FF: At the Dollar Store
Last month, Mark Kuhn and I happened upon an unusual Fixed-it Friday "fix" in Savannah...it wasn't very effective since Mark had the door open in a couple of minutes.
27
06, 2025
26
06, 2025
FBI: Active Shooter Incidents in the United States, 2024
A few years ago, I shared a document from the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools which cautioned against the use of classroom barricade devices. In today's post I have some updated statistics.
25
06, 2025
WW: Hospital “Egress”
Today's Wordless Wednesday post is definitely not wordless, it includes an explanation of why these hospital doors would not be compliant with the US model codes (the hospital is in Mexico).
24
06, 2025
QQ: Parking Garage Panics
Today's Quick Question has come up many times in different forms: On a multi-level parking garage with a capacity of 600 cars, do the stair doors and exit discharge doors require panic hardware?
23
06, 2025
Back-2-Basics: Backsets
As I catch up after my surprise appendectomy, Mark Kuhn has written the first post in a series about basic hardware terminology. Hopefully these posts will be helpful to the newer people in the industry.
10
06, 2025
Unplanned Hiatus – Sorry!
I've been receiving messages asking if iDigHardware is down because there was no post from yesterday. It's not the website that's broken - it's me.
6
06, 2025
FF: Cali Minimarket
During my travels in other countries, I definitely notice a difference in how accessible routes are handled...this ramp in Cali, Colombia was an attempt to improve accessibility. See the problem?
4
06, 2025
WW: Down at the Pizzeria
I know we have seen MANY of these blocked egress photos, but this one is pretty egregious. What I'm wondering is...are there no AHJs who eat here?
3
06, 2025
QQ: Dwelling Units – Motions to Unlatch
On a residential dwelling unit or sleeping unit, is there a limit to the number of security devices (night latches, dead bolts, security chains, etc.) that can be installed along with the latchset/lockset?
2
06, 2025
US Glass: Proposal G88-25
Proposal G88-25 is intended to add a new standard - ASTM F3561 - to the International Building Code (IBC) requirements for schools. What are your thoughts on resistance to forced entry?
30
05, 2025
FF: Drop Plate Alternative
Allen Huguley of Wagstaff Taylor & Associates, Inc. sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo...he's not responsible for detailing this "fix"! (Although I'm kind of impressed with the workmanship!)
29
05, 2025
Mike Olsen: Cybersecurity IS School Safety
In preparation for the upcoming conference, From Education to Action: School Security Summit, Christin Kinman shares a preview from one of the speakers, Mike Olsen of 360 Security Services.
28
05, 2025
WW: Another Day, Another Airport
A few weeks ago I shared some information about the delayed egress locks I spotted in the Bogotá airport...I guess this is another way to "delay" egress. (Not recommended!)
27
05, 2025
WWYD? Restricting Lead in Keys
Through my involvement against legislation that would allow barricade devices in schools, I have seen many cases where good intentions lead to unintended consequences.
23
05, 2025
FF: Door Looooop
I saw this Fixed-it Friday door down at the home improvement store. What do you think? Is this extended door loop a legit way to transfer the power to the hardware?
22
05, 2025
Breaking Down Silos: Moving From Education to Action
Christin Kinman of Allegion has organized a fantastic event - please share it with your network of teachers, school administrators and staff, risk managers, security directors, parents, and beyond!
21
05, 2025
WW: Bradley Lock & Key
Mark Kuhn and I are in Savannah this week to attend the BHMA meetings. Yesterday we happened upon a locksmith shop near the hotel, and after reading about the shop's history - I was wordless!
20
05, 2025
NFPA 80 on Fire Exit Hardware
I recently wrote a post about a change to NFPA 80 related to field-installed glazing in wood fire doors, and Hal Kelton of DOORDATA Solutions pointed out another change to the standard.
19
05, 2025
Electromagnetic Locks – Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em?
Mark Kuhn is following up on last week's electrifying post about electric strikes, with his thoughts on electromagnetic locks. Do you have anything to add?
16
05, 2025
FF: Another Hotel Fix
Today's Fixed-it Friday photo shows an epic(ly terrible) "fix" on a fire door assembly in a hotel corridor - at least I'm assuming it's rated based on the fire exit hardware and what looks like the outline of a label.
15
05, 2025
QQ: Glazing in Wood Fire Doors
This Quick Question just came up yesterday and I did a little research: Can glazing be field-installed in wood fire doors, or does NFPA 80 require the glass to be installed at the factory?
14
05, 2025
WW: This “fix” left me wordless!
Today's Wordless Wednesday photos are for iDigHardware readers who also take an interest in structural issues (like me!). Can you see what's happening here?
13
05, 2025
Observations on Delayed Egress Locks
I recently saw some delayed egress locks "in the wild" at the Aeropuerto El Dorado in Bogotá, Colombia, and I had a few thoughts on the applications and in particular, the signage.
12
05, 2025
Electric Strikes – Past their prime?
