Frequent questions
EMTEK
Selection
How can I choose the right lock for my doors?
In order to recommend a lock you need to carry out a series of steps since all our EMTEK products have different variants and options to choose from.
1.- Are you looking for a lock for the interior or exterior?
2.- Do you have a specific model?
3.- What is the desired finish?
4.- What is the function you need (passage, privacy, key, dummy)?
5.- What is the door opening or which side of the door do you need the product for?
6.- What is the thickness of your door?
7.- What is the measurement of your door latch?
In order to recommend a lock to you, we need to complete this series of questions to arrive at the final model and give you the appropriate recommendation.
Barn doors
Can the “floor guide” be finished to match the black finish of the barn door hardware?
Unfortunately, this item is an unfinished piece and must be hidden under the door.
What is the maximum door weight for Emtek barn door hardware?
The wall or structure on which your system will be mounted must be designed to support a maximum door weight of 400 pounds.
Would thicker gate comments be needed? Or what is the door thickness range for this product?
No comment is necessary on the order. Door thickness range is 1-3/8”-2-1/4”. Extension kits will not be provided.
Can a customer order parts with a split finish? (For example, a track in stainless steel finish with supports in Flat Black finish)
Yes, split finish components can be ordered with Emtek barn door hardware.
Note: The frame and wheel must have the same finish, since these parts are joined together.
Cabinet Hardware "Cabinet"
What is the minimum order quantity for cabinet hardware?
There is no minimum order quantity.
Can I use your cabinet hardware on extra thick drawers/cabinets?
EMTEK® provides two sizes of screws with each knob or pull. For extra thick doors or drawers, you can go to a local hardware store and purchase the same type of screw with a longer length.
Do drop handles have a rest or strike plate for the handle?
Yes, there is a pin that provides a reset that prevents the handle from damaging the face of the cabinet.
Concealed Fastener Mechanism
What is the CF Mechanism?
The Concealed Clamping (CF) mechanism is an upgrade option that provides a cleaner look, with no visible screws on the interior pass-through rosette and privacy knobs or levers. A standard CF mechanism fits 1-1/8" to 1-1/4" doors, but can be shipped with an extension kit for thicker doors if noted at the time of order.
All CF mechanism upgrades also include a jamb dust box. No handling is required on levers with CF, which also come with a 28-degree latch upgrade (versus the standard 45-degree latch). CF knob sets come with a standard latch.
Cleaning and Disinfection
Cleaning and disinfection guidelines?
Do:
- Aim for high-touch surfaces that are in frequent contact with hands.
- Start by cleaning your hardware with a mild, non-abrasive antibacterial detergent and water solution, using a soft cloth.
- Gently clean all surfaces.
- Using water and a soft cloth only, wipe down all surfaces to remove any remaining detergent residue.
- For effective cleaning, the treated surface should appear visibly damp and then allowed to air dry.
No:
- Do not use bleach solutions in high concentrations to avoid reaction with the metal and subsequent corrosion.
- Avoid highly alkaline cleaners, such as sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, and ammonia, as they can damage metals and plastics.
- Do not use cleaners typically used on bathroom fixtures and industrial solvents, as they will damage the protective finish.
- Do not use abrasive products to apply the cleaner, such as scouring pads or steel wool.
- Avoid spraying cleaning solution directly on the product.
- For more effective prevention of germ transmission, clean and disinfect door hardware frequently. Unless it poses a safety risk, consider leaving interior doors open to reduce touch points.
Deadbolts
Can I convert a single cylinder deadbolt to a double cylinder deadbolt?
Yes, you will have to order an interior trim and a pair of cylinders for a two cylinder deadbolt.
Can I convert a double cylinder deadbolt to a single cylinder deadbolt?
Yes, you will have to order an interior trim and a new tail or cylinder for a single cylinder deadbolt.
Turning thumb inside does not operate latch
- Check the thickness of the door; It could be too thick and make the tailpiece too short. If this is the case, an extension kit will fix the problem.
