Replies

1. 
   Gene_Davis | Jul 15, 2006 07:33am | #1

   Then get Emtek.  As good or better than Schage A, you know, the good Schlage line, not the crap that is sold in the lumberyards.  And buy all your hardware from the best source there is, Woodward's Ace Hardware of Santa Ana, CA.  Ask for Ron Horn, the most knowledgable hardware guy I know.

   Check their website for product selection, but they can and will get almost anything for you.  Want that just-introduced arts and crafts full mortise lockset from Baldwin, in the antique bronze finish?  No problem.

   I have been buying from them exclusively since '01, and would not get anything from anyone else.  They ship anywhere, low shipping charges, no tax.  Huge inventory, so there is rarely a wait.

1. 
   tufenhundel | Jul 15, 2006 05:19pm | #3

   Thanks! Will check out Woodward's.

2. 
   Snort | Jul 15, 2006 04:23pm | #2

   I've installed 3 maybe 4 houses of Omnias...I was remarkably unimpressed.

   Poor castings, a lot of fiddling involved, missing parts, and loose levers/knobs

   I need a dump truck, baby, to unload my head

1. 
   tufenhundel | Jul 15, 2006 05:20pm | #4

   OK, that's enough for me--Omnia's are out the door.

3. 
   Matt | Jul 16, 2006 06:24pm | #5

   For new construction, mid to upper end homes we use Schalge with an upgrade to Emtek (sp?) on exterior doors.  Baldwin used to be popular but require some futzing around to get them right and possibly some down the road too.

1. 
   tufenhundel | Jul 16, 2006 10:37pm | #6

   Matt-I get the idea that Emteks are what's preferred here. So I am checking them out. The selection is a bit more limited though. But I think a rickety handle will bother me more than not getting the exact style. Thanks.

1. 
   CAGIV | Jul 16, 2006 10:46pm | #7

   Emteck also has a line of bathroom accessories and such so you can match hardware.

   I've been relatively impressed with their handle sets and bathroom hardware.