Access Hardware FAQs
All Hardware FAQs
Do electronic locks work with all types of doors?
Our electronic locks have industry standards panel cut outs. This means they are designed to fit universal panel cutouts of other branded lock products.
Are electronic locks more secure than traditional locks?
Electronic locks can be harder to compromise due to their locking mechanisms being less common than a traditional lock, which an intruder may find easier to pick.
What are the advantages of electronic locks?
Electronic locks allow you to monitor activity logs, add enhanced security, control who can access the enclosure, and prevent you from losing keys.
Can I install an electronic lock myself?
Since electricity is needed, a qualified person must install the electronic lock.
What locking mechanisms do electronic locks have?
– Biometrics – fingerprints
– IC Card
– Keypad – numerical code
– QR Code
Are Metrol handles ergonomically friendly?
Yes, your ease of use and comfort are a priority of ours.
What is a mounting centre?
The measurement between the centre of each screw hole.
How to install a handle?
Attach screws to the mounting centres and screw them into your application securely. No special tools are required.
How do I know which handle to choose for my application?
You can choose between a pull handle or a pocket door handle. A pull handle is ideal for traditional opening and closing applications, and you can easily hold onto it. A pocket door handle is best suited to applications where the handle needs to be discreet and sit flush with the surface – for example, a sliding door.
Which hinge is right for my application?
Screw on – a standard hinge suitable for various applications. These hinges screw on and are the most common type of hinge.
Detent – allows you to set the hinge at a selected and it hold in place. Requires force to change the hinges angle. Often used for cabinets to prevent them from swinging open.
Friction/torque – requires force to set the hinge at any angle, the hinge will then hold in this position. Similar to detent, however, offers more flexibility with the endless angles, suitable for cabinets and more.
Lift off – can easily lift off vertically to dismantle the application. Does not require screws to do this, making it perfect for applications requiring regular maintenance/removal and reattachment.
Concealed – they sit flush inside the door so that they are hidden, perfect for applications requiring a discreet hinge.
Outdoor external – sit on the outside of the application and provide support to its movement, suitable for doors, cabinets, and more.
Weld on – permanently welded onto the metal application, creating a long-lasting functioning solution.
Quick release – can easily detach and reattach laterally with no tools needed. Ideal for applications where regular removal of the door occurs.
What hinges do Metrol sell?
Metrol sell a wide variety of hinges including:
– Screw on
– Detent
– Friction/Torque
– Lift off
– Concealed
– Outdoor external
– Weld on
– Quick release
What hinges are suitable for outdoor use?
Our stainless steel 304 and 316 hinges are best suited for outdoor applications due to their resistance against corrosion. Our acetal plastic hinges are a lightweight, cost-effective alternative to stainless steel and they perform great wet conditions.
How to install a hinge?
Find the mounting centres and attach the hinge to the application using screws, no specialist tooling is required.
What is the guarantee for latches?
Metrol offer a 1-year guarantee on all latches and access hardware products.
What is the difference between a latch and a lock?
Do Metrol sell locking latches?
Yes, we offer both non-locking and locking latches. In our locking latches, the latch works first and then you would lock it, to negate the latch.
What latch type is the best for weather-proof enclosures?
A slam latch, it enlarges when the lever is activated, creating a tight seal to prevent any contaminants from entering the enclosure.
How to measure a panel cutout?
A panel cut out is the hole in the surface of your application. When replacing a lock, measure the panel cutout with a tape measure to ensure it will fit. All our locks have universal panel cutouts to fit industry standard doors.
What are keyed differently locks?
Keyed differently locks are available upon request, the teeth can be in different positions and sizes to make it custom.
Are Metrol locks compatible with all door types?
Yes, our locks have universal panel cutouts, making them compatible with all industry standard doors.
What locks are suitable for outdoor environments?
Our stainless steel 316 locks have the highest resistance to corrosion, making them suitable for outdoor use.
What locks do Metrol sell?
What is a centre-to-centre handle dimension?
This dimension is the distance between the centres of each of the fixing points of the handle.
What is an ergonomic handle?
The term ergonomic means a product has been created with the factors of comfort and efficiency in mind. Therefore, it will be user friendly, and you will find it fits into your hand naturally. This promotes a reduction in discomfort and allows for repetition of a movement to comfortably happen.
What is a radial and axial load capacity for hinges?
Axial load capacity is the weight tolerance a hinge can hold vertically, while radial load capacity is it laterally. Use our hinge load calculator to find the perfect hinge for you.
What is a cam?
Different cam types will affect how the cam functions with the locking mechanism and whether it is compatible with your application. A cam works by turning the key, one direction will cause the cam to retract and therefore release the lock, and the other will cause the cam to extend, which will lock the application. You can customise our cam options to find the perfect solution for you.
What is an IP Rating?
An IP Rating is an Ingress Protection Rating which looks at how effective the protection of a material is against solids and liquids. It is important to know which IP Rating you require, to ensure your product is suitable to the conditions it will be subjected to. The first digit in the IP Rating looks at the protection against solid objects, and the second digit looks at the protection against liquids. The higher the numbers, the more your product can withstand. For more information on this, please see our IP Rating news article.