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Home PageRobert D Drake2019-11-23T09:05:40-05:00

The Story Behind Schlage (video)

We’re kicking off Schlage’s 100th anniversary with a new video that provides a fascinating look (really!) into the history of Walter Schlage and the Schlage Lock Company – check it out!

FF: Clamp Hold-Open

The creative solutions never end! RB Sontag of Allegion sent me today’s Fixed-it Friday photo, and if this is a fire door, we’ve got a problem.

WWYD? All-Glass Sliders

Originally, these doors did not need to lock, but that has changed, and the architect is looking for a way to add code-compliant locks to the doors which have already been installed. WWYD?

WW: Strike Out

I have seen some questionable workmanship in my career, but this has to be one of the least effective strike installations I’ve ever come across. Can you top it? You can submit photos using the option on the Tools menu.

QQ: Auto Operator Timing

What are the required opening speed, closing speed, and hold-open time for a low-energy automatic operator? What about a vestibule situation with sequential operation?

Free Webinar – Door Security And Safety: Continuing the Conversation

This is going to be a great webinar! There is a fabulous line-up of presenters with an incredible depth of experience and insight to share.

WW: Sticks in Strikes

Billy Rogers of Rogers Installations sent me today’s Wordless Wednesday photo, and I’m feeling a little ill. This pair of doors serves a 9,000 seat auditorium, and the man on the right appears to be from the fire department. 🙁

Update: Projections Into the Clear Opening Height

What do you think about this change that has been approved for the 2021 International Building Code? Does it clear things up nicely, or does it cause concerns regarding accessibility?

NFPA Learn Something New: Cocoanut Grove

This week marks 77 years since the fire at the Cocoanut Grove Nightclub in Boston, and the fire is the topic of this month’s Learn Something New video from NFPA.

FF: Another Creative Hold-Open

Kelly Reese of Allegion sent me today’s Fixed-it Friday photo, and I have to admit, it’s pretty creative. Unfortunately, if this is a fire door the purpose of the fire door assembly has been completely defeated.

WWYD? Wood Door Damage

I need some help from any wood door experts out there…any theories on what might have caused the horizontal lines on these wood doors? They weren’t visible until the doors were field stained.

WW: Pipes

It’s chilling to consider what will happen when someone needs to use this exit in an emergency. The other exterior doors have the same security measure in place. 🙁

Apply It: High School Music Classroom – Answers

Here are the answers to yesterday’s real-world questions about the egress requirements for this high school music classroom. Read the other post first if you want to give it a try.

Apply It: High School Music Classroom

Try applying your knowledge of the International Building Code to a real-world example…can you answer these 4 questions about the egress requirements for this high school music classroom?

FF: Wood Wedge Problem Solvers

There’s more than one way to hold open a door for convenience, and if it’s a fire door, the method needs to be code-compliant. Here’s a great Fixed-it Friday example.

Extraneous Fire Door Assembly Labels

If a door or frame has a label indicating that is is fire rated, is the assembly required to be maintained and inspected as required by NFPA 80 and NFPA 101? A proposed code change offers a clarification.

WW: Do Not Block

It’s Wordless Wednesday again…can you believe that I’ve been posting WW photos every week since January of 2011?? And there’s no end in sight! Keep the WW and FF photos coming!

Locksmith Ledger: Codes Matter – For the Safety of Building Occupants, AND Your Bottom Line

This article was published in the October 2019 issue of Locksmith Ledger, and includes some questions that you can use to determine whether your code knowledge is up-to-date.

QQ: Do all fire exits have fire exit hardware?

Do all fire exit doors have fire exit hardware? Even if you already know the answer to this question, today’s blog post might help you explain it to someone who disagrees.

FF: Camo Panic

Ahhh…that feeling you get when you overhear someone telling their coworker that they think they’ve spotted a code violation – and they took a photo of it!

NFPA Journal – Learn Something New: Dynamic Exit Signs

What will the future of exit signs look like? Do they need an upgrade using new technology?

WW: Rebar

It took me a second to see what was happening here, and now I’m #wordless. Thank you to Kim Murkette of Isenhour Door for the photo!

I’m off to Cleveland!

Are you headed to Cleveland this week for the DHI ConNextions conference? I hope to see you there!

WWYD? Gender-Inclusive Restrooms

Shared restrooms that are not segregated based on gender are becoming more common in schools, universities, and other types of facilities. What’s the ideal hardware solution for these doors?

FF: Whatever Works

Kick-down holders (prohibited in most commercial locations) are meant to flip down and hold the door open. This one is being used for a different purpose. Any ideas?

Decoded: Two Releasing Operations for Egress (December 2019)

My next Decoded article covers the tentative interim amendment – TIA 1436, which revised NFPA 101 in order to allow 2 releasing operations to unlatch existing classroom doors.

WW: Seen on Odditymall

End users MUST understand the applicable code requirements before purchasing security products, and it’s our job to educate them. We can’t focus solely on security at the expense of life safety.

Fairfax County Virginia – CBYD

UL FSRI: Nearly half of Americans believe it’s safer to sleep with the door closed in the event of a fire, yet only 26% always sleep with their bedroom door completely shut.

Training Opportunity (with AIA and DHI credit)!!

If you’re anywhere near Cleveland, Ohio, I just found out about a great opportunity on Thursday, November 7th for you to attend our Code Update Roundtable!

FF: Key/Tool, Special Knowledge AND Effort

It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether a particular type of hardware requires special knowledge or effort to operate since this is left up to each AHJ to interpret. Not this time…

WWYD? Corrosion to the Max

Any idea what is corroding or oxidizing inside of this door – and to this extent?? I’ve never seen anything like it! What’s the solution? WWYD?

WW: More Zip Ties

I can almost understand how trash cans get placed in front of exit doors, but the (semi-permanent) use of zip-ties is hard to take.

Doors Provided for Egress Purposes

People ask me all the time…Do ALL doors have to meet the requirements of the IBC? How do you differentiate between an egress door and a non-egress door?

Training Alert: Collaboration to maximize your project, time, and profit

If you are looking for some continuing education credit, or just want to learn more about collaborating on a door hardware specification, here’s your chance!

FF: Screws

It warms my heart that in the last 10 years, the number of people who actually notice these problems (and often do something to resolve them) has increased significantly.

Latch-Side Clearance

Remember the photo I posted Tuesday – of the exit door from the fast-food restaurant? If you’ve been wondering what the other code issue was, here’s the answer.

WW: Slammer Spring

Maybe rules really are made to be broken? Which code requirements are being violated with this creative Wordless Wednesday installation?

Minimum Egress Width

What do you think about the width of the aisle leading to this restaurant exit – is it sufficient? And can you spot the other code issue with this door?

Fire Risk in Schools

Between 2013 and 2017, an average of 4,859 structure fires occurred in educational facilities each year, and only 39% of the schools where fires occurred had sprinkler systems. Read more…

FF: Auditorium Exit

How quickly we forget the lessons learned in tragic events such as the fires at the Iroquois Theatre and the Cocoanut Grove Nightclub. If you see something, say something!

Live Rescue: “You can come out now.”

I know that many of us notice funky hardware applications on TV and in movies…here’s one that we can actually learn a few things from.

WW: Another Retail Exit

Charles Anderson sent me the photos below, of a “secondary” exit from a retail store. I know it’s Wordless Wednesday, but here’s something you should know…

Classroom Lock Functions

This new infographic aims to help clear some of the confusion about the various lock functions used on classroom doors. Feel free to share it!

Washington Post: School shootings are extraordinarily rare.

The statistical likelihood of a public school student being killed in a school shooting on any given day since 1999 was 1 in 614,000,000. Read more in the Washington Post…

FF: Wordless

I’m Wordless about today’s Fixed-it Friday photo. Considering that this is a retail store, I’m not even sure how/why this happened. Any theories?

Classroom Door Magnets

I don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all answer for classroom security, but as we consider each new problem, it’s important to remember the progression of the security methods used over past decades.

WW: Extra Patient Room

During a flu epidemic in 1974, hospital staff was desperate to accommodate the patients needing treatment. Luckily, someone was watching out for the life safety of all of the hospital’s occupants.

WWYD? Performance-Based Option

Do you know of any facility that is using the performance-based option for fire door assembly inspection? I asked the Joint Commission about it…

Time’s Up!

Last call! And in addition to the randomly-selected winners of the 10th anniversary contest, I have a gift for someone who has been a loyal reader since the very beginning.

FF: Church Exit

Looking past the Fixed-it Friday “fix” and the non-code-compliant hardware, what do you think about the design of this opening? Are these exit doors easily identifiable?

SDI: Fire Door Assembly Video

Have you ever wished for a short video that gives an overview of fire door assemblies? The Steel Door Institute (SDI) recently released a 2-minute video that covers the basics.

WW: Assisted Living Fire Doors

Imagine that you are moving your mom into an assisted living facility, and you notice that the door closer on every fire-rated apartment entrance door has been disconnected…

Double-Cylinder Deadbolts Revisited

Can a double-cylinder deadbolt be installed on a multi-stall restroom door in an office building? Of course not! But wait…are you sure about that?

