I've said it before and I'll say it again...the desire for convenience is the greatest threat to security. I need to put that on a t-shirt. Thank you to Deputy Jeff Tock of Allegion for sending today's Fixed-it Friday photos, taken at a university.
When a stop or holder is mounted on the floor, at what point does it become a tripping hazard? I have not found a specific reference in the model codes or referenced standards on the acceptable mounting location.
Wrapping up Fire Prevention Week is our final category in the hardware set: Protect the Door. Although these are not typically the most complex components of a fire door assembly, proper product selection, installation, and maintenance are crucial.
Chuck Park Jr. sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo, and at first I didn't see the problem. And no...there is no other door opening into this space. I wonder how many people have noticed this situation - probably not many!
Andy Lindenberg of Allegion sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photos. Although I've seen poorly-placed floor stops with a second stop added later, I don't think I've ever seen a floor-mounted wall stop thrown into the mix!
Michael McGough of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo, of a wall stop he found in the changing room of a department store. Cue the (scary) music!
Some hardware applications are tough to explain with photos, and a video can be really helpful. In case any of you ever need to explain how overhead stops work, I made you a video! :-)
If you are new to the hardware industry (or you know someone who is), the Allegion 101 series offers an introduction to our products and their applications. Feel free to share these sessions with anyone who could benefit!
There are Fixed-it Friday applications everywhere...you just have to be on the lookout.
I have a theory about what happened here...what's yours? This "fix" shows the importance of making sure the correct hardware is specified from the get-go.
Yes, you are looking at two kitchen sponges wrapped in a washcloth. Whatever works - Happy Fixed-it Friday!
Last week an architect asked whether there is guidance in the codes or standards regarding the mounting location/maximum height for floor-mounted door stops, to ensure that the stop is not a tripping hazard. WWYD?
I've written specifications for many projects where the architect requested hinge-pin stops - door stops which mount on the hinge pin and are designed to stop the door when it reaches the desired open position.
Thank you to Ted Wightman of Allegion for today's Wordless Wednesday photo! I have no words...
Austin Baumann of Central Indiana Hardware sent me this photo of the emergency exit in a mirror maze. This would be considered a special amusement building - I wrote about some of the requirements for those occupancies here. I have often seen means of egress modifications...
I don't know that I've ever seen floor stops like these...
The current location of this stop is definitely not working - it is too close to the pivot and it's damaging the door sweep. It could potentially damage the sweep regardless of where it is mounted...
I have not yet seen this product (the DoorSaver II) in use, but I've definitely seen distributors enlarging the hole in a residential hinge pin stop in order to use it on a commercial hinge. This looks like an interesting idea...
It's called the Ives Cush Stop (just kidding - we don't endorse this application!)...
When you're faced with an opening where a floor stop or wall stop just won't work, you could use an overhead stop. If that's not enough protection, you could use a door closer with advanced variable backcheck (AVB), which starts the backcheck (cushioning effect) earlier in the opening cycle and keeps the door from gaining momentum. Or you could get creative and make your own stop, cover it with carpet so it looks pretty, and then buy a new door...
I'm getting ready to head home from Arc-US in San Diego (which has been a fabulous conference!), and wondering how long it will be before someone tweets a photo of me singing on stage with the Dueling Pianomen. Until then, here's some signage the likes of which I've never seen before. I'm in favor of signage to prevent door abuse. Save the doors!
This Wordless Wednesday post can't be completely wordless (that's nothing new). These photos were sent to me by my friend and colleague, Kurt Roeper, who is traveling in China at the moment and reports that idighardware/ihatehardware is banned in China. Here's Kurt's note that came along with the photos:
My inbox is overflowing with reader photos again. Thanks everyone!
If you haven't been to Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, you're missing out on some great old hardware applications. They recently had an exhibit of antique door pulls, and as soon as my first-grader saw it he said, "Mom! I think you're going to want to get out your camera!" :-)
I'm sorry I've been incommunicado this week...sometimes life gets in the way of hardware. When I agreed to lend a hand to my sister-in-law during the birth of my niece, I had no idea it would take 4 days! The good news is that my niece has arrived, and I was able to spend 4 days wandering the hospital halls looking at the hardware.
