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Ideal Wedding Gift: Safety, Security, Peace of Mind

April 29, 2016 by radhika.belkhede

Friday, April 29, 2011

Many couples use traditional wedding registries to populate a gift wish list requesting items to fill their new home. These registries typically include the usual suspects: linens, dishware, décor and other home goods. But for the couple that already has a home and all the traditional trimmings, it presents a challenge to wedding guests and the couple alike.

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What better way to ring in the beloved nuptial season than with the wedding of the century?

As the Bishop of London said so eloquently at the Royal Wedding, “in a sense every wedding is a royal wedding.” And every royal wedding comes complete with a showering of gifts for the happy couple.

Many couples use traditional wedding registries to populate a gift wish list requesting items to fill their new home. These registries typically include the usual suspects: linens, dishware, décor and other home goods. But for the couple that already has a home and all the traditional trimmings, it presents a challenge to wedding guests and the couple alike.

Addison HandlesetA unique wedding gift idea comes in the form of safety, security and peace of mind. Sounds like a pretty great gift, huh? Below are a few ideas on how one could gift such a thing:

For the fashionable couple, bring style to the couple’s home. Most homeowners prefer matching door hardware (style, design, finish) throughout their home. Offer to replace existing outdated door hardware with sleek and contemporary designs. Stylish Schlage hardware in the most desired finishes can be purchased at home improvement stores and online.
For the couple moving in. If the couple is moving in to an existing home, replace all their locks with high-quality deadbolts and decorative handle sets. Schlage offers residential Grade-1 deadbolts that provide the strongest security in the industry. A Schlage Grade-1 deadbolt can be purchased for $30-$40 and a decorative Schlage handle set for $120-$140 at home improvement stores or online.
For the couple that travels often, being connected to their home while away is a priceless (and convenient) gift. The Schlage LiNK home automation system puts the home in the palm of the couple’s hand, as it allows them to lock and unlock doors, adjust the thermostat, view live camera feed and adjust lighting from anywhere in the world via smart phone app or web application. A starter kit can be purchased for $199-$299 online or in home improvement and electronics stores.
For the couple with kids, an Electronic Keypad Lock is an ideal gift since kids tend to lose keys and get locked out. An electronic keypad lock offers freedom from lost keys and the dangerous hide-a-key. Each family member can be assigned their own special code that gives them entry access. When looking for an electronic keypad door lock be sure to look for Grade-2 or higher and one with wear-resistant keys, so potential burglars can’t guess a code based on wear and tear. A Schlage Electronic Keypad Lock can be purchased for $110-$140 online or at home improvement stores.
For the tech-savvy couple, a technologically advanced home automation system like Schlage LiNK keeps them connected and ahead of the pack. Schlage LiNK remote home automation keeps tech-savvy home owners constantly connected with their home via apps. Users can conserve energy by adjusting the thermostat and lighting. They can keep an eye on things by viewing live camera feed, and grant access to unexpected individuals by unlocking/locking doors. Currently Schlage LiNK has an app for the iPhone, Android, iPad and web. Schlage LiNK can be purchased online or other home improvement and electronics stores for $199-$299.

For more information on Schlage products, please visit http://www.consumer.schlage.com and for more information on Schlage LiNK remote home automation, please visit http://www.link.schlage.com.

Laura W.
Social Media Brand Marketing

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The Renter's Guide to Self-Monitored Security

December 05, 2011 by admin

12/05/2011

As a fellow renter, home security is one of those issues that I worry a lot about but feel constrained by the rules and regulations of my property management group, thus leaving me to think creatively about how I protect myself and my belongings.

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As a fellow renter, home security is one of those issues that I worry a lot about but feel constrained by the rules and regulations of my property management group, thus leaving me to think creatively about how I protect myself and my belongings.