Timeline: 10 Years of iDigHardware

This is the last week of the 10th anniversary celebration, but there’s still time for you to register to win – AND to learn more about the resources available on iDigHardware!

FF: Trashed Exit

Chris Stokes of Precision Doors and Hardware sent me today’s Fixed-it Friday photos, taken in a gas station/convenience store. At first, this looks like careless placement of a trash can…

WWYD? Unidentified Pivots

How do you replace existing pivots when you don’t know the manufacturer or model number? Is there a reliable way to identify existing pivots? Are replacements for old pivots readily available? WWYD?

WW: Hole-y Moly!

Bryce King of Allegion sent me today’s Wordless Wednesday photo…I guess this is one way to deal with a lockout! Send me your WW/FF photos to register to win some Yeti merch from iDH!

Decoded: Thresholds and Changes in Level (November 2019)

My next Decoded column addresses the accessibility requirements for thresholds and changes in level at doorways. If there is anything I should add, let me know before it goes to print!

Decoded: Celebrating 10 Years of Codes…and Beyond! (October 2019)

My Decoded column in the October issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine covers the history of iDigHardware, with some code development and a little of my life story thrown in. 😀

FF: Lever Return Spring

I’m sure you have some photos hiding in your phone that could be suitable for Wordless Wednesday, Fixed-it Friday, or to illustrate a question or problem. Submit them and you might be a winner!

Assembly Bill AB 44

Much of the testimony given at a recent hearing clearly outlines the reasons that barricade devices are not the optimal method of securing classroom doors.

WW: Danger – Construction Zone

We need to always be on the lookout for situations like these – our attention to these problems can affect the safety of building occupants. #seesomethingsaysomething

Close Before You Doze – Vote Now!

I love using creative ways of getting a message out – especially when the message will likely save lives. Check out these videos and VOTE!

What are you searching for?

You asked for an improved search feature to help you find what you’re searching for in iDigHardware’s library of 2,300+ posts…here it is!

FF: Sound Horn for Service

I love these Fixed-it Friday photos from Richard de Campo of Poss Architecture + Planning and Interior Design. This door leads from the showroom area to the welding shop at The Iron Gallery in Rifle, Colorado.

WWYD? Walk-In Closet

Is the door serving a walk-in closet in an apartment or condominium required to comply with the means of egress requirements of the IBC? WWYD?

WW: NUMBER 100?? (September 2019)

Remember when I went to Italy in July and I took hundreds of photos of doors and then hardly shared any of them with y’all because some of the photos were going to be published in Door Security + Safety Magazine?

Celebrating 10 YEARS of iDigHardware!

iDigHardware has been celebrating our 10-year anniversary for several months, and the party will continue through September, with your chance to win one of the daily or weekly prizes!

FF: Please Shut Door

The door in these photos is at the top of the stairs in a bar, exiting from a non-sprinkled basement assembly room that is used for weddings and parties. What do you think? OK or NO WAY?

Lock Function Conversion Kits

If an existing lockset on a classroom door requires a teacher to open the door when locking it (potentially exposing the teacher to danger), there is a way to change the lock function at a reasonable price.

WW: Close Fire Doors

This sign – and the fire door it’s attached to – are definitely left over from the Olden Days. There was a time when fire doors were closed manually to protect the building when it was unoccupied.

Training Alert: Decoded Series – Egress and Life Safety

The pre-recorded Decoded classes do not offer AIA credit, but the live webinars do! There’s one coming up in a few weeks…

Indicator Deadbolt Modification

This is a “pod” in an airport, to be used by nursing moms. I’ve seen them myself, but the one I looked at only had the keypad lock and did not have the separate deadbolt.

FF: Any End-Cap Wood Do

John Bianco uploaded these photos to the “There’s no crying in Hollow Metal” Facebook page, and he said I could share them here for Fixed-it Friday. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen this fix. How about you?

NFPA 101 – TIA 1436

This is an important post about a change that has been made to NFPA 101-2018, regarding the allowable number of operations to unlatch a classroom door.

WW: Library Theater

This is the only door leading to a small auditorium located in the children’s section of the local library. I don’t have a problem with the castle theme, since this is the outside of the door. Anyone see the issue?

Back to School – Part 2

This presentation – WN@TL – School Safety in America: Rhetoric vs Reality – David Perrodin – is well worth a listen. It supports the concerns about classroom barricade devices and school security decision-making.

Back to School

Why are the security measures in these two school districts so different? In your opinion, what are the most important physical security measures for schools to implement?

FF: Classroom Storage

Today’s Fixed-it Friday photos were sent in by Colin Watson of Allegion. I’m sure some of you must have theories on why this storage closet opening was detailed this way. I can’t wait to hear them!

ASHE on Fire Door Inspections

The first step in improving fire door safety is identifying the problems that are consistently seen in the field. How can the industry help improve the durability and performance of opening protectives?

WW: Wowza.

Steve Griffis of Federal Lock and Safe sent me today’s Wordless Wednesday photos. There’s not much else I can say. How about you? #wordless

WWYD? Double-Core Cylinder

I know there is someone out there reading this who can tell me more about this type of cylinder. How does it work? What’s the purpose? WWYD?

Vision Panel Alert

Here’s a heads-up going out to all of the detailers, architects, and door manufacturers out there…double-check the vision light locations for classroom doors.

FF: EO Retrofit

Pat Filholm of All Secure Inc. sent me today’s Fixed-it Friday photos. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” I always say, but luckily in this case Pat will be upgrading their security.

Two Schools of Thought

Wilson County Schools: “We don’t use barricaded door hardware,” Wilson County Director of Safety Steve Spencer said. “The reason is…

WW: Huh?

What is this exit sign in a convention center trying to tell us? Which way is the exit? I’d love to hear your theories, because I don’t have any.

QQ: Existing Frame, No Fire Label

Regarding an existing fire door assembly – the door has a fire label but the frame does not. Is the frame required to have a label?

NFPA Journal – Learn Something New: Special Amusement Buildings

This post links to valuable information from NFPA about life safety requirements for escape rooms and other special amusement buildings, along with proposed code changes.

FF: Italy Finale

Yesterday I posted a Fixed-it Friday photo even though it was Thursday, but don’t worry! I saved up some FF photos during my trip to Italy, and I’m sharing them all today!

Today is the day!

I know…things look different, but everything should be in its usual place. If not, let me know and I’ll do what I can to make this a painless change!

WW: Function Fix

Check out this Wordless Wednesday application from our hotel in Milan. This could end badly if there is ever a fire within this area which has a handful of hotel rooms.

Push Button to Retract Latch

Continuing on the theme of Italian hotels (spoiler alert – there’s another one tomorrow), what do you think of this lock on our hotel room in Montecatini?

Flush-Mounted Doors

What do you think of doors and frames that are flush with the corridor wall on the push side? I like the clean look, but the door-operating part of my brain was not a fan.

Top-10 – FF: All-Time Fave (so far)

Here it is – my favorite Fixed-it Friday photo of all time (so far)! If you have any interesting door photos from your summer vacation, I’d love to see them!

Top 10 – Decoded: Calculating the Occupant Load

The most popular post on iDigHardware in the last 10 years is an article that isn’t even about doors or hardware. That may be the reason for it’s popularity.

Top 10 – WW: School Security and Safety

This is one of the most egregious examples of a non-code-compliant egress modification that I’ve ever seen, and yes, it was in a school.

Top 10 – Panic Hardware

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that panic hardware was one of the reasons I started learning about codes in the first place.

Top 10 – Decoded: Smoke Door Requirements of the IBC

Answers to questions about smoke door labels, closers, latches, and gasketing AND…in a labor of love, I have updated the references in the article to include the 2018 IBC. You’re welcome. 😀

Top 10 – FF: Communicating Door Closers

Many of my Fixed-it Friday posts show creative attempts at what-not-to-do, so as #6 in the Top-10 series I wanted to highlight another type of Fixed-it Friday post.

Top 10 – Fail Safe vs. Fail Secure

In this article, I covered not only how fail safe and fail secure electrified hardware products operate, but which type would commonly be used in various types of systems.

Top 10 – WW: Close the Door

This Wordless Wednesday photo is one of my favorites because it was part of the early inspiration for a topic that has become an important part of my work – the protection offered by a closed door.

Top 10 – Back-to-Basics: Hinge Types

For wide-throw hinges on a door that swings 180 degrees, where 2 inches of clearance is required behind the door to accommodate the trim, what is the required hinge width?

Top 10 – Flush Bottom Rail

If you’re wondering whether you need to read this article, ask yourself this question: Are the doors in the photo compliant with the flush bottom rail requirement?

Arrivederci!

In honor of the 10th anniversary of this site (and to celebrate my oldest daughter’s graduation), I have escaped to Italy. Do not panic…

FF: Gas Transfer Modification

This Fixed-it Friday modification must be against the law in the US, but just about anything goes in Mexico.

Allegion Code Reference Guide

The day has finally arrived. The updated Allegion Code Reference Guide is ready – 40 pages of code information that you can download for free!

WW: Temporary Locking Devices

Do you see what I see? THIS is why temporary locking devices should not be approved for doors serving a means of egress. They often become permanent locking devices!

