Amazing Lock!
Recovery in progress - I promise I will eventually get back to you if you are waiting for an answer from me! Meanwhile...is this lock amazing or what??
29
11, 2018
28
11, 2018
WW: Von Duprin 44s!
I admit it. I have a thing for old hardware - especially when it's still functional, and even better when it's ours!
27
11, 2018
WWYD? School Security in the News
I'd love to hear your opinions on some of the recent media coverage that presents the school security industry negatively. Are they talking about US? If not, how do we make that clear?
26
11, 2018
What the world needs now…
I am still alive, but I'm going to need your positive healing vibes and tolerance for the foreseeable future.
21
11, 2018
WW: Happy Thanksgiving!
iDigHardware will be on break until Monday, so enjoy the holiday weekend (if you're celebrating), and don't forget the rules of holiday door decorating!
20
11, 2018
Hard Corners
Are these safe areas identified in each of the classrooms in the schools that you work with or visit? What do you think of this security measure?
19
11, 2018
QQ: Posted Occupant Load
When are facility managers and building owners required to post signs stating the occupant load of a room or area?
16
11, 2018
FF: Social Hall
In the US we often take life safety for granted, and non-compliant door openings stick out like a sore thumb. In other countries, stringent codes and enforcement are less common.
15
11, 2018
TEDx: “Stupid School Security and Discipline Policies”
This TEDx speaker has an interesting perspective on school security. It's not all about hardening, monitoring, defending. The decisions made now could have lasting effects on kids.
14
11, 2018
WW: What in the world?
I wonder how many people look at this door and wonder what the reasoning was behind this installation. Maybe we're the only ones.
13
11, 2018
School Security on Election Day
Were schools in your city or town used as polling places in last week's election? What precautions were taken to maintain security and safety while allowing access to all registered voters?
12
11, 2018
Favorite Posts
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.
9
11, 2018
FF: WWYD?
What would you do if you were in this situation? It's not always easy to do the right thing, but could you live with yourself if something happened?
8
11, 2018
Fire Marshal Guidance for Unplanned Fire Alarms
Remember when a fire alarm during the school day meant exiting immediately in an orderly fashion and enjoying a few minutes away from our desks? Times are changing.
7
11, 2018
WW: Woops!
When I started this series 7 1/2 years ago, I had no idea that it would go on this long. Until my dying breath, I will love Wordless Wednesday.
6
11, 2018
Which code, when, and where?
When you're interpreting the code requirements for a particular building, how do you know which code or standard to reference?
5
11, 2018
QQ: What’s new? And what’s existing?
When applying NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code, how do you determine whether to reference the chapters for "new" or "existing" occupancies?
2
11, 2018
FF: Employees Only
How does a building owner or property manager justify locking and partially blocking a door that is clearly marked with an exit sign above it? #wordless
1
11, 2018
Decoded: Where are fire door inspections required by code?
The answer: In almost every US state. With that said, having it required by code and having it enforced by the AHJ are sometimes two different things.
31
10, 2018
WW: Happy Halloween!
It's that time of year again...when teachers get creative and their classroom doors become the canvas. Don't forget the rules of holiday door decorating!
30
10, 2018
Editorial: The Security Industry’s Role in School Safety and Security
Recent news reports have questioned the motivation behind the security industry’s involvement in improving school security. This editorial represents my perspective.
29
10, 2018
Bullpen Doors
In case you haven't had enough baseball, John Cohrs of Central Indiana Hardware sent me this photo of the bullpen door from last night's World Series game (nice hardware!).
26
10, 2018
FF: Classic Fix
Fire marshal to restaurant owner: "This door requires panic hardware because the occupant load is over 50 people." Restaurant owner: "Done!"
25
10, 2018
School Safety Specialist Academy
Requiring each school district to employ a certified school safety specialist seems like a great way to ensure that the right information gets to each community. Does your state have such a program?
24
10, 2018
WW: I’m at a loss for words…
I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's Wordless Wednesday photo. This is in direct conflict with everything I learned about life safety in hardware school.
23
10, 2018
FEMA PrepTalks: Rethinking School Safety
Michele Gay is the mom of Josephine Gay, a first-grade student who was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Michele brings a different perspective to what we do every day. Please watch.
22
10, 2018
Classroom Security – 4 Questions
It has been 74 days since I have written about classroom barricade devices. This refresher is posted by request, and in honor of Safe Schools Week.
