WW: At the Mall
Even though this room (likely a storage or mechanical room) may not normally be occupied, this locking method would not comply with the US model codes. #wordless
FDAI: Inspection Criteria 13
In today’s Decoded article and 13th fire door inspection criteria post, I addressed some recent changes to the NFPA 80 requirements applicable to signage mounted on fire door assemblies.
FF: Museo Nacional
I saw today's Fixed-it Friday example on the main entrance of a museum in Mexico City. The band goes around both pulls when the museum is closed. Effective?
Le Constellation, Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Most of you have probably already read about the nightclub fire that occurred recently in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Early investigations show similarities with other past tragedies.
WW: Wrong Way
I saw today's Wordless Wednesday photos posted by Barret Baker on the Crap Locksmithing Facebook page, and I knew I had to share them here!
Decoded: Which doors need panic hardware?
In this Decoded article for the next issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine, I answered some frequently asked questions about which doors require panic hardware.
FDAI: Inspection Criteria 12
In today's post in the series on fire door assembly inspection criteria, I addressed a product that's very simple, but still causes confusion - meeting stile and perimeter gasketing.
FF: Frankenstein Fix
I have worked on so many projects as a specwriter where the main concern seemed to be aesthetics...after the construction phase is over you never know what will happen!
WW: Special Knowledge and (Gentle) Effort
Catrinia Molitor sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos, taken in two different gas stations. One is the ladies' restroom and the other is the main entrance. #wordless!
DOIT: Upcoming Training
DOIT - The Door Opening Industry Training Group has announced the return of Webinar Wednesday in 2026! Check out the upcoming sessions on fire doors, presented live next Wednesday!
Happy Holidays!
Am I the only one who feels like 2025 just flew right by??? It was a super-busy year, with lots of training, code development work, and of course...writing posts for iDigHardware.
QQ: Auto Operator Coordination
When a door that is secured to prevent unauthorized access from the outside is equipped with an automatic operator, how does the interface between security and accessibility function?
WW: Just Eyeball It
I saw these doors last week in Mexico City and I'm wordless over the lack of coordination between these amazing vintage locks and the trim on the doors. :(
FF: Foot Push
For me, one of the wonderful and challenging things about Mexico is that the options for custom work of any kind are virtually limitless. Have you ever seen a "foot push"?
QQ: Automatic Operators on School Entrances
According to the 2024 IBC, would an accessible public entrance serving a school auditorium with an occupant load of 400 people require doors with automatic operators?
WW: En El Mercado
I've said it before and I'll say it again, in the U.S. we are very fortunate to have such strong codes and enforcement. Check out this electrical room door I saw in Mexico City. #wordless
Catching up…what has changed in the I-Codes?
With the new year comes the adoption of new codes in many states, and given the length of time between state adoptions, it can be difficult to keep up with what’s new. Here's a summary!
FF: Dramatic Exit
Chris Clark sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo, taken in a cafe in Canada. I'm curious...what makes this a dramatic exit? Any theories?
What’s that? Drop Plates
I remember learning about drop plates for door closers because of my failure to detail them on a project back in the late 80's. Today's post takes a closer look at these accessories.
WW: 4-Inch Head (or Jamb?)
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo got me thinking...what do you think about a new series on iDigHardware about the mistakes we've made and the lessons we've learned in the process?
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 25
In this episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Devin Bowman of TGP about the important role that glass plays in school security.
WW: En El Circo
Last week at a circus in Central Mexico, my daughter asked: "Are you concerned about that heater under the exit sign?" Happy Wordless Wednesday and Happy Thanksgiving!
Decoded: Fusible Links and Smoke-Activated Hold-Opens
I've updated this Decoded article with the current code references from NFPA 80, the International Building Code (IBC), NFPA 101, and NFPA 72.
FF: Movie Theater Panics
I saw today's Fixed-it Friday photo posted by Jason Stayton on the Crap Locksmithing Facebook page, and I asked if I could share it here. What I want to know is...WHY?
WWYD? Stockyards Follow-Up
Last week I posted some photos that I took during my recent trip to Fort Worth for the DHI ConNextions conference, and in today's post I want to follow up on a question I received.
WW: Central Whidbey Island Fire & Rescue
If you and your family are not yet following UL's Close Before You Doze public safety campaign, I hope today's Wordless Wednesday post motivates you to sleep with your bedroom doors closed.
