Building Hardware Resource

Each kind of lock is designed for specific application. Knowing the main features and applications of different can be a lot of help. Below is a main classification of locks.

Passage Lockset

Passage lockset is used inside the home in hallways or closets between rooms where privacy is not important. It has two non-locking knobs, one on each side of the door. Some models use levers instead of knobs.

                      passage lockset                                             privacy lockset

Privacy Lockset

This is an interior lockset designed for privacy rather than for security, usually having a locking button on the inside knob but no key device on the outside knob. It can either be a knob or a lever.

In an emergency, the lock can be opened from the outside by inserting a narrow object through the small hole in the outside knob and either depressing or turning the locking mechanism inside, depending on the type of lock.

Dummy Knob

Used only for decoration or applications that do not need a latch, dummy knob has no latching mechanism and does not turn.

The three kinds of locks above are all available in a wide variety of styles and finishes.

                               dummy knob                                   entry lockset

Entry Lockset

This is a medium security entrance-door lock with two doorknobs that can be locked from both the inside and the outside. One type locks from the inside by turning or depressing a small button, while a key must unlock the outside knob. Some models must be locked with a key on both the inside and outside. In other models, only the inside knob can lock or unlock both sides of the set.

A quality feature on entry locksets is a deadlatch.

Deadbolt Lock

Deadbolt lock provides maximum security on a door. It was called “dead” because there are no springs to operate the bolt. It is only operated manually with a key or a thumb turn from the inside.

More information about deadbolt lock can be found in another blog: Deadbolt Lock.

Surface-Mounted Deadbolt

It is squarish in shape and mounted on the surface of the inside of the door. Instead of sliding into the door frame, the bolt slides into a surface-mounted strike. The bolt may be turned with a key or a turn knob.

                      surface-mounted deadbolt                             mortise lock

Mortise Lock

Consisting of a flat, rectangular box that fits into a recess in the door from its edge, mortise lock is used on many types of doors, from heavy entrance doors to apartment buildings and residential doors. It also includes two faceplates that include the knobs and keyholes and has a pin tumbler locking mechanism in a cylinder. Latch operates from either side except when the outside knob is locked while deadbolt operates by a turn of the inside knob. A key from the outside operates both the deadbolt and latchbolt.

Mortise lock is available in right- or left-handed styles.

Night Latch

Installed on the inside surface of the door, night latch has an automatic locking feature. The large, spring loaded latch automatically locks whenever the door is closed.

It is for light security and usually used in combination with another lock.

                         night latch                                               keyless entry system

Keyless Entry System

Designed for advanced home security and convenience, they are usually audio and visual indicators confirming the lockset is activated. Anti-theft rolling code feature ensures the same code is never used twice. Some models will sound an alarm after the incorrect code has been entered more than three consecutive times. Some systems are compatible with some garage door openers so the homeowner only needs one remote control.

handleset

Handleset

It is usually an entry set that combines a lockset with a deadbolt, which is located just above the knob or handle. It can be a one- or two-piece unit and is available with both single and double cylinder deadbolts. Styles of this kind of lockset also vary widely.

There are many types of anchor bolts, consisting of designs that are mostly proprietary to the manufacturing companies. All include a threaded end, to which a nut and washer can be attached for the external load. An anchor bolt can be put into concrete to help support a wooden structure. They are very useful in building projects since the concrete provides a very sturdy hold.

An anchor bolt can either be installed before or after the concrete is set. When you install before it is set, you will have to have a mechanism for holding it in place.

Before you put the bolt in place you have to mix and pour the concrete. Then drill a hole in a 2*4 that will be long enough to reach across the concrete. Put the anchor bolt through the 2*4 and prop it up across the concrete. The bolt should partly rest inside of the concrete; you can adjust the depth of the bolt by raising and lowering the board. After the concrete has dried you can cut off the board.

If you want to install an anchor bolt in dry concrete you must first drill a hole. There are special drills that will cut through concrete without breaking; they can usually be rented at your local hardware store. Make sure you use safety equipment while installing the anchor bolt in dried concrete to protect yourself from flying pieces.