Classroom Lockdown Modification

Will this screen door latch keep out a school shooter? Or maybe two would be sufficient? Hopefully we’ll never have to find out.

Now Available – LifeDoor!

We know we should close the bedroom door before we go to sleep (“Close Before You Doze”), but it doesn’t always happen.

July 4th – Independence Day

I’m off for the holiday weekend and I hope you are too! Next week I’ll have a long-awaited gift for you all! Be safe, and Close Before You Doze!

WW: Fire Door Smoke Test

Much of the work to replace deficient fire doors in London residential blocks has not been completed, so one man decided to take matters into his own hands to prove a point. Don’t do this.

BGSU: Active-Shooter Response

This video from Bowling Green State University gives some good background on the ALICE program and on the university’s emergency response protocols. Check it out and let me know what you think.

UHO (Unidentified Hardware Object)

‘Enquiring’ minds want to know…what was this used for? It’s in the closet of an apartment building built in 1919, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

FF: Lift Bar to Exit

This is an egress door serving a stadium. Someone “fixed-it” from a security standpoint, but what about egress? This requires a key AND special knowledge and effort!

QQ: Fire Test Standard for Sliding Doors

An architect is interested in specifying a sliding fire door assembly for a project, but I see that the product is listed to UL 10B. I thought fire doors were required to be listed to UL 10C?

WW: House Bill H3871

This is not a typical Wordless Wednesday post. In fact, there are a lot of words, but this is an important topic. If this can happen in Massachusetts, it can happen anywhere.

WWYD? Is a 15-second delay too long?

Should the model codes be modified to require immediate egress through doors with delayed egress locks during emergencies other than fires?

Decoded: Update on Roof Doors (August 2019)

A change to the 2018 edition of the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Fire Code (IFC) helps to establish the intent of these codes with regard to roof doors.

FF: Make it Work

Today’s Fixed-it Friday photo is from Nolan Thrope of Allegion. What’s the old saying…”necessity is the mother of invention”?

WWYD? Standby Power for Auto Operators

How do you provide the required standby power for an automatic operator if there isn’t building-wide backup power? WWYD?

WW: WOW!

This is a different kind of Wordless Wednesday photo – what a cool door! WOW!

PBS New Hour: Securing the Classroom

If a school is equipped with security cameras and access control on the main entrance, it’s just one more step to allow law enforcement to remotely unlock the doors for emergency response.

PASS Guidelines Recognized by State, Federal School Safety Commissions

In recent months, the PASS guidelines have been recognized by several state and federal organizations aiming to improve school safety and security. Read more about it in today’s post.

FF: Panic Privacy

This door – yes, with panic hardware – is on a restroom in Italy. The non-code-compliant hook modification solves the privacy problem. 😐

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Chaaaanges

My man-behind-the-curtain (web guy – Robert Drake from Creekside) told me recently that iDigHardware is the “old lady” among his clients. It’s time for the old lady to get a facelift!

WW: The pen is not mightier than the wedge.

I guess someone needs to get out their Sharpie and add another note prohibiting wood wedges. Happy Wordless Wednesday!

Wireless access control on university campuses

I graduated from college more than 30 years ago, and based on my experience with my soon-to-be college freshman, times have changed!

QQ: Closer Covers on Fire Doors

If a door closer on a fire door is missing the cover, is that a deficiency that should be noted on a fire door inspection report?

FF: Just wrench it open.

Got any old locksets, deadbolts, panic hardware or electrified hardware laying around? It would be a great help for firefighter training! Oh – and it’s also Fixed-it Friday!

Key Boxes – Crucial Life Safety and Security Equipment

Media outlets have reported that locked electronic doors hindered law enforcement response in the recent Virginia Beach shooting. Authorized access should be addressed in each facility’s emergency plan.

WW: Push Button to Exit

Warning: Today’s Wordless Wednesday post is not wordless. Check out the video and scroll down for the words.

Construction Specifier: Smoke Doors vs. Fire Doors – What’s the Difference?

I receive so many questions about fire doors vs. smoke doors; my article from the June issue of Construction Specifier answers many of them.

Sprinklers in Schools

In the almost-5,000 schools that experience structure fires each year, what percentage of the buildings are equipped with sprinkler systems?

FF: Why ask why?

This is the door hardware equivalent of whodunnit…maybe I should start calling these “whydunnit.”

WWYD? Indicating the Active Leaf

Calling all architects…we need your help with this one! Do you indicate on the drawings which leaf of a pair should be active and which is inactive?

WW: (Very) Temporary Door

I wonder how long this temporary door will last.

Any wagers?

Door Security + Safety – May Issue

The May issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine is available for members and non-members to read online! Will you become a Lock Don’t Block Ambassador?

Have a safe Memorial Day

I’ll be out of the office for the Memorial Day holiday. See you tomorrow!

FF: Low Light

Any theories about what happened in today’s Fixed-it Friday photo?

WWYD? Tenants Sue for Physical Keys – and Win

I can definitely see how a lock that is only controlled by a phone could be a problem, and the court agreed – the tenants now have keys. WWYD?

WW: Making a Case for Mullions

Back in 1993, Bill Elliott told me to always specify rim panic hardware with a removable mullion on exterior pairs that require panics. It was good advice.

QQ: Coordinators on Fire Doors

When a pair of fire doors has manual flush bolts and no closer on the inactive leaf, is a coordinator required?

QQ: Vision Lights in Automatic Doors

Does the vision light height requirement apply to automatic doors as well as manually-operated doors?

FF: State House

There are Fixed-it Friday applications everywhere…you just have to be on the lookout.

Colorado State Capitol Building – Denver

Have you visited your state capitol building to check out the doors and hardware? I’m adding locations to my bucket list!

WW: I think I’ll call it a night.

Where do people get these ideas? #wordless

A Little Help?

One of the things that I love most about iDigHardware is the readers’ willingness to help each other. I hope you have some insight to share on these two questions.

WWYD? Delayed Egress Pull Station

This application was found in an airport, and requires building occupants to use a pull station to initiate a delayed egress lock. Is it code-compliant?

FF: Wheelie

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.

Decoded: Locks Used Only for Security Purposes (July 2019)

The IBC exempts locks used only for security purposes from the mounting height requirement. The accessibility standards exempt locks operated only by security personnel. What’s the difference?

WW: Action News

When I mentioned that people must be getting tired of hearing me talk about school safety, the response was, “If people can die without our voices, we kind of need to keep talking…”

QQ: Door Closers on Exterior Doors

Quick Question: Is it a code requirement for non-fire-rated exterior doors to have door closers? The answer may surprise you.

UNCC ‘One-Button’ Lockdown

When a shooting occurred at the University of North Carolina Charlotte last week, an electronic locking system was already in place that allowed the campus to be locked down in seconds.

FF: Sweet Spot

When classroom doors are kept locked all the time, it can be inconvenient for teachers and for students trying to enter the classroom when the door is closed. This is one school district’s solution.

Thermal Bow

When an exterior metal door binds on sunny days but works just fine at night, it’s likely that the problem is caused by thermal bow.

WW: DIY Power Transfer

Electric power transfers, thru-wire hinges, and door cords are used to transfer wires from the wall/frame to the door for electrified hardware. Or you can be creative and DIY.

ABC15: Hundreds of padlocks installed on prison cell doors

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this news story from ABC 15 in Arizona, about the fire and safety concerns associated with installing padlocks on prison cell doors.

Kitsap Sun: Lawsuit alleges Bremerton teacher confined alone in classroom with violent student

It’s only a matter of time before we see the unintended consequences of non-code-compliant, untested, unregulated security devices.

FF: Why is this unacceptable?

I received this photo from Audrey Weiser of DHI – she was looking for some code language that would clearly state that this application is not allowed. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything specific (that I can think of) in the model codes.

NFPA 3000 – Training Opportunity!

Is your facility or community prepared for an active shooter / hostile event? NFPA has a great training opportunity coming up in June – learn more about NFPA 3000.

WW: Convenient Storage Space

Yes, this is supposed to lead to an exit – an exterior stair from the second floor of a function space. #wordless

Decoded: Thresholds and Gasketing for Fire Doors and Smoke Doors (June 2019)

Thresholds and gasketing are simple in comparison to other types of hardware, but the code requirements can make them difficult to properly specify and supply.

School Security and Safety in the News

Twenty years ago, I had no idea how the shooting at Columbine High School would affect our industry and my career. It was impossible to imagine that it was more than an isolated event. But here we are.

FF: Nailed It!

What in the world? How long could this Fixed-it Friday repair possible last?? I just love Crap Locksmithing’s Facebook page!

Virginia Tech: Remembering the Lessons Learned

This week marks 12 years since the tragic shooting at Virginia Tech. Considering the lessons learned during that incident, it’s surprising that the use of classroom barricade devices would be considered by state lawmakers.

WW: Shark Tank

I thought everyone in the world of hardware had already seen this video, but last night I ran across someone who hadn’t, so here it is. I do feel bad for Alex, but LOCKS ROCK!

The Doors of Notre Dame Cathedral

As the world mourns the fire damage to the Notre Dame Cathedral, it turns out that the doors of Notre Dame are not just ordinary doors; there is a legend that dates back hundreds of years, to the 13th century.

