Knowledge

Push-Button Entry: Keyless Mechanical Locks

OpenLocks Team

Tags keyless

When a large group of people need access to a single door, but you don't want to deal with the hassle of keys, what you need is a mechanical push-button lock. You enter your code, and the door opens. Done.  These days, electronic locks, remote control, wireless, Internet Of Things (IOT), connected Everything, and all things high-tech are all the rage. But sometimes you just need a simple solution to a simple problem.  There is no need to worry about replacing batteries, wiring, wifi, IT troubleshooting, power outages, or carrying around extra keys (or lost or stolen keys). Remember Occam's Razor: "All things being equal,...


Which Locks Work With Which Handles?

OpenLocks Team

Which Locks Work With Which Handles?

If you don’t know what kind of locks to get, the first thing you need to do when ordering locks is to determine what type of hardware you have.   There are many types of door handles, and locking mechanisms. The two most common for commercial office interiors are mortise locksets, and locking ladder pulls, though there are many other types as well.    The mortise lockset is by far the most common. Most doors, whether wood, metal, or glass use this format. It is distinguished by having a lever handle, with a lock cylinder and optionally a thumb turn...


Why You Need To Be Using Interchangeable Cores

OpenLocks Team

Why You Need To Be Using Interchangeable Cores

Interchangeable cores enable locks to be easily changed without removing the entire lock from the door. For any reason, if you need to change your locks, you can do it as long as you have the control key. A facilities or office manager doesn’t have to be a lock expert, and you don’t have to call the locksmith every time you need to change a lock. Simply insert a control key, remove the core, and replace the new core. You can move people to new offices, change the keys for a door, or any number of things. For general contractors:...


Why Do I Need to Provide Housings Only?

OpenLocks Team

Why Do I Need to Provide Housings Only?

** Click here to go straight to the full Housings Category page ** If you're a door vendor, you've likely heard the phrase, "furnish housings only to receive small format interchangeable cores." General Contractors usually ask door vendors to provide "housings only" for a few reasons. First, they often have to provide locks for the entire job, so it's easiest to order cores master keyed all in a single order. Second, different housings are required for each door type, so door vendors can order housings just for the specific doors they're providing and GC's don't have to worry about compatibility. If you need to provide...


What are Interchangeable Cores?

OpenLocks Team

What are Interchangeable Cores?

Interchangeable cores (IC) are a convenient way to be able to switch out locks without having to dismantle the entire door handle or lockset. They allow someone with a special key called the “control key” to quickly remove the lock and replace it with another one. Because they can be changed so quickly, Interchangeable cores are frequently used in large commercial, institutional and residential settings. If a tenant moves out, or wants to change their locks, the superintendent or facilities manager can easily remove their locks and put in new ones. Contrast this with standard locks, which require dismantling the...