Tech Tips & News
Technical articles, installation tips, and industry news from the HMF Express team.
Articles
Specifying the Right Door Gauge for Your Application
Not every opening needs 14 gauge — here's how to match door gauge to usage intensity, opening type, and code requirements.
KD vs. Welded Frames: Which Is Right for Your Project?
Understanding the differences between knock-down and welded hollow metal frames helps you make the right choice before walls are built.
Hardware Prep Basics: What Contractors Need to Know Before Ordering
Getting hardware preps right at the factory saves time and money on the job site. Here's what to specify and why.
Lead Times in the Hollow Metal Industry: How HMF Express Stays Ahead
Industry lead times have climbed — but HMF Express has maintained 1–10 day delivery through lean manufacturing and dedicated production capacity.
Anchor Selection Guide: Matching Frame Anchors to Wall Construction
The right anchor for your frame depends on your wall type. This guide covers the most common anchor types and when to use each.
Reading a Door Schedule: A Contractor's Quick Reference
Door schedules can be dense — this quick guide breaks down the key fields and what each one means for your order.
"This Door Doesn't Fit" — Fixing Edge Clearances on Steel Doors
When clearances are wrong, doors bind, won't latch, or fail inspection. Here's a field guide to diagnosing and correcting edge clearance issues using steel shims.
KD Drywall Systems: Advantages for Distributors and Contractors
Knock-down drywall frames offer real cost and time savings in the right applications. Here's what distributors and contractors need to know.
Troubleshooting Door and Frame Issues From Your Desk
When a contractor calls with a field problem, how you respond can define your value as a distributor. Here's a systematic approach to diagnosing issues remotely.
Choosing the Right Vendor Partners for Your Door and Hardware Business
Your reputation depends on your vendor partners. Here's what to evaluate when selecting a hollow metal manufacturer to trust with your customers.
The Benefits of Using Quick-Ship Hollow Metal Suppliers
Five ways door and hardware distributors can increase profits, reduce inventory, and lower risk by partnering with a quick-ship supplier.
Smoke Labels Explained: What They Mean and When You Need Them
A smoke label is not a substitute for a fire rating — it's an addition to one. Here's what the "S" designation means and how to specify it correctly.
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