After scouring the internet for some rental security tips, I came up with a list of things you can do to make your rental a safer home:

Meet your neighbors: By doing this you’ll get a feel for who is supposed to be there and who is not.
Lock your doors and windows: Keep your doors and windows locked at all times. Unexpected visitors are most likely not a good thing.
Change the locks: Regardless if you’re just moving in or have lived there for a while, ask your property manager to change the locks for you. You never know how many duplicate keys are running around.
Add an alarm: While most property management groups won’t allow you to install a monitored alarm system (and it probably doesn’t make sense to do so), you can still find off the shelf alarm products that can provide you with peace of mind and let you know what’s going on at your door. For example, Schlage’s new keyed entry lock with built-in alarm is easy to install and requires no monthly fees.
Add a deadbolt: Often times the locks that come on apartment doors are easy to break into. Ask your property manager for permission to add an additional layer of security by adding a deadbolt to your door. These can be easily installed. Security experts suggest purchasing a Grade 1 deadbolt as it will provide the highest level of security.
Fake alarm stickers: You can pick these up on the cheap at local home improvement stores. Buy one for each site of the house and place them on windows. This can help deter potential intruders.

I personally have implemented a few of these tactics at my apartment and already feel much safer about my surroundings. It’s amazing what a little peace of mind can do!

Don't forget to share your tips! What do you do to stay safe while renting?

Laura W.
Social Media Brand Marketing

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Holiday Door Knobs: Simple Decorating Ideas

November 14, 2011 by admin

11/14/2011

It seems like all of a sudden, the holidays are just a few weeks away. I’m looking forward to digging out the decorations from the basement and decking the halls. Maybe you are itching to get your tree up, or maybe you’re just going to set out a few special mementos.

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It seems like all of a sudden, the holidays are just a few weeks away. I’m looking forward to digging out the decorations from the basement and decking the halls. Maybe you are itching to get your tree up, or maybe you’re just going to set out a few special mementos.

No matter how you decorate, don’t forget your door knobs. They are often overlooked, but can become a focal point or a complementary accent to a table centerpiece or mantel decorations. Schlage decorative door hardware, of course, has plenty of style in its own right, but can be easily dressed up for the holidays. For a festive touch, just hang a small wreath or decorated gift bag on your door knobs or door levers.

Door knob hangers are easy to buy or to make. If you’re not crafty, just adapt some holiday decorations you already have by adding a hanger (ribbons, wire, or garlands), or purchase ready-made door knob hangers at The Find or handmade ones at Etsy. Or if you’re a glue gun guru, check out the wide variety of ideas online for making your own.

Here are some crafty ideas we’ve found:

Hanging frosted pine cones
Simple festive felt birds
Count-down calendar
Jingle bells
Candy cane hanger
Christmas Reindeer Doorknob Hanger

And here’s a wealth of ideas for giving your door knobs some holiday flair!

Have fun and let us know what door knob decorating ideas you’ve come up with!

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How to Choose Interior Door Hardware

October 24, 2011 by admin

10/24/2011

eHow, an online library of advice for just about anything you need to do, has a nifty article about how to choose interior door hardware. We at Schlage know it can be overwhelming to walk into a hardware store and choose the right door hardware for your style and your needs, so this article can help make it easier.

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eHow, an online library of advice for just about anything you need to do, has a nifty article about how to choose interior door hardware. We at Schlage know it can be overwhelming to walk into a hardware store and choose the right door hardware for your style and your needs, so this article can help make it easier.

First, it helps to know a little about the components of door hardware: the door locks, the door handlesets, and the hinges. The lock and the handleset are the most important, but of course, once you’ve chosen them, you want the hinges to match.

First, figure out how many interior door knobs you want to replace. Then, follow the steps below.

Determine what kind of lock each door will need. You can choose from door locks, standard latches without locks, or a keyed lock.
Decide on whether you want door knobs or door levers. Here again, your choice will depend on a number of things including the function of the door.
Select a style of decorative door hardware. Schlage’s decorative collection gives you many choices from traditional to transitional contemporary.
Finally, choose a finish. Schlage door hardware offers you many choices to meet your personal taste and the style of your home including satin nickel, antique brass, and aged bronze.