CBYD Myth Extinguishers

UL’s Firefighter Safety Research Institute has created a number of videos to help dispel some of the myths about closed doors. Here are a few of my favorites…

FF: Mag-Holder / Mag-Lock Conflict

I’ve heard it said that there are a thousand ways to screw up a door, and I think it’s probably true. Here’s just one of the many conflicts to watch out for.

Barricade Devices – Three Perspectives

These 3 perspectives showed up in my Google Alerts today – a school district using barricade devices, a man working in a school who wanted to use barricading when he committed a shooting, and the legal perspective. Powerful.

WW: Wordless…

Jeff Rapp of Wilkus Architects sent me today’s Wordless Wednesday photos. I hope whatever this facility is trying to protect is worth the risk. 🙁

New York in the News

These news stories both happen to be from New York City, and both address topics that made me go hmmm… What do you think?

EVFPD demonstrates closed doors save lives

I’ve posted several photos and videos showing what happens when a bedroom door is kept closed during a fire. Check out this demonstration with the bedroom door open.

FF: Kick-Up Stop

This isn’t the best practice from a security standpoint, and would be an even bigger problem if this was a fire door, but it does qualify as Fixed-it Friday ingenuity.

QQ: Painting/Refinishing Fire Doors

Does painting or refinishing a fire door in the field void the label? The answer to today’s Quick Question seems obvious, but can you prove it?

WW: Let’s Book!

I have had requests for help specifying doors like this, but not on a marked exit! This door is serving a business occupancy. What do you think – OK, or NO WAY?

WWYD? ‘Small Town at War Over Active-Shooter Barricades’

This is INSANITY! This is yet another example of seeking to remove the safety protocols of the adopted codes, in order to prioritize security at a perceived lower cost.

AP News: ‘It doesn’t open’

Fifty people died in the shootings at the two mosques in Christchurch. How many could have survived if the egress door had allowed immediate evacuation?

FF: Richland Two Institute of Innovation

If our industry is so complex that the students’ research didn’t turn up existing products or a hardware advisor, we need to get more user-friendly.

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Tragedy

This week marks the anniversary of a tragic fire that heavily impacted life safety codes and requirements for worker safety. It’s important to understand these tragedies, to avoid repeating them.

WW: Cold as Ice

It’s been a long cold winter in many parts of the US, but I think spring is on its way!

North Tunica County Fire Department

Someone recently asked me…if residential bedroom doors do such a great job of keeping the fire out, why bother with fire doors? What’s the difference?

Decoded: Why Barricade Devices? (May 2019)

Why would a school district consider using unregulated security devices, given the associated risk and liability? The answer may surprise you.

FF: Out of Alignment

I’ve seen a lot of fix-it attempts. But I don’t think I have ever seen one quite like this.

QQ: Panic Hardware on Residential Occupancies

This question keeps coming up…Is panic hardware required for the residential floors of hotels and apartment buildings?

WW: Please use other door.

When my coworker mentioned this door to two different employees, they said they have brought it up with the manager, but the decision was “above their pay grade”…

Wicked Local: School’s Locks Violate Codes

A news report hit my inbox a few days ago, which discussed a security situation in a Massachusetts elementary school; some classroom barricade devices had been installed in 2014…

Johnson Security Lock

I need some help tracking down this lock (if it’s still available) for a current project. Have you run across anything like this before?

FF: Hard-Wired Exit

Take a look at these egress doors serving a large arena. The struggle for security is real, but we can’t forget about life-safety in the process!

Training Alert: Taming Tornado Alley

On Tuesday, March 19th, there will be two opportunities to earn AIA continuing education credits and learn about an important code-related topic.

WW: Solve for Tomorrow Competition

I love the idea of putting our heads together to search for solutions, but inventors need to consider authorized access, free egress, and accessibility, in addition to security.

QQ/WWYD?: Old Fire Doors With 2 Hinges

Is an existing fire door assembly with 2 hinges acceptable, or should it be noted as a deficiency during a fire door inspection?

University of Tennessee – Knoxville

Do you know what this is a picture of? The Schlage AD lock on my oldest daughter’s dorm for next year, at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville!

FF: Screwy Armatures

As the saying goes…”‘A chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” and this applies to mag-lock installations as well. I’ve seen some creative mounting efforts, but these have me shaking my head.

PASS Whitepaper on Classroom Security

If you are looking for one document that explains the concerns associated with classroom security methods, the recently-updated PASS white paper is a great tool!

WW: Trampoline Park

I get it. The trampoline park needs to keep kids from eloping. What would you propose as a solution?

Alert: Clear Opening Height Conflict

When you have a project with 6′-8″ doors, it’s important to think about the clear opening height and the hardware that projects down from the frame head.

Locksmith Ledger: Electromagnetic Locks – 7 Applications and the Codes That Apply

How do you choose which code section to use?

FF: Corn Cob Core

Bill Cushman of Genesis Door and Hardware sent me this link to a door with an unusual core…I was Wordless even though it’s Fixed-it Friday!

WWYD? Arched Brick Opening

The fire marshal wants these stairwell doors to close more reliably than they do with the original system. Note the arched brick “frames” and the swing-clear strap hinges (cool, right??). WWYD?

WW: Ladder Lock

Sometimes when Wordless Wednesday rolls around, I really am Wordless. Today is one of those Wordless Wednesdays.

Guy Grace on Classroom Barricade Devices

Guy Grace is the Director of Security & Emergency Planning for Littleton, Colorado – the school district where Columbine High School is located. Here is his stance on classroom barricade devices.

QQ: Hinges for Fire Door Assemblies

Quick Question: Are steel, ball-bearing, butt hinges for fire door assemblies required to be UL listed?

FF: Mama Mia

I saw this last night at a local hang-out called Mama Mia, and I thought of y’all. Happy Fixed-it Friday!

Decoded: Signage for Automatic Doors (April 2019)

My next article for Door Security + Safety Magazine addresses the signage required for automatic doors. It will appear in the April edition.

WW: Rocky Mountain Mercantile

The horizontal bars on this “emergency exit” are padlocked to hasps welded to the door – likely to prevent theft – AND EGRESS!

Do you sleep with the door closed? Your life could depend on it.

As long as there are still people who haven’t heard this message, I’m going to keep sharing it.

WWYD? Deadbolt + Mag-Lock

Is it code-compliant to add a deadbolt to a door with a mag-lock, that can be used to lock the door during a power failure?

FF: Double-Sponge Door Stop

Yes, you are looking at two kitchen sponges wrapped in a washcloth. Whatever works – Happy Fixed-it Friday!

MSD Public Safety Commission Report

We must continue to learn from this research, to help avoid or reduce the effects of future active-shooter incidents. Please invest some time today, in memory of the MSDHS victims.

My Appreciation

I will get back on track with doors and hardware tomorrow, but today I want to give thanks. First, a little story that might initially sound strange, but does have a point…

My Apologies

It may be a few days until I publish a new post…I appreciate your patience.

FF: Electric Strike Mismatch

This one is a real head-scratcher. How did this happen, AND what’s the card reader for? #hardwaremysteries

Lead-Lined Closer Covers

What do you know about lead-lined doors, frame, and hardware? Here’s one little tidbit, but I’d appreciate it if you would share your insight!

WW: Wordless

I have spent two days trying to figure out what to write in this post. I’m still thinking.

Maintained vs. Momentary Switches

Maintained and momentary switches are both used with electrified hardware – do you know when to specify or install each type?

QQ: Extended Latch Guards

A follow-up to an earlier post…Can extended latch guards be installed to bring doors with surface vertical rods into compliance with the accessibility standards?

FF: Southeast Asia Airport

A knob, lever, AND a mag-lock? And what’s with the stainless plates? Are they covering old vision lights or do you think they were “original equipment”?

WWYD? NFPA 80/105 Updates

It’s almost time to submit change proposals for NFPA 80 and NFPA 105 – tell me what’s on your wish list and I’ll see what I can do to help!

WW: Take a Closer Look

Sometimes door problems are not evident until you take a closer look. I wonder how many people have walked past these doors and never noticed…

QQ: Monitored or Recorded Egress

Quick Question: Is it code-compliant for a card reader on the egress side of the door to be used to monitor who uses the door?

Enforcement of 5-Pound Operable Force Limit

Heads up – the 5-pound force limit on operable hardware is something everyone should be aware of long before the final inspection by the AHJ.

FF: Rim Strike

There is actually a strike designed for this purpose, but without job-site creativity I wouldn’t have any posts for Fixed-it Friday.

Michele Gay on Classroom Security

This video from Michele Gay of Safe and Sound Schools is a great tool for educating parents, teachers, and school administrators about school security and safety. Share it!

WW: Delayed Egress Retrofit

Joe Fazio of Precision Doors & Hardware sent me today’s Wordless Wednesday photo. I don’t know what to say. How about you?

NFPA 3000 Webinar – Archived Recording

One part of this webinar that got my attention was the EMS perspective on how a delay in accessing the classroom could affect the medical outcome. The archived webinar is linked in this post.

WWYD? Classroom Exit Alarm

I really need your expertise on this one…talk to me about exit alarms to deter the use of classroom doors, or to at least notify the teacher that someone has opened the door.

