Hi! My name is Gary and this is my home and garden improvement blog. My passion for working on my home and garden began when I bought my first house. It was a run down little place in the suburbs of Sydney. Even though the place was in a bit of a state, it was in a fantastic location. I spent many hours reading up on DIY and gardening tips before setting about improving the place. It was a lot of hard work but it was also a lot of fun. I learnt a lot during that time so I decided to start this blog.
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Small touches add to the magnificence of an old home, and original antique hardware and locks can be a big part of that effect. If you want your doors, cabinets and built-ins to feature hardware that looks original, take a look at these five ideas:
1. Restore the Original Hardware
If the original hardware is still in your home, keep it. Even if it is caked in paint or dirt, you can restore it. Gently remove all of the hardware, clean it in a solution of water and baking soda and return it. However, if there are any missing pieces, you will need to start shopping.
2. Buy Antique Locks And Hardware Made In The Era Of Your Home
If you don't have the originals, buy antique hardware and locks made in the same era your home was built. You can shop for antique hardware at a hardware restoration shop or online, and it is often labeled to indicate which years it was popular. For example, if you live in a Victorian home, rim locks were likely to be the original locks on your doors. Keep in mind, however, that when buying antiques, there is no guarantee that all of the locks you find will work.
3. Plan To Spend Some Time Repairing Old Locks
If you buy locks that do not work, you can approach the job on your own and clean and take apart the locks to see if you can fix them. Fixing them may be as simple as ordering a few parts and fitting them into the lock. Alternatively, you can hire a locksmith to restore the locks for you. These professionals can order, replace and repair parts, and they may be able to make antique keys if you have locks that are missing keys.
4. Consider Replicas To Save Time Or Money
If you want to save money on hardware and time on restoration, you can buy hardware that mimics hardware from that era, rather than buying antiques. Similarly, if you prefer modern locks, you can contact a locksmith to help you find locks that look antique but function modernly.
5. Measure The Holes In Your Doors Before Ordering Locks Or Knobs
Before ordering antique locks or hardware, make sure that you measure the holes in your doors or wherever the hardware is going to be attached. If new hardware or locks were installed, the holes may have been modified to accommodate them, and in that case, you may need to explore alternatives rather than antiques.
For more information, contact A.A. Abel Locksmiths & Security Engineers.
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