For details on how to choose interior door hardware, visit eHow and read the full how-to.

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You’re the Designer: Fall Design Trends for Your Home

October 14, 2011 by admin

10/14/2011

Trend watchers agree that 2012 will be a year for comfortable, cozy, cocooning. The word among interior designers is that this home-centeredness includes a new respect for craftsmanship and quality as well as an appearance that reflects a sense of warmth and age.

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Trend watchers agree that 2012 will be a year for comfortable, cozy, cocooning. The word among interior designers is that this home-centeredness includes a new respect for craftsmanship and quality as well as an appearance that reflects a sense of warmth and age.

Dennis Hockman, editor of Chesapeake Home + Living magazine, notes that home style trends follow fashion. The metallic finishes of hardware, lighting, plumbing fixtures and some furniture follow trends in jewelry; designers often refer to hardware as jewelry for the home. He sees finishes moving away from silver and chrome to warm golds, especially antiqued brass. He points out that antique brass conveys the warmth of age and use and adds comfort and sophistication to any room.

Michele Bogg, an Indianapolis interior designer, agrees that that although "Chrome, bronze and brushed chrome are still popular, but you are going to see a more tarnished, muted gold coming back.” She identifies the new muted brass as “a more classical, timeless finish that looks elegant on its own or mixed with the muted tones of silver or bronze." She also advises not being afraid to mix finishes.

Schlage's Decorative Collections of door hardware are well suited to the new comfort-focused style trends. You can choose from over 1,000 combinations of decorative door hardware designs and finishes, including on-trend antique brass, aged bronze, and distressed nickel. Style-wise, our collections range from traditional to contemporary, meant for mixing and matching your designs based on the room, floor, or exterior. And of course, our locks offer the utmost in door security and quality that will stand the test of time.

Schlage Decorative Collections of interior hardware, exterior door hardware, and door handlesets were created to help you add designer touches to your home without the designer price tag. Visit our Decorative Collections Configurator to build your lock from scratch to match your personal style, and then print it out for shopping. Our Decorative Collection is currently available on Amazon.com and build.com and will soon appear in stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot.

Sources include “Furnishings feeling brassy — again", The Baltimore Sun, September 29, 2011

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Home Security: To Do and Not to Do on Halloween

October 12, 2011 by admin

10/12/2011

This month is National Crime Prevention Month. That means that your home safety and home security is especially important. Here are some tips for what NOT to do on Halloween.

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This month is National Crime Prevention Month, the official month for recognizing and celebrating the practice of crime prevention, while promoting awareness of important issues such as victimization, volunteerism, and creating safer, more caring communities.

At the end of the month is Halloween, a night of trick and treating when costumed figures fill the streets after sunset, with some looking to cause mischief and mayhem. That means that your home safety and home security is especially important.

Here are some tips for what NOT to do on Halloween.

Don’t leave your door unlocked; an intruder posing as a trick-or-treater could easily let themself in. Make sure your door locks are sturdy and secure.
Make sure older trick-or-or-treaters have a set return time and cell phones handy. With an electronic lock, you can give them their own code, rather than trusting them with a key.
Don’t leave your porch light off and replace any broken exterior lights. A dark house and yard makes it easier for vandals and burglars to walk up undetected.
Don’t answer the door after a certain cut-off time; legitimate trick or treaters should be off the streets by 8 or 9, depending on your community.

For more ideas about how to have a safe and secure holiday, take a look at these Halloween home security tips.

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Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Home Safe This Halloween

October 06, 2011 by admin

10/06/2011

October is National Crime Prevention Month, the official month for recognizing and celebrating the practice of crime prevention while promoting creating safer, more caring communities. And at the end of the month is the one night of the year when you need to be more alert than ever about your home security. On Halloween, when your home is most vulnerable to vandalism, a home automation system can help protect yourself and your property.

