Category: Door Hardware

11/11/2022

Reduce The Spread Of Germs With No-Touch Solutions

Options like keyless entry, motion sensors, and antimicrobial door hardware can help cut down on the transmission of viruses and illnesses.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been more cautious, taking extra steps to promote health and safety. Fighting off bacteria is also currently on everyone’s minds, due to recent headlines: There has been a surge of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases, an early/active flu season, a lot of illness transmitted in schools, and a shortage of hospital beds (especially pediatric ones).

A wise way to decrease the spread of germs and the chances of getting sick is with the use of antimicrobial and no-touch devices. With each interaction, there is a chance of being exposed to viruses, but this unique door hardware helps inhibit the growth of germs in high-touch areas.

Cylindrical levers are versatile, seen everywhere from hotel rooms and corridors to classrooms and restrooms. An antimicrobial cylindrical lever is a great choice for doors that are used regularly in public spaces.
For those not wanting a lever, there are plenty of other microban hardware options. Many opt for these in their homes, working to keep families safe and well.
With a wave-to-open motion sensor, one does not have to touch a door when opening/closing it. Not only does this reduce the spread of germs, but it is also convenient; whether someone is on crutches, has their hands full, or is pushing a stroller, they will still be granted access.
Similarly, foot-operated door openers offer no-touch accessibility. These are commonly seen in public restrooms, which may have 500,000 bacterial cells per square inch.
Keyless entrances keep growing in popularity, as houses, businesses, schools, hospitals and more up security with access control. There are a variety of options, ranging from entering with an employee badge or being buzzed in while appearing on a security camera.

With all of these antimicrobial and no-touch security solutions, experiences will be enhanced, accessibility will be boosted, and contamination will be prevented. If you are interested in any of these products, call Cothron’s today at 512-472-6273 or request service here.

9/21/2022

5 Tips For Making Your Locks & Door Hardware Last

Regular adjustments can help keep doors looking like new, working smoothly, and functioning in the most secure way possible.

Over time, locks and door hardware can get worn, dirty, misaligned, and overused, meaning regular maintenance is required. These small adjustments can keep doors looking like new and working properly. When maintenance is avoided, it can affect things like energy savings and, of course, overall security, and persisting issues can escalate into bigger problems.

Therefore, to keep your locks, hinges, doorknobs, strike plates, deadlatches, and deadbolts in tip-top shape, follow these five steps.

Keep screws tightened. Screws help hold hinges, doorknobs, and other pieces of hardware in place. When they get loose, they may not be able to do their job efficiently, and there is the risk of the hardware falling off – both problems that decrease security. Go around with a screwdriver at least a couple of times a year, in order to make sure screws are tight.
Clean and lubricate locks and hinges. Dirt, debris, and rust can impair how doors work, so another step to take regularly is cleaning and lubricating hardware. The outside of locks and knobs should be disinfected, and a little bit of oil should be applied to the inside of locks and to hinges. Pro Tip: Do not use a graphite product, though, as it gums up in locks!
Check the alignment of doors. A common problem is doors getting misaligned over time, which puts extra pressure on latches and bolts. It can also keep locks from being as secure as possible and can make the job of opening a door harder than it should be. When doing regular maintenance, ensure that the gap between doors and frames is the same on all sides.
Make sure weatherstripping is up-to-date. On a similar note, the weatherstripping around doors needs to be replaced now and then, since gaps can let in excess hot/cold air and even insects and rodents.
Know when it’s time for a replacement. Most of the steps on this list are quick and easy fixes that can be done by homeowners/a school’s or company’s maintenance staff. However, some of these issues can end up beyond repair and call for an upgrade. If locks and pieces of door hardware are broken or ineffective, call Cothron’s at 512-472-6273; we can discuss a plan of action and get what’s needed to enhance safety!

6/23/2022

The Importance Of Up-To-Date Locks, Alarms, & Security Features

Upgrading doors, locks, alarm systems, and other security equipment can improve aesthetics, functionality, safety, and more.

Within the realm of security – which includes locks, alarms, safes, access control systems, and beyond – there are always new technologies and advancements, which make for new ways to keep people safe.

Therefore, it is important to inspect doors, windows, and security equipment regularly and to replace/repair, as needed, since up-to-date solutions…

LOOK NICE - One reason for these types of updates is aesthetics. A person may want to include a new door installation in their remodeling project, upgrade to a sleek video surveillance system, or replace old/broken hardware. All of these decisions offer an array of benefits and also make for a good first impression.

ARE MORE FUNCTIONAL - Oftentimes, replacements of locks, alarms, and security features come about due to functionality. It may seem like all doors and keys work in, more or less, the same way, but there are modern-day options that make things easier and safer for users. For example, smart home and electronic security solutions come with 24-hour monitoring, keyless entry, and remote access.

OFFER MORE BENEFITS - On a similar note, different products offer up different benefits. Want to reduce the spread of germs? Go with no-touch door hardware that can be opened by foot or with motion. Need a safe for a particular reason? There are fireproof ones, those made specifically for guns or jewelry, types that can fit into the wall or ground, and then some. Wishing all the doors in the office worked with the same key? A locksmith can handle that.

INCREASE SAFETY - Of course, safety is the top reason for updating doors, keys, locks, and alarm systems. From homes and places of work to schools and medical centers, security should be prioritized, and going with more modern selections from Cothron’s Safe & Lock is one way to do this.

You don’t have to wait until you move or go through a remodel; you can make upgrades now…upgrades that give you more control and peace of mind. If you are looking for a stylish, functional, beneficial, and/or safe solution, contact Cothron’s today!

Cothron's News

Reduce The Spread Of Germs With No-Touch Solutions

5 Tips For Making Your Locks & Door Hardware Last

The Importance Of Up-To-Date Locks, Alarms, & Security Features

Locksmith News & Security Blog

Categories

Stores / Service Centers

South Austin

North Austin

Round Rock

Corporate Office