Hardware That Matches Your Door and Your Risk

Lock Installation & Hardware in Springfield and surrounding towns for doors that need deadbolts, lever locks, or digital systems installed correctly the first time

A.W. Gifford Inc installs lock hardware in Springfield and across Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut for property owners who need functional, durable components that match door type, usage frequency, and security requirements. You call when a new door arrives without hardware, when a break-in attempt damages a lock beyond repair, or when outdated knob locks need to be replaced with lever handles that meet accessibility codes. We supply and install deadbolts, mortise locks, keypad entry systems, and commercial door hardware, and we adapt components to non-standard door prep or frame configurations.


Our work addresses the vulnerabilities created by improperly installed locks, the functional failures that result from mismatched hardware and door thickness, and the compliance gaps that arise when accessibility or fire codes change. We drill precise bore holes, mortise strike plates flush with the jamb, and mount cylinders so that keys engage without binding. In Springfield, where residential and commercial buildings span a wide range of construction eras, we often work with doors that lack modern prep or frames that require security strikes before hardware can be mounted securely.


If you need lock installation or hardware upgrades handled by professionals who match components to real-world conditions, reach out to discuss your project in Springfield and surrounding towns.

What Proper Installation Involves

When you schedule lock installation, we measure door thickness, backset, and bore diameter to determine which hardware will fit without modification. You will see us use hole saws and chisels to create clean openings, shim strike plates to align with latch bolts, and test operation under load to confirm that the lock engages fully without resistance. We carry deadbolts, lever locks with knob locks, keypad and digital locks that integrate with existing door prep.


After installation, your lock operates smoothly through its full range of motion, your deadbolt extends at least one inch into the jamb, and your door closes securely without gaps or misalignment. A.W. Gifford Inc ensures that mounting screws reach solid framing, that strike plates are reinforced with longer fasteners, and that keypad systems respond immediately to input without lag or false reads. You also receive instructions for any programmable features and confirmation that all hardware meets the security grade you requested.


We do not force hardware into undersized or misaligned prep. If your door requires modification to accept the lock you have chosen, we explain what adjustments are necessary and whether an alternative lock style would fit without altering the door. Our work prioritizes long-term function and security over speed or convenience.

Details That Come Up During Hardware Selection

These questions help clarify which lock types and installation methods apply to different door conditions and security needs.

What is the difference between a deadbolt and a lever lock?

A deadbolt uses a solid metal bolt that extends into the door frame and requires a key or thumb turn to operate, while a lever lock includes a spring-loaded latch that retracts when you press the handle. Deadbolts provide better security against forced entry, lever locks are required on accessible routes in commercial buildings to comply with ADA regualtions.

How do you install a lock on a door that has no existing holes?

We use templates provided by the lock manufacturer to mark bore locations, then drill a cross bore for the lock body and an edge bore for the latch. We also mortise the door edge and jamb so that the latch and strike plate sit flush with the surface.

Can digital locks be installed on older doors?

Yes, most keypad and electronic locks fit standard residential bore spacing and can be installed on wood, metal, or fiberglass doors. If the door has non-standard prep, we adapt the installation or recommend a lock model designed for retrofit applications in Springfield and surrounding towns.

Why does door thickness matter when choosing a lock?

Lock bodies and latch assemblies are manufactured to fit specific door thickness ranges, typically 1-1/8 inches or 1 - 3/4 inches. Installing a lock on a door outside that range requires spacers, adapters, or a different lock model.

What is a mortise lock and when is it used?

A mortise lock fits into a rectangular pocket cut into the edge of the door and includes a latch, deadbolt, and handle mechanism in a single housing. It is common in older commercial buildings and high-security applications because it offers greater durability than cylindrical locks.

If you need lock installation that accounts for door condition, usage patterns, and security standards, contact A.W. Gifford Inc to schedule a consultation in Springfield and the surrounding areas.

Lock Installation & Hardware

Security Installations

Install Deadlocks, Leverlocks, Knoblocks, Rim and Mortise Cylinders

Install Latch Protectors and Reinforcement Plates

Install Continuous Hinges