Full Disclosure: I was only 49 in this photo.
As I mentioned yesterday, today is my 50th birthday. It seems like a day that I should spend reflecting on my life so far, and planning what to do with the next 50 years. And eating cake.
It’s hard to believe, but a good chunk of my adult life has been spent doing what I do every day – teaching about codes, learning about codes, trying to improve codes, and explaining how codes affect doors and hardware and how code-compliant openings help to keep building occupants safe. Although this was not part of my original life-plan, I have been immersed in this since way before iDigHardware was born.
Some days I ask myself…is my work making a difference? Are people listening, or am I talking to myself? Am I helping to make the world a better place, or at least making someone’s job a little easier? Will I leave behind something more valuable than my antique lock collection and my Adon Brownell books when I reach retirement age? Am I doing what I was born to do, or is there something else I should be moving toward?
The truth is…I DON’T KNOW! Most days, I love what I do, although there are moments when I want to just fill a backpack with necessities and run away from home (this may be partially due to motherhood). So I need some help from you…
Every so often I hear some random feedback that gives me a jolt of happiness and pride. Several years ago, the president of a manufacturer called me to say that he had traveled to Dubai and each customer he visited mentioned that they were readers of iDigHardware. A few weeks ago I saw the online profile of an architect, and in the spot for favorite websites, he said his favorite work-related website is iDigHardware (SERIOUSLY???). Almost 7 years ago, I mentioned in a post that I would be off-line the next day while my 4YO daughter had surgery, and was so touched to see a huge spike in the stats as people came to iDigHardware to see if I had posted any news. It is very fulfilling for me to engage with people and to help. If I can continue to do that, it will all be worthwhile.
So, here’s what I need from you. Talk to me. Tell me how iDigHardware has helped you in your work, or helped to solve a problem. How did you find the site (and me)? How do you use the information I post? And most important, what else can I do to make iDigHardware a more valuable resource for you and your coworkers? What’s missing? What could be improved? Should I expand to cover other topics? Have you had enough Wordless Wednesday photos yet?
Let’s see if we can get to 50 comments, for 50 years! I want to hear from you!
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Hi Lori, Many happy returns of the day.
I really thank you for sharing information related to door hardware and codes and standards. This website is really helping me to understand the codes in depth. Thank you very much and please continue.
Lori firstly Happy Birthday! I hope you have an amazing day. I discovered iDigHardware early on in my career just looking for resources online to learn as much as I could. I spent my first 3.5 years in the industry with a good size commercial supplier where I moved from an assistant to a PM before leaving for a new venture. For the last 1.5 years I have worked for a millwork developing their commercial program. As the only one experienced in commercial openings and hardware I have the role of estimator, detailer, and project manager. Every day I come to your site multiple times! Whether it is just for a breather to read an interesting and entertaining article or if I am looking for a trusted source to gain some insight. This blog has single handedly been the greatest resource I have come across in the industry! I love the fact that anytime I go to google and search anything iDigHardware comes up in the top few results. The blog is truly a wealth of knowledge and from a source I can trust. I think the blog is great and wouldn’t change a thing but one idea is to maybe spotlight new and innovative products coming out to market on a more regular basis. Thank you for all you do and I look forward to future good reads!
“¡Feliz cumpleaños!”
How did I find you??
I thought you have been here forever?? Maybe through the building code forum??
Have you helped me?
YES, as an ahj, when I am in the field looking at a door, and forget what the max undercut can be?
Well either hit your web site or an email to you, which I do get replies to!!!
Or you post an article to refersh my old memory on a code section!!
Keep posting the weird stuff, makes me look for it when I am outside my city.
Change? You seem to know what needs to be added or changed.
Enjoy your birthday, day off!!
Happy Birthday Lori! As far as this website goes I love using it as a reference on what I don’t know. All of your code articles and WWYD posts (and comments that follow) have really given me different ways to look at hardware application. Ever since I joined the industry 3 years ago I have been visiting your site daily to see what new things I could learn. It might help to say that when I have a question about doors and Google it 95% of the time it brings me to an article or post on this site with a very good and clear understanding and solution to that issue. I really enjoy the fact that I can learn most of the important code changes and what to look out for explained by one of the best in the business, especially when you update us to them almost as soon as they happen. Only thing I could think of to improve the site is possibly start up a weekly/monthly word search or crossword (similar to the Hager Contest – only I don’t think there would be a need for prizes). It could be a fun themed way to continue learning (especially for those new to the industry). Can’t tell you how much I’ve learned about Hager products after I found they were doing something like that. Again, thank you for all of your effort and contributions throughout the years and hopefully many more to come!