FDAI: Inspection Criteria 6
Are you aware of the current clearance requirements of NFPA 80, which allow up to 3/16-inch clearances on 20-minute fire doors in hollow metal frames?
FF: Convenience vs. Security
The struggle is real! I took today's Fixed-it Friday photos at our hotel near DFW. Typically a credential would be needed - at least at night, but this "fix" allows free access 24/7.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 24
In this episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with three of my favorite safe schools crusaders - Michele Gay, Missy Dodds, and Molly Hudgens.
WW: The Stockyards
The more I look at today's Wordless Wednesday photos, the more deja vu I'm feeling. Do these doors at the Stockyards look familiar to anyone else?
Fort Worth INPACT!
I spent last week in Fort Worth, Texas, at the DHI ConNextions conference. The schedule was jam-packed, but there's always time to check out the hardware!
FF: Holes
My daughter spotted this Fixed-it Friday door modification on the streets of Fort Worth - and check out the door closer - an old LCN potbelly on a corner bracket!
WW: Obstacle Course
Paul Timm of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo, taken in a school. This door is clearly marked as an exit, but egress will definitely be a challenge!
Bill Elliott, Mentor and Friend
I am sad to say that Bill Elliott, mentor to many in the industry and beyond, has passed away. For those of who knew him as a teacher, coach, colleague, and friend, we're all "lucky guys."
FF: Fire Exit Hardware
John Danes of Allegion sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo...I'm sure someone thought they were solving a problem with this "fix", but they've created a big problem!
AD Systems: Care Center in the Park
A recent case study by AD Systems highlights some of the many considerations for modern health care facilities, and has me reflecting on my own hospital experience a few months ago.
WW: Elopement Prevention
I received today's Wordless Wednesday photo from an AHJ - the photo was taken in a school, where the mag-lock was added to deter elopement. Note the height of the push button!
In-Person Code Updates – Next Week!
I'll be heading to DHI ConNextions in Fort Worth next week, where Mark Kuhn and I will be conducting two training sessions with some help from our Allegion teammates.
FF: What would you specify?
The added surface bolts in today's Fixed-it Friday photo are a common (and non-compliant!) "fix" for vertical rod panic problems. What would you have specified instead, and why?
PASS: Why School Administrators Should Avoid Using Barricades for Emergencies
The topic of school security and safety has been mentioned several times at this week's BHMA conference, and coincidentally, this is America's Safe Schools Week!
WW: Nothing to see here
I received today's Wordless Wednesday photo from Thomas Reinhardt, an AHJ. In addition to the obviously blocked exit, he also noted a few other issues with this "exit."
BHMA: Unlocking the Past
It's finally here! I'm in Lake Tahoe for the BHMA 100th anniversary celebration - 100 YEARS! I've completed my series for the BHMA Challenge, but I wanted to share one more post...
FF: Another Gate
At least they tried…finding panic hardware with an actuating portion that measures half the width of the gate in today's Fixed-it Friday photo would be quite the challenge!
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 23
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, superintendent of North Shore School District 112 in Illinois.
WW/WWYD? Golf Entertainment Center
The question is - is this gate required for egress? The panic hardware tells me yes, so the bike lock is a problem. But could this space be considered a safe dispersal area? What do you think?
QQ: Gasketing Requirements of NFPA 101
Which door openings are required to have gasketing, according to NFPA 101 - The Life Safety Code? The answer is not easy, but you can follow the bread crumbs.
FF/WWYD? Unauthorized Use Prohibited
I know at least one AHJ who doesn't like signs like this which deter use of the exit, but as far as I know, the codes do not prohibit them. Should a code change proposal be made? WWYD?
Fire Door Latching
In order for a fire door assembly to perform as designed and tested, it's critical for the door to be closed and latched if/when a fire occurs. Today's post looks at latching considerations for fire doors.
WW: Dinner Deterrents?
Check out the restaurant exits in today's post and let me know what you think. One is a definite "no" but the other I'm not sure about. It looks like an exit to me - how about you?
BHMA Challenge: Built for Impact
For the 5th and final week, the topic of the BHMA Challenge is Built for Impact - how our company's work supports healthier, safer, and more connected communities.