We frequently  get calls from people who need a replacement door hardware.

They aren’t happy about it because door hardware is definitely NOT inexpensive.

The sad part? It probably could’ve been avoided.

There are plenty of signs your door hardware is about to break. And often, the damage (and subsequent replacement needs) are completely avoidable.  In this article, we review several of the major  signs to watch  for so you can be aware when your hardware might be about to break.

Signs Your Door Hardware Is About to Break

Sticking

Have you noticed your doors seem sticky lately?

Do the locking mechanisms have a hard time releasing?

Does any component of the door have a general sticky feel to it?

If so, this is a sign you’ve got some trouble on your hands.

First, catching a break before it happens almost always results in significant savings.

In fact, if you catch it early the damage is typically not as bad than if you’d let the problem go on longer. You also have to consider the impact a non-operational door will have on your business. A broken storefront door can give off the perception that you don’t take pride in your business and that in itself can result in a loss of profit. All of these things are definitely things you want to avoid.

Loose Screws

Loose screws might seem an obvious sign your door hardware is about to break, but if you overlook the damage it could cause could really put a dent in your wallet.

Most of the time you’re going to be able to simply tighten the screws yourself, but sometimes this can be a sign of a much bigger problem. Catching it early is key. So make sure you always keep an eye out for loosening screws, and included it on a monthly maintenance check.  

Grinding

When it comes to your teeth and your door hardware, grinding sounds never mean good news.

If you hear scraping when your door opens or closes, this means something isn’t right.

A properly working door will operate smoothly with little to no sound or friction.

Grinding normally either means you need to add some lubricant or your door needs to be realigned If you let the problem go on for too long it can damage your door and you might have to replace the entire door. Never a good thing.

These are just a few examples of signs your door hardware is about to break and should be red alerts.  You need to investigate the issue further and make sure a simple fix now doesn’t turn into a costly repair a couple weeks down the road.

If you know what to look for you can easily save yourself some money, time, and hassle. If you have questions about door hardware and maintenance, feel free to contact us anytime!