- Check the tailpiece itself. Single barrel tailpieces have break marks and sometimes if there is too much drag on the bolt the tailpiece could break.
It's a little rough when I turn the key in my lock
This is probably due to a misalignment of the interior trim. If the interior trim is too high, it will cause the tail to tilt up at an angle, creating additional friction against the retaining pin.
I can insert my key and open the lock, but when I turn the key back to remove it, the lock opens
The deadbolt is installed incorrectly. Remove it from the door and reinstall it. Make sure you have the bolt latch in the unlocked position and the tailpiece is horizontal.
I'm installing my deadbolt and the cylinder is "bottoming out" on the latch
There are a couple of possibilities:
- The door may be too thin.
- It's an alignment problem. If the latch is inserted and screwed into the edge of the door without regard to alignment, the tail may be tilted or off-center, which will cause the latch housing to hit the metal sleeve of the latch latch.
*Please note that once the bolt is installed, there is no way to look inside and see if the cylinder is bottoming out.
Door and appliance pulls
Can 8" handles be mounted back to back?
Most door and appliance handles can be ordered and mounted in three configurations: through bolt, concealed surface, and back to back. Be sure to specify mounting option when ordering.
Can 18" and larger handles be mounted back to back?
Yes, the 18" handles mount to the surface with wood screws. Be sure to check the thickness of the door.
Door preparation
Will a lock fit my door?
Emtek® locks fit a standard American style tubular door preparation.
If you are replacing existing locks, chances are your door preparations are correct for Emtek® locks. Just determine the backset and you'll be ready to order.
If you are installing locks on new doors that do not have a door preparation, keep in mind that entry sets have different requirements for hole locations depending on the lock type and design chosen. For this reason, it is best to choose your lock and give it to the person preparing the door to ensure that the holes are drilled in the proper location.
PASSAGE, PRIVACY, KEY-IN-KNOB OR LEVER, AND TOP LOCKS fit into the door preparation shown below.
Drill a 2-1/8" hole through the door. The center of this hole should be located 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" back from the edge of the door (this is the recoil dimension for latch).
EMPowered™ "Electronic locks" electronic locks
What is the warranty for EMPowered™ with Yale Access?
2 years on electronics, 5 years on brass finishes, limited lifetime on mechanics.
Are split finishes available?
Yes, the split finish is available on this item.
What style is the EMPowered™ faceplate?
The faceplate will match the EMPowered™ finish and has square corners ONLY.
What type of deadbolt and deadbolt is offered with EMPowered™ with Yale Access lo?
The EMPowered™ Latch is a special mechanical latch that tapers to account for misaligned doors. The bolts for US15 and US26 are silver, while the bolts for US10B and US19 are brass.
What comes with the “DoorSense” and how/where do I install/mount it?
DoorSense instructions are included in the Yale Access app installation setup and in your EMPowered package.
DoorSense comes complete with the housing, cover, mounting tape, and mounting screws. This can be attached to the door permanently with mounting screws or mounting tape. It should be mounted 1.5 inches from the edge of the door frame and aligned horizontally with the Yale Access module in the lock.
Can I order the E0103 Motorized Entry System or the E1103 Smart Entry System, but with a different set of handles and thumb grip?
Yes, EMPowered™ comes standard with a Baden grip, but you can upgrade to any other sectional grip and thumb pressure style.
My hardware set didn't come with keys?
Yes, that's true: These sets are specially designed to include keyless access, not only for entering the house, but also for keeping track of who comes and goes via the Yale Access app.
My door thickness is 1 ½" - 2 ¼" thick. Will these fit on my door?
ONLY for DEADBOLT: Yes, it will fit this full range right out of the box. (E0101 and E1101) For Keypad Entry Handle Kits: Always specify if the door thickness is greater than 1 ¾” so that screws and hardware of the appropriate length are shipped for the installation. (E0103 and E1103)
My door has weather stripping. Will this affect the installation and/or integrity of the lock?
Weather stripping does not impair the ability to install or use the lock. However, the installer will need to install the deadbolt AND the lever latch and lock for the deadbolt to move freely.
