Tactile & Auditory Feedback
Textures and auditory cues in door hardware can convey important information about an opening and its surroundings. Read more in today's guest blog post by Colleen Furlong of Allegion.
Why Ergonomic Door Hardware Matters in Designing for Everyone
A door handle might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in whether a space feels welcoming or frustrating. Read more in today's guest post by Colleen Furlong of Allegion.
Nursing Room
Ten - YES 10! - years ago, I wrote a post asking what lock function readers recommended for a lactation room or nursing room. What do you think of this application I saw in an airport?
FF: Hamilton, Bermuda
My old pal, John Linehan, sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo along with a note that cracked me up: "I found this in an alley in downtown Hamilton, Bermuda and thought of you." :D
QQ/WWYD? Roof Doors
For a roof door that allows access to mechanical equipment on the roof, what are your preferred locking methods or functions - both electrical and mechanical? What would you do?
Decoded: Locks on Dwelling Units and Sleeping Units
Are the electromechanical locks typically used for individual residential entry doors required to be listed to UL 294 or UL 1034 in order to comply with the model codes?
QQ/WWYD? Institutional Function Lockset
Today's Quick Question: Would an institutional function lockset (always locked on both sides) be permitted on a door between two single restrooms?
FF: Screwed Up
Well, this is one way to solve the problem of an incorrect lock function (not recommended!). Thanks to Tim Weller of Allegion for today's Fixed-it Friday photo!
Ohio State Modernization
I like to share case studies as a way to understand how certain products can help to fulfill design concepts, code requirements, or functional needs. Here's another great example.
Decoded: Separate Deadbolts on Classroom Doors
This month's Decoded article answers a common question: Is it acceptable by code to install a separate dead bolt along with a lockset or latchset on a classroom door?
QQ/WWYD?: Closet Doors
Today's Quick Question came from one of our Allegion specwriters: "The architect for my project wants the closet doors to have no interior dummy trim. Is this acceptable by code?"
WW: Deadbolt Backup
Colin Watson of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo of an application that he and Eddie Dobbins ran across in a public library...mag-locks with deadbolts as the mechanical back-up. YIKES!
BHMA A156.42 – Acoustic Performance Rating for Operational Noise of Architectural Hardware
In 2025, BHMA published a new standard to establish methods for defining levels of acoustic performance of door hardware. The article linked in today's post goes into more detail...
Coming in 2027: Two Releasing Motions for Individual Restroom Doors
While this upcoming change does not apply until the 2027 edition of the International Building Code (IBC) is adopted in a project's jurisdiction, it's a good one to be aware of.
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
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!
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. :(
FDAI: Inspection Criteria 9
In this guest post, Sarah Finley Gilman of Allegion shares some important considerations for the hardware that provides positive latching for fire door assemblies.
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.
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.
FF: Frankenstein Door
Tim Weller of Allegion sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo and I'm not sure what to think, between the sensor bar on an inswinging door and the deadbolt that overrides the electrified hardware.
BHMA Challenge: Built for Innovation
This is Week 4 of BHMA's 100th Anniversary Challenge, and the topic this week is innovation - from new designs and features to process improvements and standards leadership.
WW: Repetitive Retrofit
Sara Klapheke of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos of a residential application...I know there are fans of symmetry but this is too much!
Decoded: Tactile Warning
Some questions about tactile warning have come up recently, so I've updated this Decoded article. When is tactile warning required by code on door hardware? Almost never!
FF: Another Indicator in the Wild
I took today's Fixed-it Friday photos at a children's hospital in California, where locks with visual indicators have been installed to help staff ensure the lock status during a lockdown.
Decoded: Key-Operated Locking Devices
In this Decoded article for the next issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine, I covered a code change that will finally clear up the requirements for double-cylinder deadbolts.
Decoded: Egress From Exterior Spaces
In preparation for an upcoming session on this topic, I have updated this Decoded article with current code references. If you're not familiar with this recent code change, check it out!
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?
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.
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!
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).
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?
Security Today: Creating a Safer World
There's another new voice on iDigHardware! Karen Keating is Allegion's Senior Manager, Brand & Solutions Marketing for the locks category, and today I'm sharing her recent article published in Security Today.
WWYD? Which doors are required to be locked?
In Mark Kuhn's next post, he asks a question that I've wondered about myself...Do you know of a code or standard that requires a door to be locked or lockable, restricting access?
Elevator Machine Rooms
I have updated this 10-year-old post about locks on elevator equipment rooms with info from the current codes and standards, because Mark Kuhn refers to it in his next post (look for that tomorrow).
Decoded: SCIF Security and Egress Requirements
I received a question on SCIF doors this week, so I have updated this Decoded article to include the links to the current federal standards and specifications.
The Schlage XE360 is a winner!
The Schlage XE360TM Series has been named the top product in the SecurityInfoWatch.com Readers' Choice Product Award in the Door Hardware & Locks category!
WW: Locked in the Classroom?
When classroom barricade devices were introduced, I felt confident that the codes developed over the last 100+ years would continue to protect building occupants. I was (partially) wrong.
Know it’s locked.
I recently heard from an architect who was looking for an occupied indicator for a restroom, and I was surprised to hear that he didn't know about the indicator options from Schlage.
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?