Thanks for the suggestion!!
– Lori
Lori,
I wish I had known you were going to ask this question. I would have kept count of the times I’ve used your posts and the comments to answer questions my team or I had.
Let me put it another way “Oh how we love thee, let us count the ways……”
I think I speak for most of your readers when I say that the clarity and breadth you detail is exactly what our industry needs. I’d like more posts but you have a life to lead and a family that need you more than we do. So keep on as long as you can and we’ll keep reading, commenting and learning together.
All the best and Happy Birthday.
Happy Birthday Lori Greene,
I look forward to your posts every morning and afternoon. As an Architect with 39 years experience I have used the information often in my professional capacity as a Life/Safety and Accessibility Consultant. Not sure how long the site has been up but only became aware of it at a local Washington DC/CSI Chapter meeting where an Allegion Rep gave a presentation on Hardware a year ago. Yes I Dig Hardware and the Doors they open. All the best!
-Michael
Lori – Happy 50th!
I have been in the door hardware business since 1996, and still, when I don’t know something I run straight to I Dig Hardware (I love that it is also I Hate Hardware). While you may not feel as though you were born to do this, you and your site absolutely make a difference!
Just this morning I came here to see if I can find out about 20 minute wood doors with fire-rated louvers. Architect specified them (clearly, for once) and since they work in 90 minute doors, I never questioned their use in 20 minute doors. Now the manufacturer is saying it can’t be done because 20 minutes isn’t enough time for the fusible links to actuate. I came here immediately to see what I could learn, verify, or confirm. Your site is invaluable and a time saver.
Over the many years, I have made mental or PDF notes about the best of various things, as a way to quickly explain to customers/architects/owners/colleagues how things work in this business. For the finer points of lock function descriptions, Best Locks catalog uses a table which shows, for every function, how the door is locked and unlocked for both the key and non-keyed side. It has been a great help. When trying to explain the basics of exit device types, the Precision (Stanley) catalog shows top views of rim, Mortise, SVR, CVR devices at both single and double door openings. People can understand the drawings immediately. For most all other things, I come to you.
After 15 years of asking, your site finally gave me a satisfactory explanation about why you only need an opening assembly to be 3/4 of the wall rating. Because you can reasonably expect not to have a fuel load stacked in front of a door to act as kindling and give a fire a nice head start, as you might have stacked against a wall. Also, I learned what I need to know from you about fire rated doors between a garage and living quarters in residential application. Plus your site is fun! Cool doors, unbelievable code violations, “fixed it” ingenuities, and more.
Tom O’Connor
Lori,
I’ve never posted a reply to one of your articles before, but I gotta say that I have found many of your articles helpful. Especially appreciate your information on fire ratings and fire rated openings. These can be some of the more difficult topics to explain to new comers to the industry. I help train new employees in doors and hardware where I work and I often use your material to help me understand things better.
Keep up the good work.
-Jim
P.S. I love Wordless Wednesdays and Fixed it Fridays!
You are now on the better side of 50. Many many more but don’t bother to keep track
That’s a good idea, my friend! 😀
– Lori
Hi Lori! Happy birthday! Hope you have lots of cake and fun! I found your website years ago (back when it was “I Hate Hardware”) on a search for information and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s even my home page! Your help has been invaluable and your columns very interesting. I am amazed at how much information you know and have put out there for us. There is no better resource for us. Thank you so much!
Happy birthday, Lori!
I use your website often during the course of my day. Usually when I’m estimating a project that someone else has spec’d and I wonder, “What were they thinking??!! Is that really allowed? Should I let them get away with that?!” I think one of the main reasons we come to you is that you speak English to us. There have been many times I look something up in the code book and it takes numerous out loud readings just to figure out what they are saying.
Keep doing what you are doing as long as it makes you happy; I be there to read every article.
Now go enjoy your cake and know that I am celebrating with you! (I’m not passing up the chance to eat cake!)
~ Cathy
Happy birthday Lori!
I’m new to the industry and first found your site on a Google search. But then your site was referenced in the Allegion training videos.
I think your site is organized and well done! I have much to learn and am excited to use your site as a reference!
Your voice & your blog matter! Thank you for all you do! Happy Birthday!!