In other words, the toggle latch holds the door in the correct position so that the deadbolt can operate freely.
To accomplish this, the installer may need to adjust the stroke of the lever latch. You can loosen the bolt bolts on the lever and move the bolt from left to right. You can also bend the strike tab.
What is the maximum number of users that can be upgraded to an "Owner" status?
There is one (only 1) master PIN code assigned during setup of the motorized touchscreen keypad lock.
An original digital key is available in the app. In EMPowered Smart with Yale Access Lockset, there is no limit to the number of users that can be set as "OWNER".
Just keep in mind that if additional users with "owner" level permissions also have the app, they have the ability to adjust all settings (including, but not limited to, adding and removing new user codes and adjusting all lock settings optional).
Does the EMPowered™ smart lock or smart entry kit support Z-wave functionality?
No, unfortunately, our new motorized version and smart version do not support Z-wave technology at this time.
Is the EMPowered™ lock tested for extreme temperatures (high and low), and if so, what are the ranges?
Yes, it has been tested for extremely high and low temperatures, see below:
- High Temperature Operation: Lock passes testing up to 60°C (140°F). The lock works as normal.
- Low Temperature Operation: Alkaline batteries stop working when the water-based electrolyte freezes. Therefore, the lock will lose power around 32°F (0°C). However, since the batteries are on the inside side of the door, they should not be exposed to sub-zero temperatures.
If a customer purchases multiple locks, do they need to connect all the jumpers or just 1?
Each individual EMPowered™ lock must have its own jumper. 3 locks = 3 bridges.
How much bandwidth does the EMPowered™ product with Yale Access use?
Very minimal: Empowered™ uses less WiFi data than email.
Page 15 of the instruction sheet shows "Bluetooth Capability." Does this apply to the EMPowered products we sell?
Yes, EMPowered™ with Yale Access (smart lock version) is a Bluetooth lock. The Yale Access hub "connects" your Bluetooth lock to your home WiFi network.
When using the 9V backup battery to unlock from the outside of the door, should the battery be connected to the outside or just “clipped” against the terminal? And in which direction should it be held to avoid reverse polarity?
The 9V battery will not “plug” into the bottom of the keyboard, simply hold it in place to make contact. The connection should be momentary, in case the owner accidentally lets the batteries drain completely, and this will be used as a "starting point" to allow you to enter a code to enter the house.
Please note: Both the lock and the app give plenty of warnings when the batteries are running low. There is no need to worry about the polarity of the 9V battery. The lock will work fine regardless of which way you hold the 9V battery.
What is the recommended distance for WiFi bridge to router?
The maximum recommended distance is 10 to 15 feet.
Which Empowered options will work properly outside of Canada and the US?
The Empowered product is still available for purchase outside of Canada and the U.S. However, there are no Empowered SMART locks available for use outside of Canada and the U.S., including all EMPowered upgrades, due to no longer being available. an active app for use outside the US and Canada.
I already have an EMPowered Lock but I'm outside the US and Canada. What are my options for configuring this item?
Effective immediately (starting May 2023), the sale of the Empowered SMART lock (with Yale Access) and our EMPowered upgrades will be exclusive for use in Canada and the US only.
For Empowered SMART lock/ EMPowered upgrade purchased and registered BEFORE May 15:
For those products in use outside of Canada/USA. In the US, the Empowered lock will work normally, however, the Yale app will need to be replaced with the August app.
Empowered SMART lock/ EMPowered upgrade purchased and/or registered AFTER May 15:
For these products in use outside of Canada and the US, there is no longer an app for Yale Access features. The lock will continue to function as a keyless lock, without the use of the app or any of the app's features.
A customer recently received an Empowered SMART lock for use outside of the US and Canada, what can we suggest?
Credit request to refund the price difference between Empowered and Empowered SMART lock and use the lock without the app features.
A customer recently received an upgraded EMP lock for use outside of the US and Canada, what can we suggest?
Credit request to refund the price difference between Single Cylinder and EMPowered upgrade, using the cylinder and key to access the entry.
