Retrofitting Narrow Stile Storefront Doors: From Adams-Rite Swingbolt to Deadlatch

By David Calvin

Available at Amazon Books. Click the title!


Aluminum, narrow stile, glass doors are everywhere! In fact, I've made a mint servicing them over the years. I install continuous hinges on them, rekey the locks in them, replace the thumb turns in them, replace the lock bodies, lubricate them, and install door closers on them. But when it comes to replacing the Adams-Rite Dead Bolt or Hook Bolts with the Adams-Rite Dead Latch, I'm making a great profit for less than two hours work.

So, just how bad is the money? I buy aftermarket parts. The latches are $15, the levers are another $15, the Adams-Rite strike is another $15. Okay - if I am installing a paddle, those run around $30. So, for $50 worth of lock hardware, I get a $65 service call and up to a $295 install. If I have to install a door closer while I'm there, it's another $100 profit. So, gee - this is really bad, right? I quote the job, I get the job, I get half a trip to Cancun out of it. But who the heck wants to go to Cancun, right? I don't.

The big question is this: can you use a drill, a screw driver, and do you know how to thread a drilled hole with a tap? You can. 

So, what's the deal? Well, for starters, I hate instruction manuals, especially the ones written in China. So I will tell you right now that installing the Adams-Rite knock-off dead latch is more art than - hmm - science and math.

And why do people want a dead latch anyway? Because they want their storefront glass door to close back and LOCK every time somebody comes in by key or leaves by lever. And you need to know how to do this and not be like the locksmiths who runs from such jobs.

My book, which is full of pictures, tips, and know-how, will get you off and running. No, this book is not a field manual. This is a book you read through three times and then hit the road. The same as my other book, The Locksmith's Lever and Panic Bar Retrofit Book. 

I am sorry to say that we will not offer this book in print for a number of valid reasons. You can buy this book, read it on your computer via the Kindle app, or read it on your smartphone or Kindle tablet.

And yes - I include my email address and website information so you can email or even call me.

And do call me! -- Happy hunting! -- You can do this!

Door Closer Issues - How To Make Money Servicing Door Closers

The next time you walk into a restaurant, take a close look at how the door opens and closes.  Here is what to look for:

1. Does the door close too fast or too slow?
2. Does the door slam?
3. Is the door staying open to long?

If one of these problems exist, you might be able to solve it with the use of a flat-head driver or Allen wrench.  Usually, on the side of the closer, there are two speed adjustment screws.  By turning the screws clockwise, you can slow the 1) closing speed from wide open to just about close and 2) closing speed from just about closed to shut.  One screws operates one speed, and one screw the other.

Sometimes, there is a plastic cover attached to the closer that needs to be removed.  It must be noted, however, that sometimes the closer is broken and needs replacing.  If a closer is broken or worn out, you will note the following:

1. There is leaking oil and oil residue around the closer, on the floor, or dripping don the jamb.
2. Adjustments no longer have any effect of the closer speed.
3. The door slams violently 

In this case, replace the closer.

Door closers must be replaced and serviced because, if they are not, this is what can happen:

1. People can be injured by fast closing doors.
2. Locks in the door will be battered loose.
3. Door jambs can be damaged.
4. Glass can be shattered.
5. Oil from the closer can ruin clothing.
6. People can slip on closer oil.

Because managers need these devices serviced quickly, they are willing to pay you extra to get the job done quickly.  You can make some decent money servicing and replacing closers.  Of course, it will take you a while to get the business running hard and fast, but, if you meet the people, show up on time, and do the work, people will pay you.  Even if you service one closer a week, that could mean a $400 per month raise for you.

My ebook Servicing and Replacing Commercial Door Closers is available at Amazon Books as a computer downloadable book for $8.95.  Even if you never get into this business, $8.95 is an inexpensive way to research the possibility.  Also, feel free to call David with any questions at 615-308-6794.  Click here to see the book listing at Amazon.

Door Closers Designed With A Door Hold-Open Feature Are Perfect For Churches and Organizations!