I found your blog a couple years ago when this article popped up in a google search for fire door info. http://idighardware.com/2013/10/fire-doors-everything-you-always-wanted-to-know-but-were-afraid-to-ask/
Your page has helped me tremendously with understanding hardware & doors. Just recently, I was reading up on the undercut vs clearance allowances and once again, your blog answered my questions. As a project manager (15-yr experience unlicensed architect) I enjoy going the extra step to learn about everything that goes into the project. I dissect the specifications to understand what everything means.
Pictures/diagrams help me the most as well as real-life examples of what not to do – such as the stories explaining why a fire door failed.
Thanks for all you do to keep us informed! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Happy Birthday, Lori,
I know what you mean when you wonder whether it’s made a difference or not. I think you should look at it this way: When we come to you with fire or ADA building code questions, it’s usually because one of our end users doesn’t want to comply with the law because it’s going to cost some money. We get the code information from you and pass it along and hope they do the right thing. But we’ll also pass it along to local authorities who usually do go in and make the right calls. The thing is, if there’s never a fire, never an accidental death, never a mass shooting, you’ll never know because it didn’t happen. And if it never happened, you played a vital part in making sure that it didn’t. I think of this every time I go into a building that used to have doors chained shut and no longer do. I hope the place never catches on fire and, if it does, at least people have a fighting chance to escape. That means a lot but you have to do what we do to understand it.
It’s the same with ADA. Being married to someone that has severe physical challenges now makes me appreciate the law even more. Fortunately, in Massachusetts, the law is adhered to pretty well. But i do know people whom I’ve talked to and explained what their rights are within a public building and encouraged them to press the owners or the local authorities to bring it up to code. It makes peoples lives a lot better and removes some of the many barriers that physically challenged people have to deal with.
Happy 50th birthday and many more. You’re the best player in this game and don’t think for a second that you’re not. I’ve been doing this for 38 years and I’ve never seen someone who knows more and handles themselves with such class.
Neil
What did you do, save a photo from you old HCI days?
Looking good girl.
Forgot to say, you’re my go-to person when someone wants detailed info.
Hi, my name is Louise and I’m a Blog Pusher.
Oh, no, I don’t want to quit, I’m bragging.
Haha – I was a mere child back in the HCI days! Do you know that I was 20 when I started working there??
– Lori
Happy Birthday Lori,
I use your site as my go to when ever I need review code, or read up on articles you have written.
Thanks
Carol
Lori,
WOW!………….50 candles – a potential fire hazard – please blow them out quickly
and may all your wishes come true
Keep’em all coming – WW, FF are very entertaining, and the local door pics should be on a Doors by Lori calendar
and speaking of calendars – one of my favorite quotes from my Life’s Little Instruction Calendar is;
“Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality”
So got out enjoy yourself tonight
and I’ll look for you again this time tomorrow
~Geo
I love that quote!! My husband keeps saying that I should stop telling people everything I know, or I won’t have job security…I guess he doesn’t have that calendar! 🙂
– Lori
Happy Birhtday Lori
Codes and standards are hard to digest and reading your article is more easier to understand.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge in this industry. You are such an amazing person. I bet a lot of readers becomes more confident after acquiring the knowledge you imparted and this is the best gift ever. Looking forward for more post!
Again, Happy Birthday and enjoy!!! Cheeeers!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
Keep up the good work. I read your e-mails EVERY DAY.
I cannot say that about most of the the 150 plus + e-mails I receive every day,
most get deleted unopened, some forwarded, some get a cursory look-over. but I always look forward to your next subject.
I also enjoy reading about your family, travels, and life in Mexico.
Keep em coming!
Best wishes from Maine
Lorie,
thanks for all the help and education for all, if we all put half as much energy in making the world a safer and code compliant place, the earthlings would be better off.
code compliance leads to non-events
When I try to understand code, I’m always baffled. It reminds me when I look up a word in the dictionary and the definition contains three words that I also have to look up. That is not helpful!! But, you have a way of saying things in simple English. Thank you for what you do! And Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!
We look forward to your blog every day! I can’t count the number of times I’ve been to your new website for additional code information. Every new employee in the detailing department gets a directive to subscribe to you as part of their training 🙂
Thank you!
Lori, Have a very Happy Birthday.
I don’t remember how I found your blog, but I’ve been reading it every day since then. It’s on my Favorites bar for quick access.