"Hinges" hinges
How do I remove the hinge pin?
If the hinge has NRP (non-removable pin), remove the set screw.
The hinge pin is removed by tapping or pressing a punch or similar tool into the small hole at one end of the hinge. Once the pin is removed, the hinge will separate into two pieces.
How do I attach decorative tip sets to steel hinges?
Screw one prong onto the hinge pin provided with the prong set. Insert the exposed end into the hinge and attach the second decorative tip.
How do I attach decorative tip sets to solid brass hinges?
Unscrew the cap from either end and replace with the decorative tips.
Do we have longer screws? Extra screws?
EMTEK® provides standard size screws with our hinges, we have shorter screws on request for customers installing residential prefabricated hinged doors only.
What decorative tips go with these hinges?
Steel hinges use the tip sets with the threaded hinge pin. Solid brass hinges use threaded tips that thread directly into the hinge.
What does "extruded" mean?
Extruded means that the metal is not molded or stamped, but rather is heated to a high temperature to soften the metal enough to press it through a die into the desired shape.
Interconnect device "Interconnect device"
What does the interconnection device do?
The interconnecting device provides an emergency exit feature on tubular handle sets. When the bolt is in the locked position, simply turning the knob or lever will open both latches. It is especially useful in a fire or many other panic situations.
What locks are available with the interconnection device?
Any set of monolithic (one-piece) handles with 5 ½" hole spacing, also keyed side plates with 5-1/2" center to center are available with an interlocking device.
All sectional entry trim plates are not available with an interconnecting device.
Can I get an interconnect device in a set of decorative plates?
Yes, the interconnect device can be used on 5-1/2" center to center side plates, but not on 3-5/8"
Can I order the interconnection device separately?
No, it must be installed on an interior trim at the EMTEK® factory.
When I turn the interior knob, the deadbolt latch does not retract
This can be caused by a couple of problems:
- If the bolt mounting plate is not centered with the bolt thumb turn, the tail actuator on the inside of the thumb turn will rub against the bolt mounting plate, creating too much friction for the interlocking device. *The installer can adjust the mounting plate to reduce friction.
- It may be caused by a misalignment of the bolt latch with the bolt striker. This can be quickly tested by operating the interconnection device with the door open. If the latch slides freely with the door open, it could be an indication that that is the problem.
Keyed locksets
Can I order a split style or a split finish, or both?
Yes, both styles and finishes are available in a lockable feature. For example, order an Egg knob on the outside and a Cortina lever on the inside because both handle styles are available in a lockable feature.
Can I get a key lock set with a slot on both sides?
No, keyed lock sets are designed for a single key function only.
Can I use a key on handle (5100) with a side plate?
No, the side plate is not designed to fit any keyed handle.
I can walk out my door but I can't get back in.
Our key locks have an emergency exit feature, which allows a person to open the door from the inside without unlocking it. Therefore, the lock always opens from the inside.
However, the lock remains locked unless someone turns their thumb inward. Be careful to check the lock when leaving.
I have changed the key of the lock with key, but I can't get the key out
The knob or lever is installed incorrectly. Uninstall the knob or lever and reinstall it with the keyhole at the 6 o'clock position for knobs and at the 12 o'clock position for levers.
- Levers: Make sure the release button is aligned with the release button hole in the lever.
- Knobs: Make sure the release button is aligned with the release button hole in the knob sleeve.
*A sure trick for proper assembly is to leave the key out when placing the knob/lever on the shaft. Remove the key, place the knob/lever on the shaft and slide as far as it will go. Once it stops, insert the key, turn clockwise and slide the knob/lever until it clicks. Sometimes if the key is inserted and turned it can create a timing problem, causing the lock to not work properly. This is a great way to make sure the knob/lever is installed correctly on the shaft.
I need to re-key it and I can't get the knob/lever out.
Step 1: Loosen the set screw at the bottom of the knob/lever.
Step 2: Turn the key 90° to the horizontal position.
Step 3: Insert a pin or paper clip into the knob stem hole and press the release button.