FF: Door Holder

Thanks to Kelly Reese of Allegion for today’s Fixed-it Friday photo! Hopefully this isn’t a fire door!

Decoded: Crossword Puzzle – Part 2 (March 2019)

A couple of weeks ago I posted Part 1 of my new Decoded crossword puzzle…here’s Part 2! I would appreciate any feedback before the March issue of Door Security + Safety goes to print.

WW: Moose & Squirrel

Animals + automatic doors…what could be better on a Wordless Wednesday? Ok – I can think of a few things that might be better, but check these out anyway…

NFPA Journal: Mind the Gap

To bring more clarity, the Fire Protection Research Foundation has begun work on a full-scale fire test on fire doors with varying gaps between the door and frame.

DSSF – NFPA 3000 Webinar

Training alert! On January 16th the DSSF will host a webinar on NFPA 3000 – Standard for Active Shooter / Hostile Event Response (ASHER), presented by John Montes of NFPA.

FF: Restaurant Ingenuity

Sometimes when I see these creative solutions it seems like it would have been easier to use something that has already been invented, but I guess that would take all of the fun out of it.

Errata to ICC A117.1-2017

Before you get excited about the maneuvering clearance change in the 2017 edition of A117.1, check the errata document. Or maybe I’m the only one who gets excited about that stuff…

WW: Classroom Egress

Andrew Harris of Willis Klein sent me today’s Wordless Wednesday photo, and it’s disheartening. This is the exterior door of a middle school classroom with one or more students who have special needs.

Decoded: Crossword Puzzle – Part 1 (February 2019)

If you remember my last Decoded crossword puzzle you may find it hard to believe that I created it 4 years ago! Let’s see if you’ve been paying attention!

Escape Room Tragedy

When we think about code-compliance, it’s not just about lines on a page in a book. It’s about reducing the risk of tragedies like this one.

FF: Top Jamb Closer

This is why I prefer parallel arm door closers over top jamb or regular arm.

QQ: Field Painted Panic Hardware

Can panic hardware be painted in the field without voiding the label?

WW: Fire Hose Security, Revisited

As I’ve said before…as a last resort anything goes, but THIS SHOULD NOT BE PLAN A! Do you agree or disagree?

Happy Holidays!

Thank you for being part of the iDigHardware community – in total, iDH readers have spent more than 12,500 hours reading the content on the website in 2018. That’s amazing!

FF: Fight Your Way Out

This Fixed-it Friday photo is of an egress door serving a martial arts studio. It’s a good thing the students have special skills they can use in an emergency.

Final Report of the Federal Commission on School Safety

Some thoughts about the newly-released federal report, and some of the documents that are referenced in the report…have you read it yet?

WW: What’s Wrong?

Eric Laidlaw of Jensen Hughes sent me these Wordless Wednesday photos…I’d love to hear your theories/analyses of what’s going on with this opening.

Etched Labels – UL 305 / UL 10C

On numerous occasions I’ve gotten the call – a painter/cleaner/mischievous kid peeled the UL label off of the panic hardware or fire exit hardware.

Campus Safety Takes Stand Against Non-Code-Compliant Door Barricades

Campus Safety will no longer accept ads or sponsorships from companies whose door barricades don’t comply with ADA and NFPA codes.

FF: Sobriety Test

So many people sent me this Fixed-it Friday photo from Reddit (thanks to all!) that I knew the rest of you would want to see it too. BTW…this is clever, but not code-compliant!

More on GWB Penetration – Fire-Rated Frames

Have you ever run into a situation where a piece of hardware or a mortar box in a fire-rated frame prevented the GWB from penetrating 1/2-inch into the frame, as required by NFPA 80?

WW: Door is Broken

The sad thing about situations like this is that they often stay as-is for YEARS. In this particular case, the sign appears to be laminated or in a plastic sheet protector.

PASS Guidelines – 4th Edition

The Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) has released the fourth edition of its Safety and Security Guidelines for K-12 Schools – visit PASSK12.org to download the guidelines!

Decoded: Potential Automatic Operator Changes (January 2019)

We could soon see a code change that would require automatic operators for public entrances. Here’s the current status.

FF: Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

For everyone who has asked, I’m feeling quite a bit better – thanks! The cough is still lingering a bit, but hopefully it will clear up before I head to Carmel next week.

QQ: Job-Site Preps for Fire Doors

Follow-Up #1: For which types of hardware does NFPA 80 allow job-site preparations to be made in fire door assemblies?

WW: Sorties, ou non?

Thank you to Frederic Horrell of Allegion Canada, for today’s Wordless Wednesday photo!

New: Maximum Hole Size for Job-Site Preps

If you’re not in the habit of reading NFPA 80 cover-to-cover each time it is updated, this one might have slipped by you. It’s an important change.

Our Lady of the Angels – 60 Years

Saturday, December 1st, 2018 was the 60th anniversary of the fire at Our Lady of the Angels School in Chicago, where 92 students and 3 nuns were killed.

FF: Not Punny

I thought of so many titles for this post that would have been apropos but might have offended someone, so I’ll let you come up with your own.

Amazing Lock!

Recovery in progress – I promise I will eventually get back to you if you are waiting for an answer from me! Meanwhile…is this lock amazing or what??

WW: Von Duprin 44s!

I admit it. I have a thing for old hardware – especially when it’s still functional, and even better when it’s ours!

WWYD? School Security in the News

I’d love to hear your opinions on some of the recent media coverage that presents the school security industry negatively. Are they talking about US? If not, how do we make that clear?

What the world needs now…

I am still alive, but I’m going to need your positive healing vibes and tolerance for the foreseeable future.

WW: Happy Thanksgiving!

iDigHardware will be on break until Monday, so enjoy the holiday weekend (if you’re celebrating), and don’t forget the rules of holiday door decorating!

Hard Corners

Are these safe areas identified in each of the classrooms in the schools that you work with or visit? What do you think of this security measure?

QQ: Posted Occupant Load

When are facility managers and building owners required to post signs stating the occupant load of a room or area?

FF: Social Hall

In the US we often take life safety for granted, and non-compliant door openings stick out like a sore thumb. In other countries, stringent codes and enforcement are less common.

TEDx: “Stupid School Security and Discipline Policies”

This TEDx speaker has an interesting perspective on school security. It’s not all about hardening, monitoring, defending. The decisions made now could have lasting effects on kids.

WW: What in the world?

I wonder how many people look at this door and wonder what the reasoning was behind this installation. Maybe we’re the only ones.

School Security on Election Day

Were schools in your city or town used as polling places in last week’s election? What precautions were taken to maintain security and safety while allowing access to all registered voters?

Favorite Posts

Have you ever been reading a post on iDigHardware and wished you could save it to refer back to later? In the Olden Days I used to keep printed articles in my binder called “Important Stuff” (no lie). Here’s an alternative.

FF: WWYD?

What would you do if you were in this situation? It’s not always easy to do the right thing, but could you live with yourself if something happened?

Fire Marshal Guidance for Unplanned Fire Alarms

Remember when a fire alarm during the school day meant exiting immediately in an orderly fashion and enjoying a few minutes away from our desks? Times are changing.

WW: Woops!

When I started this series 7 1/2 years ago, I had no idea that it would go on this long. Until my dying breath, I will love Wordless Wednesday.

Which code, when, and where?

When you’re interpreting the code requirements for a particular building, how do you know which code or standard to reference?

QQ: What’s new? And what’s existing?

When applying NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code, how do you determine whether to reference the chapters for “new” or “existing” occupancies?

FF: Employees Only

How does a building owner or property manager justify locking and partially blocking a door that is clearly marked with an exit sign above it? #wordless

Decoded: Where are fire door inspections required by code? (December 2018)

The answer: In almost every US state. With that said, having it required by code and having it enforced by the AHJ are sometimes two different things.

WW: Happy Halloween!

It’s that time of year again…when teachers get creative and their classroom doors become the canvas. Don’t forget the rules of holiday door decorating!

Editorial: The Security Industry’s Role in School Safety and Security

Recent news reports have questioned the motivation behind the security industry’s involvement in improving school security. This editorial represents my perspective.

Bullpen Doors

In case you haven’t had enough baseball, John Cohrs of Central Indiana Hardware sent me this photo of the bullpen door from last night’s World Series game (nice hardware!).

FF: Classic Fix

Fire marshal to restaurant owner: “This door requires panic hardware because the occupant load is over 50 people.” Restaurant owner: “Done!”

School Safety Specialist Academy

Requiring each school district to employ a certified school safety specialist seems like a great way to ensure that the right information gets to each community. Does your state have such a program?

WW: I’m at a loss for words…

I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s Wordless Wednesday photo. This is in direct conflict with everything I learned about life safety in hardware school.

FEMA PrepTalks: Rethinking School Safety

Michele Gay is the mom of Josephine Gay, a first-grade student who was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Michele brings a different perspective to what we do every day. Please watch.

Classroom Security – 4 Questions

It has been 74 days since I have written about classroom barricade devices. This refresher is posted by request, and in honor of Safe Schools Week.

FF: Put a cork in it.