I appreciate your concern for educating members of the building industry–and the public–about the ways that hardware protects lives, or when improperly used, endangers lives. I am especially impressed with your activism against barricade devices, and enjoyed meeting you when you came to Ohio to speak to the Board of Building Standards about them.
When I have a question about hardware and codes, beyond something I can easily look up in a Code, your blog is where I usually look for an explanation. When I get a question from clients or contractors on why we specified something, or why they can’t make what seems to them like a simple substitution, and I need a clear explanation that carries more weight than just “I said so”, I find a page on “I Dig Hardware” and send them a link.
And, yes, I love the WW and FF posts, too!
Thank you for everything you do.
Happy Birthday Lori!!
Between your wonderful site and your help by email u think you are born for this, besides the point that I open your site minimum once a day to read and see interesting articles, it’s my go to place when I have a question on codes and standards and when I can’t get my answer I will send an email to you and (after the auto reply that you are on the road 😉 ) I’m getting a response email.
Wish you many more happy and healthy years.
Leo
I’m pretty sure the internet was invented for your blog. I’ve been a reader for a long time (I Hate Hardware). Long enough that I can’t remember how I first heard about your site. I have used it MANY times as a resource. In our company, we have a fact-filled code library and his name is Jim J. And I still come to your site for lots of reasons. I have saved more than a few of your posts for quick reference and have used them to educate others also looking for help. I’ve also had more than one Architect bring up in conversation something they read on your site. Keep up the excellent work.
Happy 50th Lori!
You’ll be happy to know that you are a constant source of frustration for my wife! As an Allegion finance guy, you wouldn’t expect me to be on the lookout everywhere I go for openings with code violations. However, with the help of iDigHardware, I’ve deputized myself with enough knowledge to be dangerous. My wife really doesn’t like it when I stop to take pictures of doors that are non-compliant, but she really gets upset when I go to find someone to notify them of the code violation! 🙂 I also recommend your site to every new employee we get in finance. I think it’s important to understand our business, and your site helps me understand what we do and why it’s important. Thanks for making me just a little bit more of a door nerd!
You know what they say…you’ve really made it when they’re talking about you in the finance department! 😀 My kids have gotten upset a few times when they think we won’t be welcome back because of my discussions with hotel managers and water-park employees, so I know what you mean. I don’t want to frustrate your wife though!
– Lori
Happy birthday! All the best.
Happy birthday Lori. I concur with all of the above and have been a loyal fan since you started your blog. I was introduced to “I Dig …” by the local IR spec writer at the time. Consider yourself secure in your job.
So happy to wish you a happy 50th! With experiance comes wisdom, and things might actually get easier!
How did I find you? I believe it was my friend Reyn Parsons who told be what a star you are. And he was right!
Because California had passed disability laws a few years before ADA, our office was voluntold to be the ADA/Disability”expert”(Ha Ha). I became enough of an expoert to know that I did not know much, and through your blog found you and others who could answer questions. Thank you for that!
Then I had the fortune / misfortune to work with Jefferson County School Dist (Columbine High School) and School Codes, active shooters, and internal life safety became real to me. So like many who follow your thoughtful posts I am an unwitting code geek. You have created a group of like minded people, and I appriciate knowing that there are others out there who care about the same things.
Keep up the good work! and Happy 50th!
Reyn Parsons is one of my favorite people on this planet, but I didn’t know he was telling all of his friends about me. 🙂
I think it’s so amazing how this community has been formed and we’re all learning together and sharing our insight.
– Lori
Happy Birthday Lori!
I know that I have emailed you at least “50” times in the past several years. You have been so very kind to patiently answer me and have saved me and my architects numerous times! There is no one on Planet Earth that can answer a hardware or code question as lightening fast as you can! I’m still reaching for the code book I need and you’ve already responded with an answer!!
Lori, what would we do without your expertise? We give your website information out as candy at our product shows!
You are amazing and a true inspiration to anyone wanting to enter the hardware industry. Keep sending the pictures because we love them and use them to make our presentations more entertaining. My wish for you on your 50th is that you have 50 more!
Awww…thanks Debbie. Who needs candy when you have iDigHardware postcards to hand out?!