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October is National Crime Prevention Month, the official month for recognizing and celebrating the practice of crime prevention while promoting creating safer, more caring communities. And at the end of the month is the one night of the year when you need to be more alert than ever about your home security. On Halloween, when your home is most vulnerable to vandalism, a home automation system can help protect yourself and your property.

Here are ten tips to keep you safe on Halloween and all through the year:

Don’t leave your door unlocked; an intruder posing as a trick-or-treater could easily let himself or herself in. A home automation system allows you to lock and unlock your door from anywhere.
Keep your home well lit, especially if you can’t be home. With a light control system like the Schlage LiNK, you can put your lights on a schedule to make it look like someone’s home and control them from any PC or smartphone with Internet access.
Keep your property lighted, and remove toys and debris from your hard. You don’t want a trick or treater taking a fall on your property (can you say lawsuit?).
Decide on a cut-off time to answer the door for trick-or-treaters. Legitimate trick or treaters should be off the streets by 8 or 9, depending on your community’s traditions and curfew. Turn off your porch light for a few hours, but turn it back on before you go to bed.
With a home automation system, you can control home security camera remotely to record activity on your porch and property. Wireless camera recording can be triggered by door/window motion sensors.
If you have pets, keep them inside. Some people think it’s fun to harass or hurt dogs and cats. It’s also good to keep pets away from the front door so that they can’t leap on trick or treaters.
If you have older kids going out, set a time for their return home and make sure they have a cell phone with them. Ask them to check in with you regularly. With remote control locks, they won’t have to carry a key and can let themselves in with a code. You can keep your door locked and be alerted when they use their code.
With wireless sensor integration, you can check the status of your windows and detect motion in an around the home from anywhere.
Don’t leave candles burning inside pumpkins or anywhere a costume could come in contact with the flame. Consider battery-powered lights.
If you see any suspicious activity, call your local police department immediately.

What safety tips do you have for Halloween?

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Living with Adult Parents and Children

September 30, 2011 by admin

09/30/2011

Years ago, it was common to find multiple generations of a family living together under one roof, and it’s becoming a popular way to live once again. Today’s higher housing costs and the country’s struggling economy are prompting families to take in their parents and/or their adult children.

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Years ago, it was common to find multiple generations of a family living together under one roof, and it’s becoming a popular way to live once again. Today’s higher housing costs and the country’s struggling economy are prompting families to take in their parents and/or their adult children.

But with so many people needing to come and go for doctor appointments, jobs, or grocery shopping, home security can be an issue. And if family members have their own separate entrance, door security becomes more complex. A parent’s home care provider may need to visit them or kids or grandkids may need to let themselves in after school. Each person needs their own key, and that can mean many keys to lose. A Schlage digital door lock can solve this problem and give each family member the freedom to come and go as they need and help aging parents maintain a strong sense of independence. Each person can have their own digital code and lock and unlock doors without having to keep track of a key.

Schlage keyless entry locks come pre-programmed with two user codes and feature a 19-user code capacity with 10,000 user code combinations to choose from. They also have a battery life of over three years. Schlage electronic locks are available as a deadbolt or as a handleset. And they come in a variety of styles and finishes to match every décor. Door levers are often easier for older people to use.

When looking for an electronic deadbolt lock, be sure to look for Grade-2 or higher and one with wear-resistant keypad buttons, so would-be intruders can’t guess a code based on wear and tear.

Multigenerational living situations can be stressful, but Schlage digital door locks can help. And in addition to financial benefits, the family can become closer. Grandchildren can get special attention from grandparents, and the grandparents can feel less isolated. Young adults, too, experience a sense of safety and security when they move back “home” with their parents. Even though it can be a situation you’d rather not be in, multigenerational families living together under one roof can enjoy positive opportunities that many families will never have.

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Back to school—all about door locks and door knobs

September 06, 2011 by admin

09/06/2011

Around 1920, the founder of The Schlage Manufacturing Company, Walter Reinhold Schlage, created the bored cylindrical door lock, the basis of all interior door locks today with a push-button lock centered in the door knob. This revolutionary invention was designed to fit into two simple round holes bored in the door, eliminating the need for expensive mortising. It could be installed in minutes using ordinary hand tools.

