Historic Hardware is Repairable! Follower Holly Myers recently commented on a post about historic hardware, saying: “My house was built in 1940. My front door lock quit working properly, but I didn’t want to get rid of it. I think it’s beautiful. So, I took it apart and cleaned it. It’s been working great ever since!”
Her comment shows a crucial difference between the materials and hardware used in historic houses versus modern houses – repairability. Historic Houses were built before “planned obsolescence” became a foundational principle for modern manufacturing. Companies actually tried hard to make products that would last as long as possible, and which could be repaired if they became worn or damaged.
Holly’s door lock just needed cleaning after 80+ years of service. A modern example might last 20 years before having to be replaced because it was not designed to be cleaned or repaired.
The image of a Yale entry lock is from an early 20th-century catalog. All quality metals. No plastic. Repairable. Sustainable.
Hardware is covered in Chapter 17 of “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our shop, YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Our shop also carries select preservation and restoration titles by other authors. Save on cost and shipping with our multi-book combo packs!
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