The accessibility standards require sliding door hardware to be “exposed and usable from both sides” when the door is open. Here’s a creative solution…

QQ: Field Preps for Auxiliary Fire Pins

Can less-bottom-rod (LBR) fire exit hardware with an auxiliary fire pin be installed on an existing fire door? If you have anything to add, please weigh in!

WW: Special Knowledge and Effort

These doors are an egress problem waiting to happen, and on an assembly occupancy where large numbers of people may need to exit quickly…

Share with your family and friends…

These two videos regarding closed doors and double-cylinder deadbolts will save lives – IF you help spread the word. Who will you share this post with?

Decoded 4: Codes for Electrified Hardware (with AIA CEUs!)

Of all the code requirements that apply to doors and hardware, electrified hardware raises the most questions. Here’s a training opportunity to help!

FF: Steve’s got this.

I don’t think there’s anything more that needs to be said, except thank you to Ian Baren of Katonah Architectural Hardware for today’s Fixed-it Friday photos.

WWYD? Hole, No Strike

On a fire door assembly, is it acceptable to drill/cut a hole in the frame for the latchbolt, and not install the strike?

WW: Works just fine…

Eyal Bedrik of Entry Systems Ltd. sent me this Wordless Wednesday video…who can diagnose the problem?

Fire Door Decommissioning Labels

What’s the proper protocol when a fire door assembly has been installed where it is not required? If you’re considering the use of decomissioning labels, read this first.

Form, Function & Fire Safety: A Clearer View of Fire-Rated Glass and Framing

This video does a great job of summarizing the code requirements that apply to glass and glazing used in fire door assemblies and egress doors. Thanks TGP!

FF: Fragile Door

Don’t worry about this fragile door, the “fix” has completely solved the problem. Thank you to Colin Watson of Allegion for today’s Fixed-it Friday photos!

Decoded: Code Requirements for Hotels and other Residential Occupancies (November 2018)

Code issues are not uncommon in hotels, apartment buildings, and other residential occupancies. My next Decoded article addresses some things to look for.

WW: Hotel Hinges

Considering the liability a hotel could face if their fire door assemblies failed to perform during a fire, the repair methods employed by many hotels seem pretty irresponsible.

Church Pair Revisited

Do you know what I love even more than photos showing a door problem? Photos showing a solution! Do you have any before-and-after photos to share?

WWYD? Fire Door Safety Week

The British Woodworking Federation offers dozens of resources to increase awareness about fire door assemblies across the UK. What types of tools do we need in the US?

FF: Mechanical Ingenuity

This door is on an auto repair shop that was broken into, and it looks like they have taken matters into their own hands…

Fire Door Latching – After the Fire

What happens to fire exit hardware during a fire test, and why doesn’t the force of the hose stream actuate the touchpad and cause the door to unlatch?

WW: Work It Out

Have your friends and family started noticing hardware problems and code issues? Or do they still roll their eyes when you stop to take photos to submit for Wordless Wednesday or Fixed-it Friday?

OSFM Letter on Classroom Security

Thank you to everyone who forwarded this letter from the Office of the State Fire Marshal. I appreciate your help keeping track of what is happening in each state.

WWYD? Push-to-Exit Switch

Are pneumatic switches required as the auxiliary release devices for sensor-release electrified locking systems? Or are other types of switches acceptable? Please share your insight and experience!

FF: There, I fixed it.

Most people don’t realize how much force the components of a door closer have to withstand. I don’t think this repair is going to handle the pressure for long.

WW: Movie Theater – No Exit

Someone obviously knew that they were rendering the exit unusable…I just wonder if anyone confirmed that this egress door was no longer required.

QQ: Turn-Buttons vs. Push-Buttons

Are turn-buttons on cylindrical locks compliant with the accessibility standards? The answer to this question is really up to the AHJ, but here are a few things to consider…

WWYD? Sensors for Electrified Hardware

What’s the best/most reliable/most secure technology for a request-to-exit sensor in an access control system? If you have a preference, tell me why in the reply box (please).

FF: Double Closer – Bamburg, Germany

According to Bob Larson of Builders Hardware & Supply Company, these double closers are doing a good job of controlling this 7-foot x 12-foot pair of doors at the Bamburg Cathedral…

The Popular Mechanics Guide to Safer Schools

At this point I’ve probably read hundreds of articles on school safety and security, and written dozens of blog posts and articles on the topic myself. This one was a pleasant surprise.

WW: Water Feature

I have never seen anything like these Wordless Wednesday videos that were sent to me by Mary Hinton of Mulhaupt’s, Inc. This may be more than a rain drip can handle.

QQ: Break-Glass Switches

I’ve received this question many times over the years…Can a break-glass switch be used to unlock a door in the means of egress?

Spam and a UHP

What’s a UHP? An Unidentified Hardware Product that I need your help to identify. But first, a note about spam – and not the canned ham-like version.

FF: It ain’t pretty…

Although this is not one of the most beautiful solutions I’ve seen, I couldn’t think of a code issue as long as the hold-opens are above the minimum clear headroom of 80 inches. What do you think?

‘Bulletproof’ Classroom Doors

I agree that these doors are “an extremely discreet solution,” but the last time I checked on the feasibility of using bullet-resistant doors on classrooms, there were several common objections.

WW: College Dorm Exit Stair

This summer I visited quite a few colleges, and this dorm left me Wordless. 🙁 Can you find all of the code-related issues with these fire doors and egress doors?

Who’s at fault?

Could a locksmith be held liable for installing non-code-compliant hardware or will a facility manager face liability for failing to maintain openings in code-compliant condition?

FF: Pair Power Transfer

This pair of doors had one of my least favorite applications to begin with, and then access control was added. It’s a challenging modification, and something is missing here.

My heart just stopped

Clothesline to tie the hardware? Duct tape to prevent smoke from coming in around the door? Solutions to address these risks have been available for decades. Why are we substituting duct tape?

WW: Retail at the Beach

When some people go to the beach, they take photos of sunsets and sea creatures. I take photos of doors, panic hardware, and non code-compliant attempts to mitigate water infiltration. Enjoy! 🙂

Decoded: Deadbolts in a Means of Egress (October 2018)

Even if you think you know all about deadbolts, check out this article and see if I missed anything. There are a few things that might come as a surprise.

WWYD? Library Entrance

Do these doors on a college library meet the requirements of the International Building Code (IBC)? Why or why not? WWYD if you were the AHJ?

FF: Switched/Sensor Bar

Although electromagnetic locks are easier than some other electrified hardware to retrofit, I try to avoid using them in schools whenever possible. How about you?

The stories behind NFPA 3000

As I have mentioned before, it’s one thing to look at a code or standard and see a book. It’s another thing to look at a code or standard and understand the driving force behind it.

WW: Rest Area Hardware Modification

I’m guessing this was not what the architect had in mind when he or she designed this rest area lobby with pairs of all-glass doors. Why have a vestibule at all?

Texas State Capitol Building – Austin

I could tell by reading the first paragraph of the article that David and I shared some of the same feelings when asked to work on these “special” projects…the struggle is real!

WWYD? Frame Elevations

Someone just asked me about software for creating shop drawings, elevations, and details. It’s been a really long time since I’ve done submittals, so I told him that I’d ask the experts – YOU!

FF: Mag-Lock TJ Mount

Top jamb brackets for mag-locks are not the most aesthetically-pleasing application, and this installation has some extra modifications that will definitely affect the strength and durability.

Dwelling Unit Clarifications

While most dwelling units and sleeping units are allowed to have hardware on the entrance door that requires two operations to unlatch, there are a couple of important considerations.

WW: Mortised Parallel Arm Shoe

I’ve never seen this particular closer mounting before…how about you? I wonder about the strength of anchoring the shoe to the top of the door, and the critical tolerances of the mortise.

Sill vs. Threshold

During the discussions about yesterday’s post someone mentioned the “sill” of the fire door assembly, which reminded me of a clarification that has been made in NFPA 80 in the 2016 edition.

QQ/WWYD? Door Bottom Clearance

When inspecting a fire door assembly, how do you measure the clearance at the bottom of the door when the clearance varies between the push side and the pull side?

FF: WWYD?

The director of maintenance for some nursing homes in NYC sent me this photo and asked how to avoid this problem in future installations. Any constructive suggestions?

What is NFPA’s stance on barricade devices?

During a segment of NFPA Live, Robert Solomon, Division Director of NFPA, was asked about barricade devices on egress doors.

WW: Seem legit to you?

This door with a mangled fire door label on the latch side was seen in a nursing home. Any theories about what happened here?

QQ: Gasketing Continuity

During a fire door assembly inspection, should a flashlight be used to verify whether the gasketing is continuous?

Pocket Pivot Follow-Up

After last Friday’s post about pocket doors, several people asked for more information about this application. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions…

FF: Pocket Pivots

If you can prove to me that you were the detailer for this project (or otherwise responsible for the details), I’ll send you something from the iDigHardware prize vault!

Security for Higher Ed

Imagine that you work for a university, you read iDigHardware, and you find out that I’m wandering around your campus. I’m guessing there were some mixed emotions…

WW: Exit Alarm

Today’s my birthday and I’ve got a Wordless Wednesday present for you. Look closely at this grocery store exit…any theories about what is happening here, or how it operates in an emergency?

