It is easy for a commercial door handle to become damaged, after all, it is used hundreds of times each day, and this level of wear and tear, together with environmental exposure, will eventually cause components to fail. However, replacement is not always the answer – there are occasions where a repair can restore security and functionality for a fraction of the cost.
Deciding Between Repair and Replacement
Deciding whether to repair or replace damaged door handle hardware is a decision that must take into account various factors including:
- value for money
- safety
- security
- compliance
Doing nothing is never an option in this situation. Failing to rectify a damaged door handle can pose an unacceptable safety risk to staff and visitors in the event doors do not open during an emergency evacuation or present a security threat should doors fail to shut firmly and allow an intruder to enter.
Of course, it is important to consider the reputational risks as well when deciding on a course of action, as a poorly-maintained door, one that is hard to open, or one that is visibly damaged, portrays to customers that your brand is willing to accept low standards.
Why Door Handles Get Damaged
Before deciding whether or not a door handle repair is appropriate, you must consider why the door handle became damaged in the first place. Perhaps the handle has become loose from repeated use, or corrosion is impacting the smooth operation of the handle.
Sometimes, internal springs may snap due to wear, corrosion and ageing and require replacement. Often, screws will work themselves loose or become damaged after repeated, heavy use.
All of these issues are repairable; however, before a door handle repair is undertaken, you should consider the extent of the damage. Should the handle and locking mechanism require only cleaning, lubrication, and screw tightening, a repair is strongly recommended. The work will be completed efficiently and at low cost, without compromising the lifespan of the system.
When You Should Consider a Replacement
If the handle has been vandalized or shows signs of cracking, breaking, or bending, its structural integrity is likely beyond repair. In this case, a replacement is the best option to restore safe and secure access to your premises.
Likewise, a replacement should be considered under any of these scenarios:
- The handle’s internal mechanisms fail repeatedly
- The handle is no longer compliant with building codes or insurance company specifications
- It is no longer possible to obtain replacement components
Choosing Between Repair and Replacement When the Door Handle Performance is Borderline
If the door handle is ageing and malfunctions are becoming more regular, but its structural integrity is not compromised, and parts are readily available, you may struggle to determine whether repair or replacement represents the most sensible option. To help you decide, we break down the key considerations in greater detail:
Value for Money
Consider not only the immediate cost of repairing or replacing the handle, but the total cost of ownership. If a low-cost repair needs to be conducted on a regular basis, it is likely that your total spend on locksmith visits and spare parts will, over time, exceed the cost of replacement.
Safety
A malfunctioning door handle can trap or pinch fingers, causing injury and harming your brand’s reputation. You have a responsibility to everyone who enters your site to take all reasonable measures to protect them from harm. If your faulty door handle is likely to injure someone, it must be remedied swiftly. If a simple repair, such as tightening loose screws, resolves the issue, then the repair is a sensible option. However, if injuries are likely as a result of bent or broken handles, they should be replaced.
Security
Your commercial property is home to many valuable assets, including your personnel, your stock and your data. If the integrity of any part of your locking system is breached, those assets are at risk. Unless a repair can eliminate any damage caused during an intrusion attempt, replacement is the better option, ensuring that the security of the premises is not compromised on an ongoing basis.
Compliance
Canadian businesses are mandated to comply with provincial building codes and fire safety regulations relating to the use of specific hardware and accessible entrances and exits, so door handles that do not comply must be replaced rather than repaired, even if a repair is possible.
Conclusion
A door handle repair is best if the issue is simple and easily resolved with no long-term increase in maintenance requirements, otherwise replacement offers better long-term reliability.