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Around 1920, the founder of The Schlage Manufacturing Company, Walter Reinhold Schlage, created the bored cylindrical door lock, the basis of all interior door locks today with a push-button lock centered in the door knob. This revolutionary invention was designed to fit into two simple round holes bored in the door, eliminating the need for expensive mortising. It could be installed in minutes using ordinary hand tools.

On April 12, 1920, Schlage applied for his first cylindrical door lock patent, which described a lock made out of assembling the knob, spindle, and latch retractor into one unit within a circular housing. He received his patent on May 22, 1923.

Schlage continued to improve his door lock design, and in October 1920, filed a second patent for locking push-button door locks. The patent described a cylindrical lock design with a locking mechanism operated by pushing a button in the center of the door knob to lock and turning the interior door knob to unlock. He received his patent for the locking push-button door lock on April 8, 1924.

Four basic kinds of door knobs and door levers feature the bored cylinder design.

Entrance Door Knob—Generally used for exterior applications with a keyed locking cylinder.
Privacy Door Knobs—Generally used in bathrooms and bedrooms. Privacy knobs can be locked with a push button and come with a slotted tool that can be used to unlock from the outside.
Passage Door Knobs—Also referred to as hall and closet knobs. These door knobs are not lockable.
Dummy Door Knobs—These knobs are mounted on the front of the door and do not have a latch mechanism. These are most often used for bifold doors or decorative interior hardware applications that do not require a latch mechanism.

Schlage is proud to give our customers the value that comes from our 90-year heritage of door lock manufacturing. Continuing Walter Schlage’s legacy of continuous improvement, we have created keyless entry locks (electronic door knobs) and are now developing biometric locks. You can count on Schlage for quality, durability, and easy installation.

Our next post will continue this series with a look at the history of door knobs.

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Renovation starts here, and it’s easy!

August 22, 2011 by admin

08/22/2011

As anyone who’s thought of doing a home renovation knows, it can really take a chunk out of your pocket. It can also be really disruptive with carpenters, electricians, and what-not trekking in and out of your home. That’s why it’s usually a good idea to remodel in phases.

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As anyone who’s thought of doing a home renovation knows, it can really take a chunk out of your pocket. It can also be really disruptive with carpenters, electricians, and what-not trekking in and out of your home. That’s why it’s usually a good idea to remodel in phases.

If you want to make a quick update to set the stage for your renovation, consider updating your entry door hardware, interior door knobs, and cabinet hardware. You can do these projects yourself without spending a ton of time on them. Schlage door knobs have been specially designed to last a lifetime and come in a wide variety of designs, so you’ll have the freedom to coordinate every detail of your décor.

Start with your entry door and a keyless door lock. Our customers report success in getting a new keypad door lock installed in 20-25 minutes, with no prior experience required.

Insert the latch assembly into the latch hole in the door edge.
Place the keypad assembly on the outside of the door, threading the spindle through the latch.
Slide the interior assembly onto the keypad assembly.
Attach a 9v battery.
Screw on the interior lockface over the mounting plate.

Schlage interior door knobs install quickly in existing doors. Using only a Phillips screwdriver, you can replace your old locks in about 10 minutes each. Here’s a brief how-to:

Insert the latch assembly into the latch hole in the door edge and screw it in.
Place the lockset assembly into the hole in the front of the door, inserting the spindle through the hole in the latch.
Slide the opposite knob assembly onto the lockset until the backplate is flush against the door surface and screw it onto the door.

Check the door to be sure it closes securely.

With Schlage door locks, you can begin your renovation quickly, inexpensively, and all by yourself in just one afternoon. We’ve built our reputation on delivering the easiest-to-install door locks and door hardware in the business, backed by strong customer support. For example check out the numerous how-to videos on our website and our YouTube channel.

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