Mark Kuhn: Just about every week, I need to convince someone that electrified locks and electrified panic hardware are a far better choice than an electric strike. What do you think?
9
05, 2025
FF: Let me out (again)!
The door in today's Fixed-it Friday photos is another example from my trip to Colombia, this time in Cali. This door would not comply with the US model codes for egress...can you see why?
8
05, 2025
Renovation Solution: LCN 6400 COMPACT Operator
Older buildings present challenges in accessibility, but solutions like the LCN 6400 COMPACT automatic operator can help to address those renovation needs.
7
05, 2025
WW: Let me out!
Today's Wordless Wednesday photos were taken in the lobby of an apartment building, where the ONLY way to exit was for someone at the security desk to press the release button. Yikes!
6
05, 2025
Openings in Floor or Ground Surfaces
Although the photos in this post are not related to door hardware, there are some hardware products that require an opening in the floor - typically a hole in a strike plate. WWYD?
5
05, 2025
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 19
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Lieutenant Kelly Martin, of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
2
05, 2025
FF: NOOOOO!!!
Robert Lucius of Allegion sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photos, taken in a high school. My heart sank when I saw this "fix." Think it's a fire door? WWYD?
1
05, 2025
Join my team!?
I don't usually post job openings (maybe I should?), but for this one I think there may be some iDigHardware readers who are uniquely qualified for the role. Check it out!
30
04, 2025
WW: Well, that’s one way to get in.
I guess the resident of this apartment couldn't find their privacy set release tool...this reminds of the stuff my brothers and I did as kids (yes, we were menaces).
29
04, 2025
Training Opportunity!
This series of webinars, specifically tailored toward those in the architectural community, covers the SOSS product line and provides AIA CEU credits as well as opportunity for live conversation.
28
04, 2025
WWYD? Shades on Fire Doors
I recently received a question from a wood door manufacturer, about whether it was acceptable for end users to install shades to cover vision lights on fire doors. What are you seeing in the field?
25
04, 2025
FF: A whole lotta shimmin’ going on
Paul Goldense of Goldense Building Products has some talented installers...check out the Fixed-it Friday photos he shared with me highlighting their handiwork!
24
04, 2025
WWYD? Sliding Door Hardware
I'm currently on the road, and I found this example of a sliding door in my travels. I'd love to hear what you think about this application - for both accessibility and usability.
23
04, 2025
WW: Access Control(ish)
Colin Watson of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos, reminiscent of the days when a locked door would have a key hanging on a nail nearby.
22
04, 2025
What’s that? Mullion Stabilizer
Continuing with my "What's that?" series highlighting pieces and parts that might not be recognized by those who haven't spent 30 or 40 years in the world of hardware...
21
04, 2025
LaForce Blog: ADA Standards in Partitions and Accessories
Toilet partitions and accessories are way more complicated than one might think, so when I saw a recent post on the LaForce blog I asked if I could share it here. Check it out!
18
04, 2025
FF: Oopsie Daisy
It's a good thing that the problem with this frame prep was noticed before the frame was installed...can you tell what's wrong with today's Fixed-it Friday photo?
17
04, 2025
TBT: “Safe exit is a universal demand.”
Ron Cramer of Security Door & Hardware sent me something even more exciting than the 1887 door handing info I shared recently - a Von Duprin Catalog from way back in the day!
16
04, 2025
WW: Oh dear.
I had the hardest time deciding whether this should be a Wordless Wednesday or Fixed-it Friday post...what do you think? Thank you to Steven James Rone for sharing this classic!
15
04, 2025
WWYD? Escape Rooms
I'm working on a presentation for an escape room conference (cool, right?!), and I'm wondering what y'all are seeing out in the real world with regard to the required means of egress.
14
04, 2025
DOORCHECK: K–12 Exterior Door Labeling Guide
I recently received a very clear and concise guide for door numbering from DOORCHECK, and I'm sharing it here with their permission. Take a look, and let us know what you think!
11
04, 2025
FF: Rain Drip
The beautiful colors in these photos from Scott Foley of Advanced Door Solutions might draw your eye (ok, mine too), but check out that rain drip! :D
10
04, 2025
What’s that? Detention Hardware
I will admit, I have not had a lot of experience with detention hardware. An iDigHardware reader is looking for help in identifying this product. Any ideas?
9
04, 2025
WW: Screwy Hinge
Randy Dial of the Door Safety & Security Group sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo, and I HAVE NO WORDS! Seen any good ones lately?
8
04, 2025
Feedback Please! Egress Capacity Estimator
Please check out the new IBC and NFPA Egress Capacity Estimator and let me know what you think. I can make modifications so that it is easier to use and/or understand.
7
04, 2025
Decoded: Calculating the Occupant Load
In preparation for a new estimator that I'll be sharing tomorrow, I've updated the very popular IBC Occupant Load Estimator, and the accompanying Decoded article.
4
04, 2025
FF: This is not an exit.
If you have a door that looks a lot like an egress door, but for whatever reason you don't want it to be code-compliant, how do you prove that the door is not provided for egress purposes?