*It is necessary to press a knob. It helps to use a countertop or table for support, place the rosette on the edge, and push the knob in while inserting the pin/clip, etc.
Materials and finishes
What is the best way to clean your hardware?
Never use chemicals on any of our equipment. Simply use warm water with a little mild soap, such as dish soap.
Brass: Brass polishes contain abrasives that will scratch the lacquer. This exposes the finish to oxygen, which causes rust and tarnishing of the brass or bronze. Once oxidation starts, it will spread even under the lacquer. Additionally, it is important to note that even common cleaning fluids, such as Windex or other ammonia products, will remove the lacquer finish.
Bronze: To extend the life of bronze patina finishes, it is recommended to use a soft wax, such as Johnson Paste Wax or a soft automotive wax. If done regularly, this will decrease friction against the finish and should keep it looking good for a long time.
Forged Steel: Use only warm water with mild soap if possible. Flat Black and Satin Steel are powder coat finishes.
Can I get a set of steel handles with a bronze patina finish or vice versa? Can I get it in US10B?
No. Steel finishes cannot be applied to non-steel surfaces, just as brass finishes cannot be applied to non-brass finishes. The same goes for the Bronze Patina finishes, there are no crossovers.
What finish is best to use near the ocean?
All of our finishes have been salt spray tested for over 1000 hours and work great. Among the best in salty environments are Chrome and PVD.
What do you mean by "Lost Wax"?
Wax loss an ancient process in which a bronze sculpture (in our case, door hardware) is cast from a wax model. During the process, the wax model is melted out of the mold (lost wax) and a bronze casting item is produced.
How are dimples created in sandcast bronze hardware?
Dropping irregular pieces of sand into the mold.
Are EMTEK® products "green"?
The copper used in our brass and bronze products comes from recycled sources.
Our packaging is fully biodegradable or recyclable using only paper-based products.
Mortise entry sets
How do I remove the threaded cylinder?
Follow these steps:
- Remove the decorative faceplate from the door edge.
- Loosen the cylinder locking screw, about 5-10 turns. Don't delete it completely. The cylinder locking screw is located just below the faceplate screw.
- Insert the key halfway into the cylinder and turn counterclockwise.
*Recommendations after cylinder removal:
- If you have an Emtek® key blank or a Schlage key, rekeying is recommended.
- Be careful not to break the key.
- There is a slotted disc inside the case, directly in front of the cylinder. Sometimes, if it is difficult to unscrew, it may help to insert a screwdriver and unscrew the disc slightly.
- Tighten the cylinder locking screw when replacing the cylinder.
Every time I close the door, the thumb pressure automatically locks. This is normal?
Yes, every time you lock the door, whether from outside or inside, thumb pressure will lock automatically. If you unlock the door, the thumb pressure will remain locked until you press the button on the edge of the door. This is normal operation and cannot be changed. Therefore, when you go out, be careful not to lock yourself in. Make sure you leave the door ajar or press the button.
How do I unlock the door from the outside? I turn the key and the bolt unlocks, but thumb pressure doesn't press
Thumb pressure will not be pressed while trying to unlock from the outside.
To open the door, turn the key clockwise past the point where you hear the lock unlock, then continue turning the key and the lock will be removed.
*Thumb pressure will not be pressed unless the lock is in pass-through mode (activated by the buttons on the side)
Bolt thumb turn does not turn
Make sure the thumb axis of rotation is straight. If the inside edge is crooked or off-center, that could be the problem. Try loosening the screws and adjusting the position of the plate.
When the door is closed, I turn the inside knob and the latch only slides partially back
This may be due to a few problems:
- It could be that the holes in the decorative faceplate are too small and causing friction on the bolt. It may be necessary to grind or file the holes. Please note that due to the handcrafted nature of our mortise lock boxes, each faceplate is tested, adjusted and filed to fit the particular mortise box it is shipped with.