– Lori
Happy birthday Lori! 🙂 please keep going on this blog! IDigHardware has become one of our first resources to help our customers to meet safety codes. Greetings from Colombia! 🙂
I’d love to hear more about how you use “my” code information in Columbia…and whether there is a need for a version in Spanish. I have 3 bilingual kids who will be looking for a career someday. 🙂
– Lori
Happy bday Lori, you are definitely making a difference with the valuable information you’ve provided us through out the years. Thank you and have a great 50th!
Lori…Happy Birthday…50 rocks! I especially love Wordless Wednesdays…always very interesting! Keep doing what you are doing…you are making a difference for sure!
Happy Birthday, Lori!
I’ve been involved in the door & hardware industry for almost forty years, serving as a General locksmith, an Institutional Locksmith, and a Fire door Inspector. I Dig Hardware has become an invaluable resource to me, not only for the information you supply, but for the entertainment value as well (I am addicted to WW and Fixed It Friday).
To answer the questions you’ve been asking yourself: is your work making a difference? Absolutely! Are people listening? We are not only listening, but hanging on every word! Are you helping to make the world a better place, or at least making someone’s job a little easier? Yes, and yes. In fact, not only are you making the world a better place, but you’re making it a safer place as well. Will you leave behind something valuable when you reach retirement age? As i said above, I Dig Hardware is an invaluable resource. Are you doing what you were born to do? I believe creating and nurturing IDH is your calling, and I hope you’ll keep us informed and entertained for many years to come!
Lori, thank you so much for all that you do for us!
Happy Birthday and may you have many many more… ;}
Forgot
The reference guide and rated door inspection guide are great.
Not sure what else you could do in one of those media forms??
And keep adding the videos!!!!!
Happy birthday Lori. I don’t remember my 50th – it was 26 years ago. I can’t remember whether I learned about you from Brad Keyes (may have learned about him from you), or just bumped into your site while researching some code question. I access your site regularly, so please keep doing what you are doing.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I found you on the Building Code Forum, and it might have been the single best tid-bit of information I got. I can’t begin to tell you how helpful your posts, articles and website has been, and not just for door hardware. I have found many useful pieces of information about fire doors, glazing and other MOE issues. I have sent so many other code officials and architects to your site I can’t keep track. So thank you, and keep it up.
Happy 50th Birthday Lori,
Love your website…. Keep up the good work!
Happy big 5-0 Lori!
You are definitely the numero uno “Door Hardware Guru” in my book and obviously, many, many, others’. Thank you for all you do!!!
Now, go and celebrate your special day and know how much you are appreciated…every day.
Cheers!
Marian
Lori,
From one Leo to another…Happy Birthday!! Your official title is Manager – Codes and Resources, according to Allegion. I propose a new title…Codes Goddess. That’s what you are to me! Whenever someone poses a question to me which I am ill equipped to answer, my standard answer is “Ask Lori Greene!” When I am standing in front of a class teaching people about product or codes, I always refer to Lori Greene and IDigHardware.com. You are the go-to expert. You inspire me to be a better instructor. Don’t ever change what you are doing. You may never know when it will happen, but somewhere your passion will inspire someone like me to say something to a negligent building owner about a code violation, and the advice will be heeded. That could lead to saving just one person’s life. I hope that what I do will have that result. That you Lori Greene!!
You made me a little misty, Deputy Tock! 🙂
– Lori
Just doin’ my job, ma’am….
Happy 50th. I decided that I won’t be old until I am 80. Your blog and ability to communicate are excellent. I use it regularly to find odd ball items. I enjoy everything about it and nothing has ever entered my mind on how to make it better. I share the blog site when I am part of lunch and learns with architects.
Happy 50th Birthday Lori!
I read your website regularly and I’ve found it very informative. Your articles have been very helpful to me, while navigating many healthcare projects! Additionally, Allegion has been a valuable specifications resource for these projects.
Thank you for your expertise and insight, in what can be a very challenging arena.
William
Happy B’day!!!
(just adding to get the count up to 50…….hehe)
From a Long time installer…….reading your posts help me on the install end on job sites, I get to prove to Super’s that something is not right.
Hope you plan on many more B’days to come……..and just to mention, I got 10 years on you (and still moving and working)
Happy Birthday, Lori!
I’ve been reading your website for a few years now. It’s a great resource filled with real insights into the door hardware industry and it’s been an invaluable tool for me. Thank you for everything you do for the community.
Jason
Happy Birthday. Keep up the good work. I’m continually sending guys in the office to your site to look up hardware and code details.
