FF: DPS “Fix”
For many exterior doors, a door position switch (DPS) is an important part of the security system; the switch can alert a security station that a door has been opened. I wonder how long this creative fix will continue functioning.
FF: Privacy (License) Plate
For years, I have loved the locks on the restroom stall doors in one of my favorite restaurants, but I don't think I've shared them here before. (I know...it's a weird thing to love.)
FF: DIY Gate Lock
The Fixed-it Friday fun never ends! I received today's photos from Paul Linder of Hill's Bros. Lock & Safe, Inc., who had nothing to do with the original installation but was called in to fix the problem.
FF: Restroom Egress
Following up on Wednesday's restroom post...any theories on the situation in this restroom? It's Fixed-it Friday but I'm not sure what they were fixing with this application. Thanks to Charles Anderson for the photos!
FF: What can I say?
Take a look at these Fixed-it Friday photos, sent to me by Eyal Bedrik of Entry Systems Ltd. I think I've hit the wall, because I just keep shaking my head at the photos arriving in my inbox and I can't think of any more ways to say, "Don't do this, people."
FF: Hotel Security
These doors would be nearly impossible to open in an emergency...they require special knowledge and effort, coordination and dexterity, and the hardware is far above the allowable range. #wordless
FF: Just a few washers
Jason Albert posted this classic Fixed-it Friday fix on the Crap Locksmithing Facebook page. Seems pretty secure, no? I'm wondering why the installer didn't just mount the new device closer to the lock edge.
FF: Classroom “Exit”
Do you see what I see in these Fixed-it Friday photos? It's hard to know whether this was done to secure these doors against intruders or to prevent elopement of young students, but either way it's a problem.
FF: Hold onto those hold opens.
This elementary school fire door "fix" is one way to keep the wedges from disappearing but might be tough to explain when the fire marshal shows up for an inspection.
FF: What’s the big deal??
Have you ever pointed out a door problem to someone and had them respond with a shrug and some form of "so what"? A fire door is held open improperly...so what - chances are slim that the building will catch on fire today. Right??
FF: One Way In
I can see some of you looking at today's Fixed-it Friday photo and shaking your head. I guess this is one way in when you get locked out. Thanks to Rob Greathouse of Superior Lock & Safe for sending the photo!
FF: F-F-F-Freezing
When I saw this photo, I had flashbacks to all of the times architects asked me to specify doors with other materials attached to them - wood planks, decorative plates, even brick (that was a hard no). What do you think about this application?
FF: New Closer Mounting Option
This is a creative closer mounting that you won't find in the catalog. The closer is installed on an exterior door of an apartment building...I wonder how well it's controlling the door.
FF: Hard Cider Brewery
Beautiful doors and hard cider...two of my favorite things. But being who I am, I wondered whether the doors were code-compliant, since the model codes allow sliding doors to be used in a means of egress when the occupant load is 10 people or less.
FF: Auto Operator Fix
When the automatic operator stops working, today's Fixed-it Friday photo illustrates one way to fix it without bringing in an auto operator expert or waiting for replacement components.
FF: SUBSTITUTION!
Sometimes when you have a change in level of more than 1/4-inch, you just have to wing it and solve the problem using what you've got on hand! I wonder how long this gasketing extrusion could survive as a threshold substitution.
FF: Pneumatic Transfer
Normally, a pneumatic power transfer would be used to supply air to the pneumatic auto operator. This would have been concealed in the edge of the door and the frame rabbet, protecting it from damage. Unfortunately, the installer had other ideas...
FF: Hmmm…
I saw this video posted on the BANG Forcible Entry Facebook page and I thought of y'all. I'm sure you'll quickly spot the problem with this training video on how to defeat a door with panic hardware. :D
FF: Another Day…
...Another propped-open fire door. When are people going to learn?? If you don't know why this is a problem, click the link to watch a video that will teach you all about fire door assemblies.
FF: Strike Out
In the category of "Repairs My Husband Would Make", here's today's Fixed-it Friday photo which was posted on the Crap Locksmithing Facebook page by Randy Lahey.
FF: Something’s Amiss
Anyone else see the problem with this Fixed-it Friday photo? Note: The photo was sent to me by an AHJ, and the situation has since been corrected.
FF: Gravity Slider
The facility's request was to automate this 4-foot x 9-foot sliding door, but I think that's a "fix" that may not be feasible. What do you think?
