Door Hardware Technician

Lee A. Garver DAHC, FDHI

A door hardware technical is a person who must have the technical knowledge necessary to service, maintain and install all of the different components of commercial door hardware.

For this person, he or she must have a thorough understanding of all the different pieces of door hardware which will require on-going training.

Finding training for this designation can be difficult, one source is the specific manufacturer of the hardware item itself.  The manufacturer can offer technical information regarding their product; however, he or she must have knowledge of all different types of hardware items, plus the door & frame.  A swinging door will most likely include the door frame, door, hinges, locking mechanism, door closer, stop, protection plates, and miscellaneous items.  Each individual item plays an important role in the  successful operation of a door, therefore a technician must have the knowledge of not only each item separately, but have the knowledge of the entire door assembly and its proper functionality.

The book “Door Hardware Simplified”, was written for individuals who would like to learn more about basic commercial door hardware;  its application, including basic helpful hints regarding the care and preventative maintenance.

In addition to the 12 dedicated pages titled “Doorware Care”, a quick-tip matrix has been included in the book which organizes the most common problems associated with commercial door hardware with the most common solution.  Most common problem associated with commercial door hardware is the direct result of improper installation, and that manufacturer’s installation sheets were not followed.  A technician must be aware of possible conditions that affects the doors operation.

Technicians need to know that the number one non-hardware related condition that affects the door hardware is the door frame.  If the door frame is not square or plumb it can contribute to;

• Door not closing
• It is binding
• Not closing and latching properly
• Difficulty in retracting the locks latchbolt
• The locks latchbolt either hangs up on the strike or doesn’t engage fully into the strike plate.
• Latchbolt alignment with the strike plate

He or she will be able to know what to check for if the door frame is square and plumb.  The fasteners of each piece of door hardware, are they tight and are they the manufacturer’s original fasteners?  It is not uncommon for fasteners to loosen up; it can be the result of vibration and door usage.  Over tightened fasteners can contribute to the door not latching, difficulty in retracting the latchbolt, and even preventing the latchbolt of a lockset from fully engaging into the strike plate.

They will know that a door closer is designed to close the door every time it opens, unless it incorporates a feature that holds it open.  If a door closer is installed incorrectly and not in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation sheet, or if the door closer is not sized correctly it will affect other door hardware.  A door closer when installed properly and sized appropriately will ensure a smooth and positive closing and latching cycle for which it was intended to do.  A door closer that is not adjusted properly will affect the door not closing properly, door latching and overall performance of the assembly.

A great deal of effort was made to incorporate Doorware Care in the to simplify the task of troubleshooting a door assembly that is not functioning as intended.

Copyright © 2013, 2014 Lee A. Garver