Much virtual ink has been spilled on this website discussing how to fix old locks, but sometimes it isn’t necessary to spend hundreds of dollars fixing an old lock. In fact it may be advantageous to disable an old lock. I’m thinking about the entry doors for businesses here. People often expect that they can push or pull such doors open and are confused by latching mechanisms that require them to turn something or push down on a thumblatch for example.
I recently spent several hours fixing a local cafe door here in Green Lake to simplify the customer experience when entering or leaving. This was done by removing the latch from the old mortise lock that was on the door, making it no longer necessary to push the antiquated thumblatch down to enter or exit. However the hardware on the door looks the same! Only minor modifications have been done.
What happens when there is a gust of wind though? I did install a door closer to keep the door shut, but for additional help in holding the door in position for the deadbolts to work properly I installed something called a roller latch. It’s just a springloaded object that holds the door shut but you can push or pull the door open with minimal effort. Similar hardware is used on cabinets, you might have one at home on a cabinet that operates with a magnet for example.
These have a little more holding power and are adjustable for spring power and also projection from the surface of the door than the one on your home cabinet though. I made a video about how to install one. Hope you like it!