Though it’s no longer new to mention the iCarta iPod Tiilet Paper Holder, I still can help praising my new buying ones! The high-tech is a terrific pink for a house. These paper holders make it possible for me to do things in the house or use bathroom along with fair-sounding music.

The people at Atech Flash Technology (AFT) took that concept to the extreme with their design, the iCarta Stereo Dock for iPod with Bath Tissue Holder. This accessory is exactly what it sounds like: A toilet paper dispenser made exclusively for the iPod, so you can still enjoy your MP3s while nature calls. The wall-mounted holder has four “integrated high performance moisture-free speakers” and charges your iPod while it’s in the dock. The two front speakers fold out to provide the knobs on which to place our bathroom’s toilet paper.

These holders have another entry in the sometimes wacky world of iPod docks and holders. They’ve invaded our bedrooms, closets, cubicles, backyards and now the bathroom, holding, charging and playing our iPod. The dock is moisture-resistant, but the iPod isn’t, so I have to be careful inevitably when taking a hot shower.

“Arguably the strangest iPod accessory – the iCarta iPod Toilet Paper Holder is out for those of us who just can’t let go of our iPods.”

Soap dispenser holders are making way for the wall mounted soap dispensers! They save valuable counter space and dispatch a measured amount of soap in which way it guarantees that there is no waste and they don’t need to be filled up often. In addition to liquid soap, they can also be filled with shampoo, bath foam and so on. With a lot of advantages, wall soap dispensers are becoming favorites to more and more homes.

If you get a wall mounted soap dispenser to be installed, maybe you can learn something helpful from the following advice.

A soap dispenser can be installed in one of two ways: either use the adhesive, or use the screws that are included with it. The first step is to select a location most suitable for your use. Wall mounted soap dispensers are most often located in the shower where larger amounts of liquid soap are used most often. If needed, you can also install one over the bathroom sink or even over the kitchen sink.

The next step is to thoroughly clean the chosen wall area; rinse well and dry it with a clean, soft cloth. Then, use a clean cloth and a small amount of rubbing alcohol and wipe over the area. The alcohol will remove any soap residue, etc.

Apply the adhesive to the holder and let it set for five minutes. Afterwards position the holder on the wall and press it firmly into place. Wait twenty-four to forty-eight hours (consult the manufacturer’s instructions for details) before you place the dispenser into the holder. Till then, you’ve successfully install the soap dispenser holder.

If you choose to install the soap dispenser by using the screws included with it, the step following choosing a right location is to use a stud finder to find the studs in the area; mark their locations with a pencil. Now, hold the dispenser up to the wall and reposition it so that at least one screw will hit a wall stud. Remember to mark the positions of the holes on the wall by using a pencil. Then drill the holes and install the plastic expanders. Finally, position the holder on the wall and insert the screws. Be careful not to overtighten the screws because they will strip. Now you can place the soap dispenser into the holder.

You may don’t want to let the doors mounted with the same door stops with nothing special or creative. Take a glimpse at these door stops below, maybe you will find something catering for your need.

Happy Frog Door Wedge and Door Stop

Here’s a happy frog door wedge for those looking for unusual frog gifts. These creative door stop and door wedge is made of brass and wood.

                            happy frog door stop                                shell dorr stop

Shell Door Stop

Created with a distressed appeal, the lovely shell door stop adds a refreshing addition as it introduces the look of the sea theme. Made of cast iron, this door stop comes with some rust flakes as shown. There is no wedge behind this doorstop and would be suitable for lighter doors.

Brass Pineapple Door Stop

brass pineapple door stop

Colonial America ushered in much interest with the pineapple associating it as a symbol of wealth and good luck, sometimes adorning it on a stake of a home awaiting the return of their sea farer. This pineapple doorstop employs the beauty of the classical designs to make its purpose and beauty rather felt as it holds your door sturdily.

