Tech Talk: Doug
Who better to ask about locks than the knowledgeable technicians who work on them every day? This month, we’re featuring Doug. He has over 4 years of experience and has certifications in electronics and access control.
Q: What is your favorite type of lock to repair/replace? Why?
A: I really enjoy working on older mortise locks. It can be a bit like solving a puzzle. The opportunity doesn’t come up frequently, though, because replacement is often more efficient and cost-effective.
Q: What advice would you give about home locks and why?
A: If you’re concerned with the color of all your hardware matching throughout the house, try to keep the finish simple. Brass and satin chrome are the standards and oil-rubbed bronze is pretty consistent. There’s a whole spectrum of in-between shades, but they can come and go as home design trends change. This can make it difficult to match when replacement is needed. These finishes can be useful if you’ve got older hardware that’s built up a patina and you don’t want your new hardware to look conspicuous. Otherwise, I’d try to avoid those trendy finishes. It’s not something a lot of people think about. I certainly didn’t until I saw the headache it gave my mother-in-law when she was getting her house ready for the market.
Q: What is the most memorable job you’ve completed?
A: One of my first jobs at Fedlock, I was sent with a senior technician to replace cylinders in about 40 ladder pulls for a federal client. These are locking devices for glass doors that run the height of the door and lock at the top. They can be fussy depending on how well the door was originally prepped, and replacing the cylinders is a lot more involved than on a basic lever or mortise lock. The senior technician showed me how to do one, and let me have at it. Over the course of the day, I went from having no experience with these devices to feeling extremely comfortable working on them. I think of this job often as an example of the value of focused repetition when learning a new skill.