19
10, 2018
FF: Put a cork in it.
The accessibility standards require sliding door hardware to be "exposed and usable from both sides" when the door is open. Here's a creative solution...
18
10, 2018
QQ: Field Preps for Auxiliary Fire Pins
Can less-bottom-rod (LBR) fire exit hardware with an auxiliary fire pin be installed on an existing fire door? If you have anything to add, please weigh in!
17
10, 2018
WW: Special Knowledge and Effort
These doors are an egress problem waiting to happen, and on an assembly occupancy where large numbers of people may need to exit quickly...
16
10, 2018
Share with your family and friends…
These two videos regarding closed doors and double-cylinder deadbolts will save lives - IF you help spread the word. Who will you share this post with?
15
10, 2018
Decoded 4: Codes for Electrified Hardware (with AIA CEUs!)
Of all the code requirements that apply to doors and hardware, electrified hardware raises the most questions. Here's a training opportunity to help!
12
10, 2018
FF: Steve’s got this.
I don't think there's anything more that needs to be said, except thank you to Ian Baren of Katonah Architectural Hardware for today's Fixed-it Friday photos.
11
10, 2018
WWYD? Hole, No Strike
On a fire door assembly, is it acceptable to drill/cut a hole in the frame for the latchbolt, and not install the strike?
10
10, 2018
WW: Works just fine…
Eyal Bedrik of Entry Systems Ltd. sent me this Wordless Wednesday video...who can diagnose the problem?
9
10, 2018
Fire Door Decommissioning Labels
What's the proper protocol when a fire door assembly has been installed where it is not required? If you're considering the use of decomissioning labels, read this first.
8
10, 2018
Form, Function & Fire Safety: A Clearer View of Fire-Rated Glass and Framing
This video does a great job of summarizing the code requirements that apply to glass and glazing used in fire door assemblies and egress doors. Thanks TGP!
5
10, 2018
FF: Fragile Door
Don't worry about this fragile door, the "fix" has completely solved the problem. Thank you to Colin Watson of Allegion for today's Fixed-it Friday photos!
4
10, 2018
Decoded: Code Requirements for Hotels and other Residential Occupancies (November 2018)
Code issues are not uncommon in hotels, apartment buildings, and other residential occupancies. My next Decoded article addresses some things to look for.
3
10, 2018
WW: Hotel Hinges
Considering the liability a hotel could face if their fire door assemblies failed to perform during a fire, the repair methods employed by many hotels seem pretty irresponsible.
2
10, 2018
Church Pair Revisited
Do you know what I love even more than photos showing a door problem? Photos showing a solution! Do you have any before-and-after photos to share?
1
10, 2018
WWYD? Fire Door Safety Week
The British Woodworking Federation offers dozens of resources to increase awareness about fire door assemblies across the UK. What types of tools do we need in the US?
28
09, 2018
FF: Mechanical Ingenuity
This door is on an auto repair shop that was broken into, and it looks like they have taken matters into their own hands...
27
09, 2018
Fire Door Latching – After the Fire
What happens to fire exit hardware during a fire test, and why doesn't the force of the hose stream actuate the touchpad and cause the door to unlatch?
26
09, 2018
WW: Work It Out
Have your friends and family started noticing hardware problems and code issues? Or do they still roll their eyes when you stop to take photos to submit for Wordless Wednesday or Fixed-it Friday?
25
09, 2018
OSFM Letter on Classroom Security
Thank you to everyone who forwarded this letter from the Office of the State Fire Marshal. I appreciate your help keeping track of what is happening in each state.
24
09, 2018
WWYD? Push-to-Exit Switch
Are pneumatic switches required as the auxiliary release devices for sensor-release electrified locking systems? Or are other types of switches acceptable? Please share your insight and experience!
21
09, 2018
FF: There, I fixed it.
Most people don't realize how much force the components of a door closer have to withstand. I don't think this repair is going to handle the pressure for long.
19
09, 2018
WW: Movie Theater – No Exit
Someone obviously knew that they were rendering the exit unusable...I just wonder if anyone confirmed that this egress door was no longer required.
18
09, 2018
QQ: Turn-Buttons vs. Push-Buttons
Are turn-buttons on cylindrical locks compliant with the accessibility standards? The answer to this question is really up to the AHJ, but here are a few things to consider...