Happiest of Birthdays to you Lori and thank you for all that you do!! I appreciate your blog and have used it as a reference for my work since I found it so long ago. Have a beautiful blessed day and keep being you!!
I tend not to comment, but I read your posts regularly. I get the most out of your Wordless Wednesday and Fixed-it Friday posts–there are a lot of places that will show how something is supposed to be done, but seeing what’s been done wrong and figuring out exactly why it’s wrong helps me to deal with the kind of less than optimal situations I have to fix as a institutional locksmith. I have a lot of pressure to “just fix it” at work, and seeing how people screw up a jerry-rigged repair helps me to avoid the same errors. And I didn’t find you, you found me because of a poem I wrote.
Happy birthday Youngster! I`ve got 10 years on you but I am in awe of your knowledge.
I found out about idig at an Allegion seminar and have been a loyal reader ever since.
I actually try to limit my comments as I don`t want to be `That Guy` who posts on everything.
In the last year my job has involved more code work and idig is my go-to resource. There isn`t much
in the field that the site doesn`t cover and it has given me so much important information and has helped make
our schools much safer as a result. As a bonus the info I glean from idig makes me look good to management. So good that my
immediate boss insisted that I give him 4 years notice of retirement. (So I did!)
Have a great birthday Lori, and feel free to come in to work a bit late tomorrow. After all, you do live in Margaritaville!
Happy birthday Lori. The highest praise I can think of is for you…. you got Zeke to post. High achievement indeed.
Zeke and I go waaaay back. 🙂
So, I’m pretty sure my father met you before I did when you were at HCI in Winooski. And at some point I heard about your I Hate Hardware posts I knew I had to read them. Not only were they helpful to me in understanding codes and hardware you were always generous in answering my personal questions. Loved seeing how many of my industry friends were wishing you a happy birthday. Now I am retired and still read many of your posts. Some of the highly technical ones get more skimmed over but I am still proud of all the work our industry does to keep people safe and secure. Thanks for all you do.
Happy Birthday Lori.
I have been reading your daily posts for so long I can’t remember how I became aware. I really enjoy your Decoded articles for DHI. As well as the search for past articles on I Dig Hardware. Several of my staff are using your site to help clarify code matters we face. This site has helped to reinforce and expand my knowledge of code related topics. I am convinced you and all your subscribers are making a difference in our world. Keep up the good fight.
Happy Birthday Lori
I read your post all the time and get a lot of good thing from you posts Thanks for your help
Another e-mail from Lori?
Quick, open it and find out what it says!
Forget the rest, you’re the best!
Vincent
Happy B’day! but now stop counting. I like to say I was paid for 46 years of work but only worked about 18 months! When you do something that you love, it is not called WORK. When I walked into a hospital 2 years ago to visit a very dear person of 92, I knew it was a building that I worked on 10 years earlier. But I wasn’t ready for the feeling I got when I walked the corridors of the floor. I remembered everything about how it happened. And all of the doors and hardware were in PERFECT working condition. Plus my dear friend was doing very well.
I shared on facebook the video of the fire in Chicago that you had on this site. 10 of my friends made positive comments. My comment was that I was very proud of the industry that I spent my life’s work in.
I really believe that what we do as AHCs is for the greater good and not for ourselves. And Lori, I put you right at the head of the list. What you do for the world is just wonderful.
Have fun in all that you do and I thank God that you were a part of my life.
Bruce
Happy Birthday Kid
My Schlage mentor always suggested – love what you do, but it ain’t my fault
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZBuRtDWJhs
Skip the You Tube ad
Two decades ago I crossed that bridge, still feel much younger; am I wiser, that still remains to be seen. Every day you and I grow in knowledge and experience but it is not the acquiring of it but it is putting it to use by sharing it that is why you should continue to do so.
In another 50 years you should be able to look back and answer your question.
Never cease to acquire and share your knowledge, it is a valued resource to all of us.
Happy Birthday and many more,
Live long and continue to prosper.
Hey Lori,
You share a birthday with my Mom and Jerry Garcia 🙂 so I think that is pretty special! As for the value of your site, IT’S PRICELESS. I can’t tell you the number of times I have shared an article to help explain why something is not only unsafe but illegal. The W/W and Fix it Friday’s photos have made me and my work partner laugh and be amused and confused for hours. Some of the “fixes” people come up with take more time, effort and sometimes money than just repairing the issue correctly. There are many days where your post is the highlight of my work day. Please keep up the great work!!! I’m sure you don’t hear it enough but you are appreciated.
