Basic Installation Instructions

The important point to remember when installing antique hardware is that it is not precision stamped in high volume production presses, but individually hand forged. All finished articles vary slightly. These differences are characteristic, and present few difficulties to the experienced carpenter. An occasional adjustment in the field can easily be accomplished with basic tools, such as files and a ball peen hammer. The following suggestions will help in installation.

Screws and bolts in proper finish and in sizes common to most installations are supplied with all articles unless specifically noted otherwise. Where conditions or specifications require different fasteners, e.g. longer screw or through bolts for hinges on heavy gates, the fasteners should be treated with rust-resistant paint before use. Special fasteners for Amour Bright items should be either stainless steel or have a heavy zinc or chrome coating.

Since all metals used in the manufacture are malleable, articles that are slightly uneven, e.g. an occasional hinge front, can be quickly flattened and brought to an even plane by a few light blows with a hammer. Unless excessive force is used, the metal will not shatter.

The metals are easily machinable, and if for instance additional screw holes are desired, they can be easily drilled. In such cases rust proof paints should be used for touch-up on iron and metal varnish on the other metals. The same treatment should be afforded nicks and scratches. Raw wood, where exposed during installation, should be touched up with black paint for protection and appearance.

Standard spindles are 3 inches long for use with doors up to 2 inches thick. We can supply longer spindles (for example 5-inch and 6-inch lengths) for thicker doors. During installation, a spindle might have to be cut to size with a hacksaw to adjust for the door's thickness. Tightness in the spindle receiving hole is usually caused by protective paint, which can be removed with a small file or screwdriver. The spindle might have to be touched up with a file for better alignment.

Protective paint sometimes causes stiffness in door levers, knobs, and hinges. A few drops of oil and repeated working of levers before installation usually frees the levers. Knobs and ring handles can be clamped in a vise and carefully rotated in low revolutions using an electric drill with spindle in the chuck. When installing pairs of knobs, levers, and ring handles, both mounting plates should first be lined up with a clamp and adjusted for free operation. The plates are then secured with screws before removal of the clamp.

Where bolts and nuts are used, as with door knockers or letter plates, the nut can be concealed in a shallow round hole cut with a plug cutter, plugged and sanded smooth, or dome nuts of proper size can be substituted.