QQ: Dummy Trim on Pairs of Doors
Today's Quick Question was sent to me by a contractor: On a pair of doors, is it acceptable to install a dummy lever on the inactive leaf if that door is equipped with flush bolts?
WWYD? Alternative Function For Classrooms?
I recently received these photos, taken in a university classroom, and I'm hoping that some iDigHardware readers will share your thoughts on using this function for classroom doors.
FF: Three Strikes
These Fixed-it Friday photos were taken in a school...the extra strikes are intended to address the extra clearance and allow the latch to engage. Does anyone see the problem?
WW: At the Vatican
Back in 2019 I visited the Vatican, but I didn't come across the door in today's Wordless Wednesday photo. Luckily, Greg Muir saw it and Deputy Jeff Tock of Allegion sent me Greg's photo.
Barricade Devices – Unintended Consequences
Last week I wrote about comments left by a barricade device manufacturer here on iDigHardware, and I was reminded of a tragic example of the misuse of non-code-compliant security.
WW: Push to Lock!
Now that my kids are adults, they are sick and tired of my "teachable moments," but I can't let an opportunity pass! Today's post is another lesson in turn buttons...
WW: Missing Mullion
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo was sent to me by Daryl Benish of TMP Architecture. This is a great reminder that no matter how hard we try, it's impossible to control what happens in the field.
Accessible Storeroom Function Lockset
A traditional storeroom function lockset may be difficult for some users to operate, and could be prohibited by local codes. Today's post explains the operation of a new accessible storeroom function.
Decoded: Accessibility Standards – Keys and Credentials
How do the accessibility standards affect the use of keys and electronic credentials? Find out in this month's Decoded column for Door Security + Safety Magazine.
Indicators – When, where, and why?
In his latest post, Mark Kuhn explores lock status indicators...where are they required by code, and when are they just a good idea? Where do YOU specify or supply indicators?
FF: Parallel Arm Shoes
I received today's Fixed-it Friday photo from Eyal Bedrik and Danny Estryk of Entry Systems Ltd., and I'm a bit Wordless. Have you seen any creative fixes lately?
Door and Hardware Institute “School Safety” on Daytime
DHI was recently featured in an interview on DayTime addressing school security and highlighting the guidelines available from the Door Security & Safety Foundation. Check out the video in today's post.
American School & University: Secure and Accessible
Tysen Gannon and Devin Bowman, of AD Systems and TGP, teamed up to address how multiple layers of security in a school create safer learning spaces for students and staff.
Rescue Hardware
Our commercial product support team has created dozens of how-to videos, and this one explains rescue hardware. What other hardware concepts would you like to see illustrated in a video?
BS EN Classification of Emergency Exit Hardware
Today's post on emergency exit hardware is the second in a series on the EN standards for hardware, and was written by Hamza Ali DHT and Sushil Kumar Dip GAI, both of Allegion.
QQ: Electrified Locks and Accessibility
An interesting Quick Question showed up last week: Do the accessibility standards mandate an extended amount of unlock time for electronic locks, to accommodate people with disabilities?
QQ: Hardware Finish and Accessibility
This Quick Question hit my inbox last week, regarding the matte black finish: Do the accessibility standards include requirements related to the finish (color) of door hardware?
FF: Key-Operated Lock
Michael Conn of Allegion sent me today's thought-provoking Fixed-it Friday photo, of a restaurant's main entrance door that has been equipped with a key-operated lock (double cylinder deadbolt). "Thought-provoking?" Read on...
FF: Band-Aids (Literally!)
At first glance, it looks like these Band-Aids could have been added to keep the lockset from latching, but I'm thinking maybe this is the doctor's office staff's version of the "Quiet Feature." What do you think?
QQ: Product Certification to Codes and Standards
This Quick Question has come up quite often over the years - I was shocked to find that I had not yet answered it here: Is XYZ product certified as compliant with NFPA 101 (or any other model code)?
QQ: Locks on Patient Room Doors
I recently received this Quick Question from a locksmith at a university medical center: On patient room doors in a hospital, is it code-compliant to install traditional classroom function locksets which allow free egress from the room?
FF: Another Barricade Device
Today's Fixed-it Friday photos illustrate another barricade device used to secure a classroom door. I don't recommend this method or any other device that impacts egress, is non-compliant with the ADA, and is untested for security.
FF: Airport Restroom
Here is one more Fixed-it Friday airport photo (for now)...does anyone else think it's strange that a semi-permanent sign was printed about the broken lock, instead of repairing the broken lock?
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
In my current column in USGlass Magazine, I answered a question about a common application for aluminum storefront doors: Are paddle latches (AKA push paddles) a code-compliant option for the main entrance of a business occupancy?
Egress Through Automatic Sliding Doors
Although there is a section in the I-Codes dedicated to automatic doors, this section does not address the hardware used for security and egress. Locks for automatic sliding doors are covered in other sections of the model codes.
Decoded: Panic Hardware on Doors Serving Assembly Occupancies
My next Decoded article looks at some of the exceptions where doors serving assembly spaces are NOT required to have panic hardware. Did I miss any? Leave a comment and let me know!
