How to Keep Your Hardware Looking Brand New

The sheen and sophistication that comes from out-of-the-box hardware really makes a world of difference to the appearance of your property. But over time, the hardware of your doors can lose their lustre, leaving your home looking old and tired.

Don’t worry though - you don’t have to immediately rush out to replace all of the hardware in your home – there are ways to renew the appearance of hardware, and they’re easier than you might think.

Here are some tips and tricks that will help you to keep your hardware looking brand new.

How to Clean Your Hardware

Some homeowners who are the proud occupiers of older houses pride themselves on retaining the original patina of metal hardware, but just because they want their home to maintain its antique finish, doesn’t mean it has to look corroded or tarnished. You can still clean door hardware quickly and easily while accentuating the original features of your home.

What You Will Need To Clean Your Hardware

In order to clean your hardware, you will require:

?         A toothbrush or soft-bristled brush

?         Water

?         Gloves

?         Cloths

?         Metal cleaner

?         Furniture or car wax

If you can’t find an effective metal cleaning product, you can make your own from a mix of bicarbonate of soda and vinegar which will work particularly well for older doors where you want to remove some, but not all, of the patina.

Bronze Finishes

Oil rubbed bronze finishes are finishes that evolve over time, meaning they have a continually changing appearance. Because this type of finish doesn’t have a clear coat, the flat brown coating usually wears down to a coppery tone.

In order to take care of bronze finished hardware, you should wipe down the surface with a small amount of vegetable oil on a soft cloth – however, be careful not to use too much, as this can leave a residue on your hands when you use the door.

If you want to restore the hardware’s colour without affecting the original compound, you can use a household detergent or a mild abrasive powder that can be wiped away. Finish off by rubbing in a coat of furniture wax to keep the hardware looking pristine.

Clear Finishes

In order to maintain the appearance of clear finished hardware, you only need to clean periodically with non-abrasive soap and buff the hardware slightly with a dry cloth.

Applying non-abrasive car wax is also a good idea when working with clear finishes as this will protect the hardware while also preserving the colour beneath.

Chrome Finishes

Chrome hardware is one of the easiest metals to maintain and can be wiped down with just a damp cloth. If you need to restore the metal, you can use high-grade chrome polish to bring back the finish.

Bicarbonate of soda and vinegar can also be used to clean chrome efficiently – mix the two ingredients together to form a paste and brush into the hardware using a toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush. Leave the mixture to sit for a few minutes to work on dissolving the grime and then wipe away with a cloth.

Know When it's Time to Replace your Hardware

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to restore the metal on your doors to a suitable standard. If hardware has been unmaintained for too long, it’s best to start fresh and replace the hardware.

Replacing hardware can instantly transform the look of a building; this is particularly the case with replacement letterboxes, door handles and locks.

The main thing to remember when choosing new hardware is to check that the size matches what you currently have in place; this will help to avoid any installation difficulties.

Order Hardware Online

Ordering hardware online has never been easier thanks to our online store. We have a huge array of key hardware available to purchase today; from door handles and chains through to hinges and latches.

Cabin hooks are an incredibly useful addition to any doorway or storage unit; they provide a stylish and effective way of keeping doors closed (or open!). They are available in a range of sizes and finishes, providing a multitude of décor options, whether they’re installed on French doors, cupboards or outdoor areas such as sheds and garden gates.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about cabin hooks, including why you may want to consider adding them to your home.

What Is a Cabin Hook?

Cabin hooks are small hook locks that contain an eye catch. They are used to hold doors and gates open, or to keep them closed.

Cabin hooks can be plated with numerous finishes, including chrome, nickel and brass. No matter what finish, cabin hooks tend to always hold a rustic and traditional look, making them perfect to use in traditional farmhouses or country estates.

How Do Cabin Hooks Work?

Simple yet efficient, cabin hooks contain two separate pieces – a metal hook and an eye catch plate. The hook is usually fitted onto the door frame, while the eye catch is fitted to the door, or vice versa.

In terms of mechanisms, the hook swings over towards the eye catch to secure the door open or closed.

When you purchase a cabin hook, it will come with a set of screws so you can quickly and easily install it. These hooks can be installed at any level, whether it’s above a key lock or right at the top of a door.

What Are Cabin Hooks Used For?

Cabin hooks are typically used for windows, doors and gates, to stop them from swinging open or closed. They are popularly used on French doors to keep them open during the warmer months.

What Is A Silent Cabin Hook?

Silent cabin hooks work in the same way as traditional cabin hooks but they are typically used for heavy-duty applications, as they have a tighter-fitting hook and eye. This minimises the risk of movement and therefore sound, which is why they are referred to as silent cabin hooks.

Silent cabin hooks are ideally suited to areas where you want to restrict the movement of a door or gate but want something more aesthetically-pleasing than a standard bolt. As with classic hook and eye locks, silent cabin hooks are available in various sizes and arm lengths, as well as in different finishes to blend in with décor styles.