Curley the Pig Door Stop

Wanna add a country appeal to your door? You may try this creative pig door stop made of cast iron with hand applied finish. Created with an antique look as shown in the picture, the large pig door stop adds a touch of the rustic with its distressed old finished look. Some rust finish will prevail on these door stops as they are made with the old classic finish.

curley the pig door stop

Black Scottie Door Stop

The ruggedness of the Scottish Terrier makes this dog a fine addition to the home. Affectionately known as Scotties, Scottish Terriers are sturdy and faithful dogs who while friendly, may exhibit a great deal of power in their compact body.

black scottie doorstop

Bird Door Wedge

A cutie, the bird door wedge makes a decorative door wedge for the home. Made of brass and wood, it features a brass figurine perched gracefully atop a wooden wedge.

Nautical Door Stop

Summon the look of the sea theme with this decorative cast iron door stop in the form of an appealing ship. Hand finished, it surely adds to a statement for the young sailor room!

                                 bird door wedge                                   nautical door stop  

Cast Iron Pushing Rabbit Doorstop

Created from heavy cast iron, this charming bunny rabbit doorstop adds a decorative fairytale look to the home as he reaches out to hold your door with his paws. The doorstop is beautifully crafted with immaculate detail right down to its fur.

Baby Bunny Doorstop

Designed with a touch of elegance, this cute baby bunny doorstop will add a whimsical addition to the home. Baby bunny is made of brass and sits atop wood.

                         cast iron pushing rabbit doorstop                 baby bunny doorstop

Key Doorstop

We may only think that keys are used to open and close doors. But this design will give us a new perspective The Key Doorstop is a bit of a design rebel as it holds your door open rather than the conventional lock it shut.

key door stop

Banana Doorstop

With this silly and cartoonish banana peel doorstopper, you can add some lighthearted and playful style to any room. But be careful not to get it wet – then you might have a slippery situation underfoot.

                           banana doorstop                                   shoe doorstop

Shoe Doorstop

Just place the ever-so-dainty toe of this playful pump under the crack of your door and it will be held open in style!

Pipe fittings are small and often standardized accessories to drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems, covering many components that connect pipe ends for in-line, offset, multi-port, and mounting configurations.

They are manufactured from a wide variety of materials for the transport of an equally wide variety of solids and fluids. Fitting cross sections are often, but not necessarily, circular in shape to mate with the pipe sections they are connecting; systems are typically configured with straight sections connected by fittings or specially-formed connections and joints. Pipe fitting construction and material specifications are application-dependent; user consultation with fitting suppliers is typical for optimization of component selection. When specifying pipe fittings, size is the key parameter to consider.

Common types of pipe fittings include adapters, pitless adapters, bulkhead fittings, caps, compression fittings, rigid couplings, flexible couplings, cross or 4-way fittings, 90 degree elbows, 45 degree elbows, reducing elbows, end bells, expansion joints or couplings, ferrules, flanges, nipples, offset fittings, plugs, concentric reducers, eccentric reducers, returns or traps, side outlet elbows, side outlet tees, standard tees, reducing tees, bullhead tees, unions, standard wyes, and reducing wyes.  Some pipe fittings have a swivel feature that allows one or more fitting ends to rotate or swivel.

Faucets may be the most common stuff in our life. What surprises can we get from them? After introducing several creative faucets, this time I’ll show you some top faucets — out now or coming soon – which can make your kitchen look great and your prep and cleanup a lot easier.

Dramatic Pull-Out Faucet

Pull-out faucets(below on the left) are popular for their function, and they are added matte black finishes that accent dark granite or quartz countertops. The sleek silhouette includes single-handle control of temperature and three flow patterns: stream, rinse, and veggie spray — plus, a handy pause button.

                            Dramatic Pull-Out Faucet                   Bridge-Style Faucet

Bridge-Style Faucet

A bridge-style faucet(above on the right) suits period interiors and architecture as well as modern country kitchens. Stepped rosettes surround the lever handles, and the rolling spout is both elegant and ergonomic.

Two-Handle Faucet

Can’t choose between classic or contemporary? Facetlike ridges on the spout and lever handles modernize the traditional styling of the Abigail faucet from Gerber Plumbing Fixtures. With sprayer, the faucet installs on 8-inch centers. It features solid-cast-brass construction and reliable ceramic cartridges.