- It could be caused by a jam inside the mortise box. This tends to be a problem more often on the 2 ¾ headbox. If the case was "tested" by the installer and operated without having the cylinder installed, this can cause the cylinder link to slide up under the cylinder locking screw, creating a jam. If this is the case, they may be able to fix it by removing the cylinder and using a small screwdriver to move the cylinder link. Sometimes simply removing the cylinder will work, or even taking the box out the door and shaking it faceplate up. *Please note that it is best not to attempt to test the box without first installing the cylinder.
- It could be a misalignment of the interior trim. If the interior molding is too high, low, or off-center in any way, it can cause the thumb spindle to sit at an angle, creating excess stress on the spindle, and the bolt will not be able to rotate smoothly and safely. . freely.
- This could also be due to the plate on the side of the mortise lock body. All doors have a beveled edge. The case plate can be moved to accommodate these bezels by loosening the screws at the top and bottom of the case. If the plate is too twisted, it can rub against the bolt creating excessive drag. Try removing the trim, removing the case and adjusting the plate. Then reinstall.
Sideplate locks
What is the hole spacing on a keyed side plate?
We offer two sizes according to the style; 3-5/8" and 5-1/2" center to center.
Can I order a set of step or privacy side plates with the handle on the top instead of the bottom (or vice versa)?
EMTEK® side plates are traditionally designed with the handle on the bottom. The customer can also choose to place the handle on top of the side plate.
Do I need a side plate with a lever or handle?
If lever or handle are needed.
Tubular entry sets
Do you have extension kits for extra thick doors?
Yeah. Depending on the style of the lock and the thickness of the door, some elements will need to be modified in our factory.
*See technical specifications for more details.
How do I remove the knob/lever?
It is not recommended to remove the knob or lever. Doing so may result in denial of warranty. The knob/lever is spring loaded into the plate and held in place with washers and E-clips or snap rings.
*If you are having trouble tightening the screws near the knob, see below.
How do I tighten the screws near the knob?
Try inserting and tightening the screws by hand and then use an "L" shaped screwdriver.
We recommend protecting the knob with a cloth or thick plastic bag.
How does my knob/lever move?
Make sure you have tightened the set screw on the knob/lever stem. The set screw does not hold the knob/lever on the trim plate, but it does tighten the knob/lever on the spindle.
What if my holes are too big? (Diameter greater than 2 1/8")
It may be time to buy a new door.
Do dummy handle sets require drilling?
Yeah. The dummy handle still has the bell and the latch still requires a through-hole mount. It is the same preparation as the active one, but no edge preparation is necessary.
What do I need to convert a double cylinder to a single cylinder?
You will need to:
- An interior trim for a single cylinder, either all for a monolithic plate or the interior latch trim for a sectional.
- A new tailpiece for the outer cylinder. Single cylinder tailpieces are long, flat, straight and narrow to fit through the entire door. The double-cylinder wisdom teeth are bifurcated and shorter, meeting in the middle.
- A dual barrel tail will not work for a single barrel application.
What do I need to convert a single cylinder to a double cylinder?
You will need to:
- Interior trim for twin-cylinder, either complete for monolithic plate or lock interior trim for sectional.
- A new tailpiece for the outer cylinder. The double-cylinder wisdom teeth are bifurcated and shorter, meeting in the middle. Single cylinder tailpieces are long, flat, straight and narrow to fit through the entire door.
- A single cylinder rear piece will not work for a two cylinder application.
When I put my key in the cylinder it just turns, it doesn't retract the bolt
This is probably due to the cap retaining pin at the back of the cylinder. If the cap retaining pin is lost or broken, it will not engage the bolt.
It could also be that the tailpiece is broken, either at the end that fits into the thumb swivel or at the end under the barrel cap. Sometimes the cam will break. If that is the case, we will send you a new cylinder and recommend that you check the alignment of the strike plate with the latch. If the alignment is off, this could cause excess friction on the latch and excess stress on the interior components, resulting in breakage.
How come the lock only works with the key inside?
You may have installed it incorrectly. Remove the door handle set and reinstall it.
Make sure that when you install it, the bolt latch is unlocked and the tail is horizontal. Installing the tail in any other way may cause malfunction.
Do you need more help?
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