FF: Nail Salon Fix
Krystina Regan of Allegion sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photos, taken at the local nail salon. Although I do have an appreciation for clear instructional signage, the hex wrench replacement for the thumbturn and the added surface bolt are a no for me.
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
My current monthly column in USGlass Magazine answers this question: Are deadbolts compliant with the code requirements for egress, fire protection and accessibility? Do you know the answer?
Accessibility Requirements for Operable Hardware and Door Control Devices
In this article for Door Security + Safety, I have used information from various sources to support interpretations of the intent of the accessibility standards. If you have anything to add, leave a comment asap!
WW: We’ll take a booth by the exit.
Kevin Whitney of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo...I wonder if the exit is still required, if the doors are still openable, and why there is signage for a key-operated lock when the doors have panic hardware. So many questions.
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
My next monthly column in USGlass Magazine answers this question: How can an exterior space—like a courtyard or roof terrace—be secured to prevent unauthorized access to the building? Do you know the answer?
Decoded: Deadbolts in a Means of Egress
Are deadbolts permitted by code in a means of egress? A surprising number of people would answer "no", but deadbolts are allowed under certain circumstances. I have updated this Decoded article based on the current codes.
Decoded: Unlatching a Door for Egress
In the next Decoded article I have answered the following frequently asked question: When is it permissible for an egress door to have hardware that requires more than one releasing motion to unlatch the door?
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
My second monthly column in USGlass Magazine answers this question about double-cylinder deadbolts: Where can key-operated locks be used on doors in a means of egress? Do you know the answer?
Infographic: Recommended Lock Functions for Classrooms
There isn't one lock function that works for every school - in some schools, only staff members with keys are able to lock the classroom doors, and in other schools anyone can lock the doors. WWYD?
Allegion 101: Secure the Door – Intro to Schlage Cylinders, Keys, and Key Systems
The Allegion 101 training series was designed for people who are new to the industry, new to the Allegion family of brands, or just want to learn more about hardware. The video in today's post is an introduction to Schlage cylinders, keys, and key systems.
FF: Broken Key Fix
Avi Schenk of BY Locks and Keys LLC sent me these Fixed-it Friday photos of the damage to a Schlage deadbolt caused by students trying to remove a broken key that was stuck in the lock. Note: This is not the recommended fix for broken key problems.
WW: Another Retail Exit
I saw today's Wordless Wednesday photos posted on the Locksmith Nation Facebook page, and Merlin Bechtel of Merlin Lock & Safe gave me permission to share them here. I'm still amazed at the condition of so many retail exits.
Allegion 101: Secure the Door – Schlage
The Allegion 101 training series was designed for people who are new to the industry, new to the Allegion family of brands, or just want to learn more about hardware. The video in today's post covers the various types of Schlage products used to secure a door.
QQ: Special Locking Arrangements
Today's Quick Question came from an AHJ: When I am evaluating a door that is equipped with a special locking arrangement, do the model code requirements for normal locking arrangements also apply?
New: Schlage ND78/ND98 Classroom Security Function
Schlage recently announced a new classroom security function for the ND series Grade 1 cylindrical lockset and I have received some questions about how this new function is different from our previous classroom security lock. Today's post explains...
Communicating Door Follow-Up
When I posted my updated Decoded article about communicating doors earlier this week, I remembered these photos. I think that looking at an issue in different ways can really help to get the point across, so here goes...
Oil-Rubbed Bronze – Danish Style
Depending on the desired look, either aged bronze or oil-rubbed bronze may be the right hardware finish for a particular project, but it's important to know what to expect. I'm seeing lots of great examples as I walk the streets of Copenhagen.
Fire Door Assemblies: Secure the Door
Because fire door assemblies are such an important part of the passive fire protection system of a building, the model codes and referenced standards require fire doors to be closed and latched during a fire. Learn more in today's post.
FF: Brainteaser
The wear on this lock gives us some clues that could jeopardize the access control to this space. Assuming the code has four digits, with at least one #3 and at least one #4, and no #1's, #2's, or #5's, how many possible codes would it take to find the right one to open this door?
FAQs About Fail Safe and Fail Secure Hardware
One of the most fundamental requirements related to access control products can also be one of the most confusing - the functions of fail safe and fail secure electrified hardware. This post answers a few of the frequently asked questions related to this topic.
Family Restroom Locks
Over the last few weeks I have spent a lot of time in airports, and I saw several family restroom applications "in the wild," including a restroom door with an automatic operator and an electrified locking system for privacy. Check it out!
Today Show: “An exclusive look at new security measures to keep schools safe”
Yesterday, the Today Show on NBC ran a story about how school districts are addressing security - including the role of the doors and locks. With mainstream media covering physical security, this important information will reach millions of people.
Almost to 3,000 Posts!
This deadbolt modification was found on an apartment entry door - the surface bolt prevents the deadbolt from being unlocked from the outside with a key. Pretty creative, but I hope no one ever has to enter to help during an emergency.
Day 2 – Crescent Wrench Lockout
When a lost key may have fallen into the wrong hands, and the maintenance staff needed to secure the door until the locksmith arrived, this was their solution. Photo submitted by Paul Linder of Hills Brothers Lock and Safe.