Posted by Bob Bulmer on Tue 26th February 2008 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Doors, Security
A latchbolt is an ideal replacement for a nightlatch. They are also known as a locking latch, which has both bolt and a latch.
The latch is operated by a handle on the inside, while the bolt is key operated. It is not advisable to put both a nightlatch and latchbolt on one door - why? - because you will have to turn knobs every time the door is opened.
A mortice lock cut into a door does offer more security, but weakens the doors structure to some extent. So if your front door is less than 45mm wide, a thin pattern mortice lock would be the best solution.
Posted by Bob Bulmer on Mon 25th February 2008 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Doors, Security
Due to security concerns relating to nightlatches, many individuals choose to fit an additional mortice deadlock. This saves on replacing the nightlatch in it’s entirety.
The mortice deadlock is usually fitted lower down the door. The lock which has a single bolt, inserts into a hole - called a mortice which is cut into the door. Cheaper two lever mortice locks should really be replaced by a new five lever mortice lock of the same size. This should add an extra layer of security.
Posted by Bob Bulmer on Tue 12th February 2008 at 05:26 PM, Filed in Doors
This is a common problem, normally encountered after laying a new carpet. It’s caused by the base of the door dragging over the surface of the carpet.
You can cure this by changing the door hinges to rising butts.
Alternatively, you can trim down the bottom of the door. This can be done as follows:
1. With the door closed, place a thin block of wood as thick as the amount of wood to be removed. Place this on the floor with a pencil on top. Run this across the door to mark a line for cutting.
2. Take the door off it’s hinges and saw or plane off the surplus timber.
3. Make sure the base is thoroughly sanded down so as to avoid splinters catching in the carpet.
4. Some hire shops offer specialist door trimming tools which negate the need for taking the door off it’s hinges.
Posted by Bob Bulmer on Wed 21st November 2007 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Decor, Doors
It is obviously important to ensure that paint is kept away from the glass. You can do this by using a paint shield, an angled cutting in paint brush or the old favourite - masking tape.
• When applying paint, ensure that there is a 1-2mm overlap onto the glass - this ensures a seal between frame and glass.
• Using a smaller paint brush like 75mm, coat the rest of the door.
• Stray emulsion paint on the glass can be removed with a rag and water. Gloss paint can be removed using white spirit.
• A razor blade can remove any dried paint on the glass.
Check out how to paint a flush door.
Posted by Bob Bulmer on Tue 20th November 2007 at 06:00 AM, Filed in Decor, Doors
Open the door you wish to paint. Leave painting the door frame until last, as splashes of paint can then be covered later.
• Paint each panel first, starting from the top and working from left to right.
• Smaller brushes are more suitable for getting into the crevices of each panels moulding.
• Putting too much paint onto the mouldings can result in drips - so keep your application to the minimum.
• Fill in the space between panels. Ensure that any drips that make their way to the mouldings are blended in ASAP.