I’m stumped.

I don’t get stumped very often, but I’ve never seen this before. What can you tell me about this mysterious contraption? How does it work?

Decoded: Deterring Elopement in Health Care Facilities (September 2018)

Elopement is a real concern for certain health care facilities, and there are more options than there were 10 years ago.

FF: KittyKorner

Creative, but I have a few concerns. How about you?

Oversized Jamb Depth

If I found this application in the field, I would contact the frame manufacturer and see if the application is allowed by their listing. I’m pretty sure the answer would be “no.”

WW: Shhh…nobody will ever know!

Just because closer reinforcements are not visible doesn’t mean they aren’t necessary! Yes – this is a fire door.

Mystery of the King Eddy’s Fire Door

It’s not often that I see a news story about a missing fire door that doesn’t involve a tragic outcome or at least a code violation, so this one caught my eye.

Murals in Memory Care

Because of some photos and videos making the rounds on social media, I’ve received quite a few emails about the use of murals to disguise doors in memory care units.

FF: Jacked Up

I love this Fixed-it Friday photo – it reminds me of my husband’s efforts to secure one of our doors.

Health/Life Safety Glossary

One of the difficulties faced by those of us advocating for code-compliant school security is the public perception that many states are allowing classroom barricade devices. This is not true…

WW: Hanging by a Thread

Jess Dey sent me today’s Wordless Wednesday photo…SCARY!

Elevator Hoistway Doors

I just saw these doors in a hotel, so it seems like a good time to write about the requirements for doors at an elevator hoistway.

WWYD? Auto Operator App

I recently came across an app that literally “opens doors” for people who have disabilities that make it difficult or impossible to initiate an automatic door by pushing an actuator.

FF: Louvers

One more photo from our time in Asheville…this is not how I would have handled the need for additional airflow at this church entrance.

QQ: Mag-Locks on Fire Doors

1) Are electromagnetic locks allowed to be used on fire door assemblies? 2) Do electromagnetic locks installed on fire door assemblies have to be labeled?

WW: Big Box

Jim Elder of Secured Design not only saw this situation and sent me these Wordless Wednesday photos, he alerted employees of the store about the problem. Kudos to Jim!

Doors of Asheville, NC

When I started iDigHardware, my oldest daughter was 7, and on this summer’s road trip we’re looking at colleges for her! EEEK!

Sharing is Caring

Many people have asked if they can share my content in their newsletters, on their blogs, or in hard copy. In my quest to become irrelevant before I reach retirement age, I say YES!

FF: Hospital Latch Extension

Is it just me, or does this seem questionable on several levels (encroachment, projection into the clear opening width, potential for damage)? Is this an actual product or a creative modification?

Advisory – School Emergency Planning and Door Locking

Over the past year I’ve been collecting school security information from various states, and adding links to the school security page of iDigHardware. Last week I received an advisory from Greg Thomson of Allegion, that made me so happy I got a little misty.

WW: Happy 4th!

Technically these classroom doors were probably decorated for Veterans Day but they’re the most patriotic doors I could find. What do you think…code-compliant or not?

Mini Doors

What do you think about these mini doors? Any code issues?

WWYD? Tripping Hazard

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?

FF: Surface-Mortise

I saw this photo posted by Stephen Connor on the Crap Locksmithing Facebook page, and it left me Wordless even though it’s Fixed-it Friday.

QQ: Manual Rearm for Delayed Egress

Does a delayed egress lock have to be rearmed manually after power failure and fire alarm release, or only when the 15-second timer is activated by an attempt to exit?

WW: What’s wrong with this picture?

See anything odd in these Wordless Wednesday photos from Scott Straton of Allegion?

QQ: Elevator Lobby Egress

Can elevator lobby doors be locked, and only allow egress through the tenant space when there is a fire alarm?

State Funding for School Security

In the last year or so, much more funding has become available for school security upgrades – millions of dollars. But how should the money be spent?

FF: Pool Access

I’m curious about what age children are prevented access by the 54-inch mounting height, and whether that jives with the age of children who can read the sign and enter the code.

Decoded: NFPA 3000 (August 2018)

Given that NFPA 3000 is a standard for preparation and response to an active shooting, how does that affect the door and hardware industry?

WW: “Bulletproof” Backpacks

“The concept of bullet-resistant shields is unsettling to school stakeholders, because esoteric products such as this make no real contribution to a safe learning environment.”

School Superintendents Association Shares Information on Barricade Devices

The School Superintendents Association (AASA) is sharing safety concerns about classroom barricade devices with their 13,000+ members. Visit iDigHardware to get a copy of the document that is being distributed.

WWYD? Key-Operated Surface Bolt

These doors are serving a church, and currently have key-operated deadbolts at the bottom of each leaf. The deadbolts are too low for the reverends to reach comfortably.

FF: Don’t let the door hit ya…

While this may seem like a great idea at first glance – a wireless actuator mounted on the door to open the door automatically – this does not meet the recommended guidelines for actuator location.

WWYD? Impact-Resistant Glazing/Film

The glazing goes hand-in-hand with the door hardware – even the most secure hardware can be overcome by breaking the glass.

WW: Safety vs. Security

I’m confused about this conflict between newly-adopted code requirements and what the media is reporting. Can anyone share some insight?

QQ: Dwelling Unit Doors

On a multi-family building, are the dwelling unit doors required to have a 10-inch bottom rail?

LifeDoor

Several months ago I posted about a new product that was getting a lot of attention; the product is called LifeDoor, and it is designed to close a door in response to the sound of a smoke detector.

FF: Falling Off

What do you think the wood strapping is for?

Maximum Door Width

Ann Timme of Allegion sent me this photo the other day and it reminded me to tell you about a potential change to the International Building Code (IBC).

WW: Why Bother?

These Wordless Wednesday photos, from Geno Markette of Yates and Felts, are not just your run-of-the-mill padlocked-gate photos.

Decoded: Accessibility – Training Opportunity (with AIA credits!)

This live version of Decoded Class 1 – Introduction to Codes & Accessibility offers AIA continuing education credits!

Consistency is Key

Why would state legislators consider removing a requirement that ensures free egress and the option of evacuating, and replacing it with language that allows just about anything?

FF: Teacher Ingenuity

Let’s do a better job of planning. Teachers should not have to resort to this.

Ceasefire Hinge

Some of you may remember that I posted about the Ceasefire hinge back in 2014 – the firefighters who created this product even invited me to visit them in NYC (here’s a post about that). Since then, this hinge has gone through testing, design changes, and more testing, and the company is taking pre-orders on their website now.

WW: Old Fire Hose

As a last resort, I support using whatever is on hand to secure/barricade the door. But if we have time to look at the school’s current situation and plan the response – is this REALLY the best we can do?

Locksmith Ledger: What’s a fire door for?

When I first started working in the door and hardware industry, I learned all about the rules that apply to fire doors, but I didn’t fully appreciate the value of a closed door during a fire.

FF: Fail Safe Failure

There is a lesson behind today’s Fixed-it Friday photo. Upon first glance you see an exterior door locked with padlocks and a chain attached to the lever on an adjacent door. But why?

Decoded: Model Code Changes for Delayed Egress Locking Systems (July 2018)

The code requirements addressing delayed egress have evolved since they were first introduced in the 1981 edition of NFPA 101 – The Life Safety Code, and that evolution continues with the 2018 editions of both NFPA 101 and the International Building Code (IBC).

WW: Security consultant recommendations violated fire codes

Watching this news report brought a little tear to my eye. FINALLY, someone in the media is talking about both sides of the equation – safety AND security.

WWYD? Bleacher Access/Egress

It seems like it must be a fairly common situation, so let me know if you have seen it before or have ideas about a solution that would be acceptable to the AHJ.

Fewer Doors –> Fewer School Shootings?

One headline that caught my eye was from the Washington Post: “Texas official says that fewer doors could mean fewer school shootings. We had experts weigh in.”

FF: Found Fasteners

No screw pack in the box? No problem!

Self-Closing Residential Doors Required by Law

A new package of fire safety laws has now been approved and is on the mayor’s desk awaiting his signature…

WW: Exploded View

The last time I posted a photo of a closer that had exploded, some of the readers thought it was Photoshopped. Here’s another one.

NFPA 3000 – Standard for an Active Shooter / Hostile Event Response (ASHER) Program

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently released a new standard – NFPA 3000 – which sets guidelines for Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response (ASHER).

Decoded: Upcoming Accessibility Changes (June 2018)

In 2017, the International Code Council (ICC) published a new edition of ICC A117.1; the previous edition was published in 2009. The 2017 edition includes some changes relative to door openings…

FF: Positive Latching

As hopefully most of you know by now, corridor doors in health care facilities are required by NFPA 101 to have positive-latching hardware. Lance Werner of Allegion sent me this photo of a pair of fire doors in a nursing home, leading to a linen storage room. A Schlage LM9200 would have been a much better solution.

Classroom Security Handout

I’ve had several CSI chapters ask if they can include this article in their newsletters or technical libraries, so I had it reformatted into a printable PDF.

WW: I have no words.