If you have a commercial business, church, or other organization that needs to have outside doors that stay opened, look no further than door closers that incorporate a hold-open feature.  It is generally not a good idea to use door kick stops that have the little rubber foot attached. Why? Because most of these cannot hold up to the abuse they will get when people kick them or otherwise impact them when hauling chairs and tables through the doorway. And, if your doors are made of thin metal, the screws will eventually strip out. It is also a bad idea to use any kind of device that anchors into the concrete sidewalk because people will inevitably trip over the device and hurt themselves.

If you need to have your doors in the hold-open position, install a heavy-duty door closer. LCN makes a wonderful product that has these following qualities.

1. Grade 1 industrial durability.
2. Back Check feature. This means the door has a cushion that keeps it from slamming open to the extreme position, thereby saving your door, closer, and jamb from possible damage. The back check function in adjustable.
3. Hold-open feature. Be sure that the model you order has this feature. Do know, however, that interior fire-rated doors cannot have these types of closers installed.
4. Closing and latching speed adjustments. Over time, and with the effects of cold and hot weather, the hydraulic fluids in the closer thicken or thin, thereby affecting the speed of the close.
5. Sizing adjustments. If you need to have your closer shutting against powerful wind, then you can adjust the spring tension in the closer. This is a simple thing to do.  Remember that, if your door is handicap accessible, as are all public access areas, then the pull force must not exceed 5 pounds. The size most often used for handicap entrances are number 3. Closer sizes, even on adjustable size closer, range from 2 to 6.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee Locksmith Rates

In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, you can expect these kinds of rates for locks service. First, I will list the rates that A-Best Locksmith charges.

•  Service call $45 - $50
• Price per lock cylinder to re-key - $13 to 17.50
• Car opening - $55 (I pay the sales tax!)
• Safe recombination - $125 to $150
• Grade 2 commercial door lever - $150 installed
• Deadbolt installation - $50 if lock provided by customer, $75 if I provide the lock
• Open home - $65 to $75
• Door Closer - $195 for basic grade 1 overhead surface mount, $395 for concealed closer

Here are what my competitors charge

1. Car Opening - $45 to $75
2. Basic Service Call - $45 to $60
3. Lock re-key per cylinder $13 to $18.50
4. Grade 2 commercial lever - $185 by one locksmith

Door Closer Leaking Oil

Having a door closer malfunction is usually a good sign! It means your business has customers that are entering and exiting your door. But a door closer that slams or stops altogether can pose a very dangerous situation to you and your customers. If your door closer slams it could easily break a customers limb, throw her to the ground, knock her unconscious, or severe fingers. Aside from a lawsuit, you as a manager or business owner would never be able to live with the fact that your negligence in maintaining your door closers maimed a person. Here is what you can do to maintain you door closer.

1. Take a small flat head screwdriver and a set of Allen wrenches. On either side of the surface mounted closer, or in the header, you will see two or three screws. One screw controls the speed of the door from full open to about 2/3rds closed. This is called the sweep. The second screw controls the speed from the 2/3rds mark to close. This is called the latch. It is hard to know which is which sometimes. Usually 1 is sweep and 2 is latch. If your door is closing too fast, turn one of the screws a half turn and see where the door slowed down. Was it the sweep or latch? By tightening these screws slowly, you can reduce the closing speeds. If you tighten them all of the way down, then the door should stop in the open position. However, never unloosen the screws to where they fall out because hydraulic fluid will shoot out and you will ruin the closer.
2. Check for fluid leakage around the closer. Touch the closer. Is there an oily or sticky feel to it? Often, a broken closer has leaking oil. Sometimes, a closer is leaking but has not broken fully. If you see oil leaking, the closer must be replaced. Not only will the closer eventually slam, but someone may slip on the oil or have their clothes ruined.
3. If your door stays open, the spring in the closer is probably ruined. Replace it.
4. If you have an overhead concealed closer, expect to pay $450 to have it replaced. It usually takes two people to install one. This unit will cost the locksmith about $110. A surface mounted closer can cost you from $195 to $500 depending on brand. A nice LCN 4041 would be expensive. A Grade 1 LSDA closer would be your best bet. All closers come in either Bronze or silver.

Make money servicing door closers! Click here to go to Amazon and check out my computer downloadable book.  Servicing and Replacing Commercial Door Closers.