How Do You Install A Cabin Hook?

The beauty of cabin hooks is in their simplicity; they’re easy to install as well as use.

The first decision you need to make is the placement of your cabin hook and eye. They can be installed at any height - from close to ground if you’re using them to keep doors open, or at eye level if you’re using them as a door lock. There are no rules - it’s all a matter of personal preference.

Once you’ve decided where you want the hook and eye to be, mark where it will sit with a pencil – ensure that it is level when you’re positioning it and make sure that there’s sufficient space between the arm of the hook and the eye plate so that it can be hooked over easily. A tape measure can be useful here to make sure the length of the gap is adequate.

When you’ve double checked that everything has been marked properly and is level, mark the positioning of the screw holes for the hook and screw in the fixings.

In Summary

Cabin hooks are aesthetically-pleasing and inconspicuous, serving as a great alternative to bolts, which can look out of place in certain applications. Cabin hooks are easy to fit, whether you’re a DIY amateur or an expert, and they add a subtle charm to doors, windows and outdoor spaces.

Your Door Hinge Replacement Guide

Hinges are an integral part of a door’s function and can make or break a door's ability to open and close sufficiently. Whether your door hinges have worn down over time or have broken entirely, here’s everything you need to know about replacing them. 

What Are Hinges Used For?

Hinges in general are used to join two parts together, forming a revolute joint between them, while still allowing the two parts to rotate relative to each other. Typically, they have two flat faces (known as leaves) and are available in a variety of different styles depending on their purpose and the type of door they’re being fitted to. Steel, stainless steel or brass are the most common metals for door hinges, and they not only provide support to the door, but also enable it to open and close adequately. 

What Are The Different Types Of Hinges?

Door hinges are available in a wide range of styles, from hinges that are suitable for exterior doors, to those that are best for interior doors. Spring Action hinges are designed for doors that open both ways, whereas Parliament Wide Leaf hinges are suitable for doors that open wider than normal. While door hinges are available in a variety of finishes, most people opt for a finish that suits the door’s handles and general style. 

Do You Need 3 Hinges on A Door?

While lightweight internal domestic doors may be fitted with only two hinges, security or external doors generally require three hinges in order to make them more secure and harder to be forced open. As a general rule, you should use one hinge for every 30 inches of door. For instance, a door over 90 inches tall (but not over 120 inches) would require four hinges. 

What Is the Correct Position For Door Hinges?

In most circumstances, the top hinge of a door should be installed 5 inches down from the top jamb / edge of the door (the jamb is the flat surface that runs vertically up either side of the door frame and is where the hinges are placed to hang the door). The bottom hinge is generally installed 10 inches up from the bottom edge of the finished floor, with the third centred between the other two hinges. 

How To Measure A Hinge 

First, you need to know both the thickness and the width of the door before knowing the appropriate hinge size to use. Here’s a rough guide to work with: 

Thickness

Width

Hinge Size

1-3/8" Door

Up To 32"

3-1/2" Hinge

1-3/8" Door

32" to 36"

4" Hinge

1-3/4" Door

Up to 36"

4-1/2" Hinge

1-3/4" Door

36" to 48"

5" Hinge

1-3/4" Door

Over 48"

6" Hinge

2", 2-1/4", 2-1/2" Door

Up to 42"

5" Heavy Duty Commercial

2", 2-1/4", 2-1/2" Door

Over 42"

6" Heavy Duty Commercial

How To Replace Door Hinges

Step 1: 

First, open the door so that the hinge is fully exposed before placing either sturdy door stops or blocks of wood under the door to keep it sturdy and steady. 

Step 2:

Now is a good time to not only check that your new door hinges match both the size and edge shape of the old ones, but also that the old hinges are in the correct place on the door. 

Step 3:

You’ll now need to remove the old hinges. Starting at the upper hinge, remove the screws that hold the hinge leaves in place, pulling them away from both the door and the jamb. It’s a good idea to double check the wood underneath the hinge at this point to ensure it’s in good condition. If the holes have stripped out, you may wish to plug them with a small wedge of wood. 

Step 4: 

If the hinges you’re replacing are particularly old and worn, the jamb and the door itself may need a bit of TLC before you fit the new hinges. If necessary, sand down the wood and give it a fresh coat of paint. If the replacement door hinges are different in size from the old ones, you’ll also need to fill in the mortise hole in the door and the door frame with wood putty – allow plenty of time to fully dry before painting or staining the door. 

Step 5:

Next, you need to place the new hinge gently and carefully over the position of the old one. Using a screwdriver or drill, secure the two sides of the hinge to both the jamb and the door with the screws, securing the hinge by placing a hinge pin into it.

Step 6:

Repeat this process for the second/lower hinge (and third if needed). 

Step 7:

It’s now time to remove the blocks or doorstops from beneath the door and test the new hinges. Open and close the door several times to ensure it does so smoothly and with ease.