FF: Bottom Bolt
Maybe I should go into door forensics in my retirement years (someday). I think it's so interesting to look at a door opening and try to figure out what happened.
Another Museum Exit
What is it with museums? Other than antique stores, they have to be one of the most common sites for non-code-compliant exits.
FF: Floor Closer
This door has an arched top so the standard closer mountings won't work, but there is an alternative - a special template from LCN!
FF: Strikeout
Harry Porosky of Integrated Openings Solutions sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo. This looks like it's going to be a pretty expensive fix.
FF: Go to the Mat
I can't say for sure that is a fire door assembly, but I've seen this Fixed-it Friday application on fire doors many times in school gymnasiums.
FF: It’s 5 o’clock on Friday somewhere.
Jennifer Schaffer posted today's Fixed-it Friday photo on the Crap Locksmithing Facebook page, and it seems like an appropriate "fix" for a Friday...
FF: Exterior Fire Protection
Fire door assemblies aren't just something you read about in NFPA 80 - they have an important role in the passive fire protection of a building. Here's another fire door win!
FF: Continuously Self-Cleaning Surfaces
I'm curious about this "self-cleaning" wrap installed on a door pull at a restaurant entrance. Do any of you have experience with this technology?
FF: What’s wrong with this picture?
Not too many people would be walking down a hospital corridor and notice the problem shown in today's Fixed-it Friday photo. Can you see it?
FF: Veterinary Office Security Fix
It still amazes me that people with seemingly no understanding of the code requirements will make modifications to their doors that could result in injury or even death.
FF: Alternative to Lock Picking
This was the result of a school maintenance manager’s attempt to unlock a door that was not on the key system. I think I would have broken the glass, but whatever works.
FF: Covid-19 Precautions
If you see any situations like this, I'd love a photo to help share ideas for Fixed-it Friday "fixes" that ensure all safety requirements are met.
FF: Auditorium Fire Exit Hardware
If your fire exit hardware shows up on the job-site without the dogging feature, there's a good reason for that. Homemade dogging is not a valid fix!
FF: NFPA Dogging
Leave it to NFPA to come up with a new type of dogging that is guaranteed to keep a door with panic hardware unlocked indefinitely.
FF: Sharpie Fix
Coming in just after duct tape and WD-40 in the lineup for must-have tools to fix door-related problems...the Sharpie!
FF: Duct Tape Can Fix Anything
Speaking from experience, this repair method - which apparently spans across multiple industries - does not last long.
FF: Foamy Fix
Sometimes it's painful to see what people will do to their doors and hardware. Trying to solve one problem can lead to another...
FF: Room With A View
Hardware sets in a specification look like a different language to most people, so sometimes there are surprises when the doors and hardware are installed.
FF: Bleacher Seats
Where there's a will (and the AHJ is flexible), there's a way. It's clear that a lot of thought went into this opening, but I have a few unanswered questions...
FF: Custom Security Gate
Yesterday morning, Luna and I saw a security gate/screen door that made me think of y'all...check out the vertical stiles and jambs. This is some serious custom work!
FF: 4-Point Lock
This is a feat of engineering and might even be compliant with the code requirement for one operation to unlatch the door. If only I had a video...
FF: Why Bother?
In the never-ending battle of convenience vs. security...convenience wins again! Why bother investing in access control?
FF: Exit Story
This is the first time I've ever received a Fixed-it Friday STORY...not just one FF photo, but 13 photos and Logan Piburn's narration of the whole situation. Thanks Logan!
FF: Plan Rack
It's Fixed-it Friday, AND...last call for the iDigHardware Yeti mug! Share your insight today on my post about school security design trends, and I'll pick a winner!
FF: ADA Turn
Today's Fixed-it Friday photo shows someone's attempt at solving the problem of a non-ADA-compliant thumbturn in a veterans' home. Fortunately, the locks have since been replaced.
FF: How to Build a Better Mousetrap
I received today's Fixed-it Friday photo from Ken Sako of Lazzaro Companies, and I'm wordless. Maybe y'all can think of something to say.
FF: Exit Extensions
I don't know about y'all, but I needed a laugh today (I know - odd things make me laugh). Happy Fixed-it Friday - I hope you are all staying safe and well.
WW: Middle School Closer
I know that some architects would rather not see thru-bolts for closers, but I think they should be standard for every school specification. Do you agree?