                                                                                                                       Two-Handle Faucet

Magnetic Pull-Down Faucet

They were originally inspired by country watering cans. Like the closures found on totes and personal electronics cases, a magnetic mechanism pulls the spray head back to docked position, so you don’t need to twist and lock it into place. Just click a button to switch from stream to spray.

Magnetic Pull-Down Faucet

High-Arch Faucet

Rugged yet elegant, a new Blackened Bronze finish coats American Standard’s Jasmine Hi-Flow faucet. This darker finish is designed to be easier to clean than traditional oil-rubbed bronze. A ceramic disc valve provides drip-free performance.

         High-Arch Faucet

Contemporary Pull-Out Faucet

Kohler’s brand-new Evoke faucet presents a fresh, substantial look that’s contemporary but not sterile. A generous 9-inch-tall spout clears large pots and swivels 360 degrees. At spout’s end, the streamlined pull-out head offers spray, aerate, and pause functions. A minimalist single-lever control helps declutter the sink.

                                 Contemporary Pull-Out Faucet    Teapot-Spout Faucet

Teapot-Spout Faucet

Retro style shines in this curvy faucet and sprayer accessory from Kindred. You can order the single-hole faucet with a matching escutcheon to cover existing plumbing holes.

Prep Sink Sprayer

You can use this handy HiRise independent sidespray with a primary faucet or on its own at a prep sink. The spray is angled when at rest in its holder, so it even works hands-free to rinse dishes. Push “pause” to go outside the sink for other tasks.

                                    Prep Sink Sprayer                 Single-Handle Bar Faucet

Single-Handle Bar Faucet

Blanco America’s modern approach to classic styling includes the BlancoBistro lever-control bar faucet, designed to coordinate with the company’s BlancoTerra kitchen faucets. This model’s solid-brass body and ceramic disc cartridge deliver cold water only.

Touchless Faucet

Touchless faucets use electronic sensors to start and stop the water’s flow. It is no longer news to see them in airports and other public spaces. And they’re also stepping into residential and baths. If you’ve got young kids, these faucets will be perfect.

touchless faucet

Mentioning heating the building in winter, the majority of older homes and some new homes still prefer radiator to warm air thanks to its reliability and convenience and low cost to maintain it. Yet the radiators need to be checked up regularly to permit continuous work all the cold winter. Here we can learn some ideas about how to keep the hot water radiator working properly from Murray Anderson

Bleed the system

Air is likely to get into the closed water system during its off-season. Once it occurs, the space taken up may lead the hot water not to circulate providing as much warmth as intended. To get rid of the air, you can bleed the system during fall.

Start with the radiator at the highest point in the system (i.e. the top floor) or the radiator furthest away from the boiler bleed air out of the system. Make sure all the water supply valves were turned back on, then turn the heat on and wait for the system to heat up. On the top end of the radiator is small air vent (bleed valve) put there so you can get trapped air out of the system. Hold a small cup or a sponge under the valve and open it, either with a screwdriver, a radiator key or perhaps by just turning the handle. Any air trapped in the system will come hissing out, followed by hot water. Once the water starts to come out, close the valve up again.

Check the supply valves for leaking

The ‘packing’ around older pipe connections can wear out or the valve connection may just get a little loose over time. If you see any signs of moisture near the supply valve, first try tightening the valve using an adjustable wrench or slip lock pliers.

If there is still moisture coming out of the valve you can replace the packing (looks like string, and available at home and hardware stores). You should first turn off the supply valve then loosen the connecting nut. Next wrap the new packing tightly around the threads and retighten the connecting nut.

Look for loose pipes

Pipes filled with water will expand and contract as they heat up and cool down. This expansion will cause movement in an unsecured pipe and can cause moaning and groaning sounds or even bangs and crashes from your heating system. The usual causes of these sounds are pipes that have come loose or renovations that have put walls or framing close to pipes.

You can cast off these annoying noises by checking to see that your heating pipes are firmly attached and there is clearance between or around pipes and structures.

Secure any pipes that have come loose and pack insulation around pipes running through holes in studs and joists.

 Besides, most building hardware needs to be checked regularly and maintained well. Thus the home can always make you feel comfy and cozy.