I have added a new link to the Codes page on iDigHardware, where you can find information about code adoption as well as links for free access to some of the codes and standards that we refer to regularly. Thanks to John Woestman of BHMA for the tip on FEMA's BCAT!
There’s a rumor going around that I am retiring. I have to admit, there are days when I’m tempted to throw a big party and pretend to retire so I can go underground and get some work done, but my planned retirement date is still several years away.
I just got an email from a coworker in Korea, who said that it had been a long time since he had seen me, but that he was listening to one of my webinars so it was like I was right there with him. :) If you're feeling like you haven't seen me lately, check out this episode of DoorTalk!
I couldn't come up with an answer to this tough question from the ICC: "If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title would be?" Any ideas?
About 10 years ago, a wise man (the company president at the time) told me that someday I would not be able to handle the network I was creating. He was right. iDigHardware just turned 12 years old, and we're making a few changes.
We are now beginning a new code development cycle for the International Building Code, and NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code will follow soon. This gives us an opportunity to propose changes to the codes that affect door openings the most...
Actually, I've been here all along - writing a new post each weekday! If you haven't been receiving your daily or weekly email notifications, here's what you missed...
Anyone know what "loiding" is? How about a "mute"? To find out, click here to download the DHI Glossary of Architectural Hardware Terms.
I hope that you enjoy time with family and friends over the next week or so, and I'll see you all in 2020!
Are you headed to Cleveland this week for the DHI ConNextions conference? I hope to see you there!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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...
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!
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!
I'll be out of the office for the Memorial Day holiday. See you tomorrow!
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.
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!
I am still alive, but I'm going to need your positive healing vibes and tolerance for the foreseeable future.
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.
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!
Thanks for all your support, and see you in 2018!
For weeks, it feels like I've been waking up to bad news. Earthquakes, floods, fires, now yet another mass shooting...
There are a couple of great resources for finding out more information about the state code requirements as well as the model codes and referenced standards.
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...
To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of change; I like predictability. I know that might surprise some of you, but I’m more apt to live by the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” In case some of you are change-averse like me, I want to tell you about a change that is happening today.
These introductory videos are great for people who are new to the industry, so use the share/save icon above to share the link with your colleagues!
Because these books are long out of print they can be difficult to find, so imagine my excitement when an iDigHardware reader posted links to some of Adon's books in an online archive!
This week I'm headed to our office in Carmel, Indiana, and one of the things I'm going to work on is the plan for 2017...
Last week I said that it's not every day you see a cartoon about doors, and then Kevin Lach of Twin City Hardware sent me another one. I think this might sound familiar to some of you...
I think there really are a thousand ways to screw up a door, but it's not every day you see a cartoon on the subject. Jim Phillips of SBS Associates sent me this oldie that he found in a file. Anyone know where it originated?
Along with Joe Pulizzi, Robert Rose hosts a weekly podcast called This Old Marketing, and this week's podcast mentioned iDigHardware and the community we have created here!
The new code reference guide is here! Each year, thousands of people receive a hard copy or electronic download of our code reference guide. When a new edition of a code or standard becomes available, I incorporate any necessary changes...
This is why I use PDF code books!
Instead of Wordless Wednesday, I need some help identifying a product. It's in a detention facility. If you know the manufacturer, model number, and/or purpose, leave a comment!
This article by my coworker, Bill Lawliss, appeared in last month's issue of Doors & Hardware magazine. In case you're not a subscriber and are interested in BIM, I'm sharing it here (or you can download the reprint here)...
I receive lots of questions daily. Usually they are code questions, but I also receive questions about our products. To help you find answers to some of the product questions more quickly, I have added links to some Allegion support resources in the right sidebar. -->
When I worked for a hardware distributor back in the 80's, I had a secret hiding place where I kept my prized possessions...including a small cardboard "book" that contained samples of each of the common finishes used for hardware. I had to keep it hidden, because people were always trying to steal it, or rip out the little metal pieces to send as finish samples...
Have you ever been working on a specification or submittal and needed to find out whether a particular product was certified, or listed for a certain application? Maybe the plans show an oversized fire door and you need to see if your preferred manufacturer has tested a door of the proper size...
I realize that almost-daily emails from me might be too much for some people, so we Fixed-it. There is now a weekly notification available, which will send you 1 email per week, on Friday afternoon, with a list of that week's posts...
Photos of the collapsed buildings show what appear to be fire walls between each of the adjoining buildings, which may have provided some protection from the explosion and resulting fire. The term "fire wall" is often misused...
This is not door-related, but consider it a public service announcement that shows how much I care about you. I don't know how common this is, but I did confirm that a 9-volt battery can be used to start a fire and improper storage has led to several residential fires. If we proactively replace our smoke detector batteries and store the partially-used batteries until they are recycled, we need to take precautions to avoid the situation in the video below.
Almost exactly 7 years ago I began working on one of my most beautiful and challenging projects - the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. I remember the start date because I had just returned from leave after having my youngest daughter. The architect contacted me many months prior and asked me to act as the hardware consultant on the project, and to be honest, I didn't want to do it. I already had several "high-maintenance" projects on my desk, and with most of those fancy, prestigious projects, you also get frustrations and headaches. You get architects with door-related ideas that have never been attempted...gigantic doors, openings that are invisible (codes be damned), doors made out of unusual materials, sliders that slide with the touch of a finger and no sound, and security applications that require variances from the local AHJ. It was during one of those projects that I first stated, "Sorry, I left my magic wand in the car." On another I earned the nickname "the anti-fairy godmother" because I told an architect that the doors in his interior elevation would not look the way he had drawn them because of code-drive hardware requirements.
