by misterj » 3 Jan 2016 13:28
Just a hypothetical question, but in your experience (primarily with durability), what manufacturer would you go with for door hardware for a new commercial building. Assume interior doors or exterior doors without an exit bar.
I work in a number of buildings that have mortise Sargent, Yale, and Schlage key systems/hardware and one with Corbin-Russwin cylindrical locks. The Sargent hardware is the oldest (pushing 30 years in all buildings) and still works flawlessly. No sagging levers, totally smooth operation, etc.
The Schlage hardware isn't quite as old so it's tough to judge but it too seems resilient. No sagging levers or other issues even on the most heavily used doors.
The Yale stuff is 15-20 years old depending on building and it is by far the worst. Nearly all the spring tension is gone on the most heavily used doors. Levers sag to the point where some must be lifted to lock the door, finish is worn, etc. The amount of use should be almost exactly the same as the Sargent stuff.
The Corbin-Russwin stuff is too new to judge, however the same building originally had late 50s era Corbin hardware that was still working great almost 50 years later.
I've worked in buildings with Best cylindrical stuff too and that seems outstanding. There were a couple doors with storeroom levers that were probably opened 100 times a day for 15 years and the hardware itself was still perfect apart from the finish being worn, though the cylinder had worn to the point where the keyway almost looked rectangular.