Thank you.
Lori,
Feliz Cumpleanos. Sorry I’m a day late. I’ve been trying to think of something amazing to say about you and your work, but… I think I’ve been following your blog from the beginning, since I knew you in person first. I love WW, FF, and the random door photos from around the world. Hope you don’t mind when I send you more. I read your blog almost every day, even more regularly than The Boston Globe comics. I truly appreciate your work raising awareness of school safety. Keep up the good fight.
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Happy belated, Lori! A former colleague shared your site with me. I visit it from time to time when I get stuck on my least favorite industry subject, door hardware! Your website has been a valuable resource and DHW confidence booster. Thanks for all that you do!
Happy Birthday Lori.
I love your posts and thank you so much for taking the time. I’m from the Dubai and from the competition. We all love you here 🙂
Lori, I would love it if you started a public forum. I’m sure you’ve thought about this and I’m sure there are some downsides but I would enjoy it.
Thanks!
Belated Happy Birthday. It’s been great not only working with you over many years, but watching this thing called iDH grow into the premier forum for door and hardware code information globally. Well done!
Going forward, I believe one of the most important issues we are facing as an industry is the subject of school safety. Why don’t we have a national security standard for schools? I believe iDH could be (and has been) a forum for pushing the subject forward. Here’s what we know:
– children’s learning improves when they feel safe
– gaps exist in standards for schools
– funding is lacking (even though k-12 schools fall under the DHS)
– we have not defined what “good enough” looks like with regard to our children’s and teacher’s safety and security
Why is it easier to get into a school than a federal building? What will cause us to act?
Let’s come together and attack this as an industry. Lori, you can continue to help lead the charge. Let’s figure this out and get it done.
Happy Happy to you.
Well, I missed the first 50 comments because I do not visit every day.
In the strongest possible way, I want to assure you that your efforts make a difference. I have learned stuff from here and used it to convince others of best practice. And all the time, your items are easy to read and understand. If so inclined in the least, keep doing what you do.
Happy Birthday! I came across I Dig Hardware while trying to review a door hardware construction submittal. As an architect, I have found your website invaluable to decifer not only hardware submittals but also the codes related to doors. I appreciate that you go into extensive detail explaining the minutia of hardware and how all the pieces work together that can’t even be found on manufacturer’s websites. This has helped me immensely to understand how to properly review and specify door hardware, and to hopefully be a better architect. I also forward links to your website when colleagues have questions. Thank you! And keep up the excellent work!
First, Happy Birthday. I appreciate your knowledge and enjoy reading your articles. You provide valuable information which I am sure is used throughout the industry. Love your sense of humor also. Makes you “real”.
Lori,
First, I want to wish you a belated Happy Birthday. Also, I have been blessed to find your iDigHardware website and I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge, your passion, and your love for helping people.
I use your website to help educate the school district with great success.
Once again, thank you for all that you do to preserve life.
Happy birthday Lori. A bit late, but I have been away from my email for over a week and there are over 200 to go through. Lori, you have saved countless lives already and no one will ever know the true impact of what you continue to do for the world. There are many examples of “why we do what we do” within your posts. Never stop the fight. We as your army will always be better because of you.
I started getting help from this website and Lori back in early 2013. I can honestly state that this has been the best source of code and “door assembly” (Lori taught me that term is more accurate than doorway) construction methods found anywhere.
I have learned a lot from you, Lori! You know how to tap into the collective knowledge and experience of many industry professionals who really care about the trade and you share that knowledge for FREE! Who can ask for a better source of information.
Professor Greene, when is your next class? I have much more to learn! I DIG HARDWARE!…and doors….and frames
Keep it coming!
Another thought….
How could this website get better? Add a Tuesday’s Tips or Magnificent Monday to Wordless Wednesday and Fixed it Friday. Have pictures and/or descriptions of good tips, tactics and installation/maintenance methods to help installers, specifiers, and contractors see how a quality door, frame, and hardware installation is done. We see a lot of shoddy work and goofy ideas, let’s see some examples of the best work from the best people all over.
As a long time reader of your blog I’d suggest that you don’t change a thing…unless you really want to so that it stays interesting for you! Your blog is expertly curated and regularly updated. What more can readers ask for?
I say keep up the good…no, I mean GREAT work.
Thanks Vernon!
– Lori