These Wordless Wednesday photos also qualify for Fixed-it Friday but I couldn’t wait two more days to post them.

QQ: Protection Plate Size

How wide should a protection plate be?

WWYD? IBC Proposal: Control Vestibules / Interlocks

BHMA has proposed a change to the 2021 IBC, to create some guidelines for interlocks – called “control vestibules” in the proposed code language. We need your help to get this right!

FF: Why I’m opposed.

Someone suggested to me recently that I might be opposed to classroom barricade devices because I work for a lock manufacturer. I’d like to clear that up right now.

WW: Fixed Forever

We’ve all seen the back-of-house doors in shopping malls…they’re often good examples of what-not-to-do.

Special-Purpose Doors for Compartmentalization

What do you think about using a special-purpose door for security compartmentalization?

I-Team: Faulty Fire Doors Persist Even After Bronx Inferno Killed 13

This is what I’ve been saying all along. Why has it taken so many deaths and injuries to get people to pay attention?

FF: 172 Degrees

This is not the first time I’ve seen this problem, but this is a pretty labor-intensive solution. Hopefully this wall is not a fire barrier.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission

The first meeting of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission was held this week, and information was shared which will help us to understand the role played by physical security and design features of the building.

WW: Break Out

I think these Wordless Wednesday photos may permanently affect my ability to speak.

School Security – Compartmentalization

While working on an upcoming article, I realized that I knew much more about more recent school shootings than I did about what happened at Columbine…

Amsterdam Free Library

What’s the problem with this door? Any ideas?

FF: Foolproof Dogging

Before someone else says it…at least this isn’t a fire door.

QQ: Delayed-Action Closers on Fire Doors

Can a delayed action closer be installed on a fire door?

WW: Hay! Let’s have a party!

#Wordless, from the Champaign Illinois Fire Department’s Facebook page…

News: Locking classrooms becomes latest safety measure in schools

Since the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, I have thought a lot about lock functions for classroom doors; the news reports and the testimony from Parkland teacher Stacey Lippel added some new perspective.

Short-Term Rentals

So let’s say that I’m thinking about renting out my college-bound daughter’s bedroom on Airbnb to help offset the cost of her books and fees. Does her bedroom door need to be a fire door? Is my house now a small hotel?

FF: Definitely Not an Exit

#Wordless Friday from Gregory Kelly of Allegion…

Fire department uses aftermath of recent fire as teaching tool for safety

This video from a recent fire in a dormitory at Idaho State University really shows the difference that a closed door can make.

WW: Electrical Room Pair

I’m not an expert on the electrical codes, but this just seems wrong to me.

WWYD? How should these doors be hung?

This is a good one! What would you use to hang these doors, and what type of door closer could be used?

Overtur: Our journey to simplify door hardware

This website exists in part because of the complexity of doors and hardware – if it was easy, it would be called “easyware,” right?

FF: Threat Extinguisher

This product isn’t door-related, but I’m curious what y’all think…

WWYD? Panic Hardware, No Closer?

Have you ever run across this application in the field or been asked to specify or install panic hardware on a door with no closer? What is your response to this request?

WW: Blocked Exit

A fire station? REALLY?? This reminds me of a fire station I visited a while back…

Classroom Security Considerations (May 2018)

I’m hoping this piece sums up the concerns associated with classroom barricade devices and can be used as reference material when discussing options for school security.

FF: Double Bolts

I recently ran across a Facebook page that could supply us with Fixed-it Friday photos until the end of time (or until I retire).

WW: HOW TO GET UNSTUCK!

Today’s Wordless Wednesday photos came from Colin Watson of Allegion, who saw this sign in a coffee shop. I guess this is one way to address a non-code-compliant door.

Siberian Mall Fire

In an emergency, the ability to quickly evacuate can be key to survival. Life safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you see something, say something.

SFM issues policy on school security

Here is one state fire marshal’s answer to the school security question. What do you think?

FF: Repurposed

It is just me, or does it seem like antique stores often have creative ways of deterring egress?

WWYD? Handing for Communicating Doors

How do you “hand” a communicating door? Are the doors LH/RH? Or LHR/RHR?

WW: Is this panic hardware?? (no)

This type of lock is not panic hardware. We need to be aware of these claims and prepared to address them when questions arise.

Is your garage door self-closing or automatic-closing?

I don’t have an attached garage, but if I did, I would make sure that the door is self-closing or automatic-closing. Is this something you have considered for your own home?

QQ: Panic Hardware and Mag-Locks

The 2018 edition of the IBC includes an important clarification regarding doors with panic hardware and electromagnetic locks.

FF: Zip It

Colin Watson of Allegion sent me this Fixed-it Friday photo of a surface bolt. Zip-tied for extra security. In a school. I guess they don’t want anyone using that leaf.

QQ: Roof Doors

Is it acceptable to lock the roof access door on the roof side, to prevent access from the roof into the building?

WW: Ouverte (ou non)

Today’s Wordless Wednesday photos are from a very large expo center. Although the creative slide bolt was unlocked when the photo was taken, it’s scary to think about the potential for human error, or lack of egress for firefighters who might be in the building when it is otherwise unoccupied.

Legalities of Classroom Barricade Devices

There has been a lot of discussion about whether classroom barricade devices are “legal,” whether they are a violation of the ADA, and whether their use increases liability for schools that use them.

WWYD? Fail Safe Access Control?

What are the considerations for an access control system in buildings that may continue to be occupied during a fire alarm?

FF: To exit, push the button…

Yes, there is an exit sign above this door.

WWYD? Joint Commission Policy Changes

I’m just going to admit it – I’m confused – and I’m hoping that someone who works more closely with the Joint Commission can help to clear this up. The Joint Commission recently distributed a document giving notice of 3 changes to their standards; 2 of the changes involve doors, and the effective date is March 11, 2018.

WW: Classroom Security

“He believes school officials could do more to prepare teachers for intruders, whether by investing in padlocks so they aren’t scrambling for ways to barricade doors…”

Diagnosing a Problem Opening 201 (video)

Last week I posted a new whiteboard animation video about diagnosing simple problems – here’s a follow-up to that video which talks about more complex issues.

Decoded: Manually-Operated Sliding Doors (April 2018)

Manual sliders are not always allowed in a means of egress, since the model codes require side-hinged or pivoted swinging doors for most locations. The International Building Code (IBC) currently contains 9 exceptions where swinging doors are not required.

FF: Latch Retraction

Where have you seen this type of “fix”? What was the cause and what would have been a better solution (that didn’t involve tape and cardboard)?

Diagnosing a Problem Opening 101 (video)

If I had a nickel for every time someone called to say their door wasn’t working…

WW: 9 Years

I can hardly believe that iDigHardware is 9 YEARS OLD!

WWYD? School Security T.M.I.

I’m ready to create any documentation that you need to facilitate these conversations, but I need your help. What information should be included?

Restroom Kits for Automatic Operators

Questions continue to arise regarding how to properly specify/supply hardware for a single restroom door with an automatic operator. The challenge is that the outside actuator (push button) for the automatic operator has to be interfaced with the locking system; otherwise, the actuator could open the door even when the restroom is occupied.

FF: College Entrance

It’s too bad someone at this facility didn’t ask for help BEFORE coming up with these locking “solutions.” 🙁

Why Compromise?

Let’s help school administrators learn how to secure doors more quickly while keeping evacuation options open, rather than on how to make security cheaper while ignoring the potential consequences.

WW: Retrofit Security

I’ll just leave this right here. Zoom in, look around, and share your thoughts in the reply box.

WWYD? Truck Stop Showers

How would you handle this access-control request?

Code Requirements for Electromagnetic Locks (video)

I hope this video sums up the requirements in a way that will help answer any remaining questions.

FF: File-it Friday

This is a classic. Gary Huizen of Huizen’s Locksmith Service posted today’s Fixed-it Friday photo on iDigHardware’s Facebook page, and I love it…

Decoded: Code Requirements for Classroom Security (video)

Our newest whiteboard animation video addresses the important topic of classroom security.

WW: PA or TJ?

After you check out today’s Wordless Wednesday photo, can you help with some questions from iDH readers?

Accessibility Overlap

Does this proposed security closet create an accessibility problem?

QQ: Signage on Fire Door Frames

Does NFPA 80 allow small signs on fire door frames? Are there limitations on the size, material, and method of attachment?

FF: State to City College: Uninstall 1,000 Fire Code-Defying ‘Barricade Devices’

Yesterday, I read an article about a college in California that purchased and installed 1,000 barricade devices at a cost of more than $200,000, as recommended by the local police chief. The college later removed the devices, as they are not compliant with the building code and fire code in California, or with the ADA.

‘This Is Us’ and other news

Unfortunately, the media is not saying much about the closed bedroom doors in Sunday’s episode of This Is Us (so I will).

WW: Lockdown Lowdown

Since it’s Wordless Wednesday, here is a photo that Jim Phillips of SBS Associates sent me from a school walk-through. Luckily the school’s security precautions kept these intruders out.

Decoded: Update on Storm Shelter Doors (March 2018)

If you have seen more projects incorporating storm shelters lately, this is likely due to changes in the International Building Code (IBC).