.

Ordering a Master Key System

When ordering a master key system, it is important that you have planned the number of doors, number of keys, who has access, and the sizes of the cylinders. Creating a table as shown below can be very helpful when ordering a master key system.

image of a master key system chart

If you require any further information on master key systems or if you wish to purchase a system with us, please give us a call or send us an e-mail.

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Door Closers – Frequently Asked Questions

image of a door closer

In this blog we will be answering some of our most frequently questions about door closers. These are the questions we hear the most, however we are still happy to answer any other questions you may have, so feel free to pop us an e-mail or give us a call.

What is a Door Closer Used for?

Door closers are used to ensure that a door remains closed after being opened. They close a door in a controlled manner, avoiding slamming. Door closers are fire rated and they are commonly used on fire doors so that the doors remain closed.

How do I fit a Door Closer?

There are three different ways to fit a door closer. Firstly, Figure 1 fixing (pull side or hinge side.) This is the most common method, where the door closer is fixed to the hinge side of the door, the door closer is attached to the door and the closer arm is attached just above the door frame.

The second method of fitting a door closer is Figure 61 fixing (push side or opposite hinge side.) With this method the door closer is attached to the frame of the door, and the arm is attached to the door on the opposite hinge side. For both figure 1 and figure 61 fixings a standard ‘hinge side’ door closer and arm are required.

The last method of fixing is Figure 66 fixing (push side or opposite hinge side) where you will require an ‘opposite hinge side’ guiderail door closer, or for a scissor arm, you would need to use the parallel arm bracket included in the kit. For this method, the door closer is attached to the door and the parallel arm bracket is fitted underneath the door frame head. The arm is then attached to the parallel arm bracket, on the opposite hinge side. For a more in-depth fitting tutorial, see our YouTube video here.

What Tools do I Need to Fit a Door Closer?

The tools you will need to fit a door closer include a drill and drill bits (3.5mm for wood and 5.1mm for metal.) You will also need a pencil, so you can easily mark out where you are going to be putting the door closer. A hammer, a centre punch, a screwdriver, socket wrenches and a cloth or a rag are also required.

Can Anyone Fit a Door Closer?

In order to be able to fit a door closer, you will need some DIY experience and the appropriate materials. Fitting a door closer is not recommended for a first time DIYer, but with a good level of experience, fitting a door closer should not be too difficult. Every door closer comes with a paper template, in which you can easily mark out where the holes will need to be drilled.

Can Door Closers be Adjusted?

Yes, door closers can be adjusted. It is easy to adjust a door closer with just a ladder and a screwdriver, hex key or small wrench, NOT an electric screwdriver. You will need to make small turns (about 20 degrees) in one of the adjustment screws, this should allow the door closing speed, the door latching speed and the door delay to be altered. Clockwise turns should slow it down, and anti-clockwise turns should speed up the closing speed. For more information on adjusting door closers, see our YouTube video.

What are the Types of Door Closers?

There are 3 different types of door closers, as well as domestic door closers, the different types each have different features. You can see our blog which goes into detail about the different types of door closers and their functions here.

If you have any further questions about door closers or any of our other products, you can send us an e-mail or call us, we are happy to help.

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Different Types of Door Closers

image of a hold open and free swing door closer

From domestic door closers to concealed door closers, there are many different types of door closers. In this blog we will be looking at the different types of door closers we sell, along with their functions and their differences.

Domestic Door Closers

Domestic door closers are designed for domestic use, or for very light commercial use where doors do not need to be opened as much, such as bars, restaurants, offices and anywhere with smaller-scale business and less footfall. Light commercial properties are typically no more than 25,000 square feet and have no more than four stories.

Guide Rail Door Closers

Guide rail door closers are highly efficient and have a non-projecting guide rail arm for minimum intrusion. The guide rails allow for easier opening of the door, as well as making the door closer more vandal resistant, making them perfect for public buildings such as schools, where children may try to swing on the arms of other types of closer.

Hold Open & Free Swing Door Closers

Hold open and free swing door closers are electro-magnetic door closers designed for fire doors, as they are linked into a fire alarm system. The doors can remain open, however when a fire alarm is activated, the door closers will automatically close the door irrespective of its position. These door closers are also designed to be installed professionally into a buildings fire alarm system.

Concealed Door Closers

Concealed door closers offer the same functionality as regular overhead door closers; however, they are fitted within the door leaf and frame, rather than above the door, so that they are completely concealed when the door is closed. The door closer is concealed within the door, whilst the rail is fit in to the frame. These are much more complex to install so we recommend having them installed professionally.

Floor Springs

Floor springs are hidden door closers, fitted in to the floor, which allow doors to swing and open both ways. They also ensure that your doors will close themselves after being opened to ensure that fire regulations are met.

If you have any questions regarding door closers or any of our other products, pop us an e-mail or give us a call, we are always happy to help!

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