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Whether you own a small business or work in a commercial building, panic exit devices are essential for ensuring the safety of your employees and customers. Panic hardware allows speedy and safe exiting during an emergency. One of the common types of panic exit devices used is push bar door lock mechanisms.
If you’re considering purchasing push bar door lock mechanism parts to install in your commercial door, there must be some questions in your mind. This article aims to provide answers to all those questions by explaining the parts and accessories of push bar door lock mechanisms.
What Are Push Bar Door Lock Mechanisms?
A Push Bar (metal rod), Door Lock Mechanism, is also known as a panic device or panic exit device; it’s designed with a mechanical spring-loaded configuration alongside a horizontal actuator (push-bar). The setup is meant for opening doors quickly via pushing without a key or direct manual access.
The type of push bar door lock mechanism depends on the stile width, mounting location, and handle type located on the surface or concealed inside the aluminum jamb. There are both vertical rod and vertical cable models available on the market with different sizes suited for specific stile widths aligned with building codes.
What Parts Does a Push-Bar Door Lock Mechanism Include?
A push-bar mechanism comprises several hardware parts working together to unlatch the door quickly without keys in case of emergencies. These essential parts include:
1. End cap
2. Dogging key
3. Mounting screws
4. System screws
5. Hex wrench tool
6. Cover the plate with screw holes
It’s crucial that these parts be included when purchasing kits; otherwise, they must be purchased separately.
How Do Push-Bar Door Lock Mechanisms Work?
Push-bar door locks extend from outside-facing handles’ inner workings within latching systems based around retractors made from materials like silicone rollers that allow unlocking via these bars being pushed down.
When the push bar is operated, it activates rods or cables that run up and down the length of the door. The rods or cables retract bolts at the top and bottom of the door to unlock it.
What’s a Panic Concealed Vertical Rod Device?
Concealed vertical rods are one type of panic hardware used for exterior doors in commercial buildings. This device comes with two steel rods attached to a box placed into spaces hollow, installing these equipped with mounting screws and a hex wrench.
The concealed vertical rod is useful on doors that require extra security as they can lock in a more secure manner than other types of panic exit devices.
It’s essential to follow building codes when installing concealed vertical rods. Among them are aligning rods simultaneously, using the proper number 12 screws, and checking back-check adjustments before installation.
How Is End Cap Push Bar Door Lock Type Key Mechanism Replaced?
Several reasons why push bar mechanisms could need a replacement; one reason is wear-and-tear due to frequent use during emergencies over time. In other cases, parts may break during maintenance work, natural decaying, or improper installation from previous installers. Replacing this mechanism is relatively simple if the right steps are followed.
First of all, it’s crucial to ensure that you have the correct replacement kit for your specific push bar door lock mechanism. The kit must include all necessary parts and accessories needed for complete installation.
Next, carefully remove the old push bar mechanism by unscrewing any mounting screws and keeping it in place. Remove the end cap and dogging key from the old bar and insert them into the new one.
Install the new push bar mechanism using the screws provided in the kit. Make sure to check alignment and adjust back-check correctly before fully tightening all screws to avoid damages or accidents during operation.
Finally, test out your newly installed push-bar door lock mechanism to make sure everything is working correctly.
Do I Need Professional Service to Install a Push Bar Door Lock Lever Mechanism?
Whether you need professional service depends on whether you have experience with installing similar hardware parts. For example, concealed vertical rod systems usually need professional installation because of their complexity and compatibility issues with conventional doors.
However, if you already have experience in installing commercial door hardware parts and access control systems, then installing a push-bar door lock mechanism may not pose as much of a challenge for you.
You should always consult manufacturer specifications regarding product suitability before purchasing any product online or visiting local shops’ services centers that specialize in these products’ maintenance.
Where Can I Find Push Bar Door Lock Mechanism Product and Parts?
You can find high-quality push bar door lock mechanisms online. They are available in several sizes, types, and manufacturers’ brands globally, with e-commerce websites such as Amazon listing many options at various price points for everyone based on the budget constraints mentioned earlier.
In addition to this, there is also an increasing number of brick-and-mortar stores dedicated solely to hardware parts like locks specialized for commercial buildings located worldwide, providing quality products along with desired services like shipping or Pick-up-in-store options which makes planning simpler while buying replacements kits according to your schedule.
Emergency exits should always be easily operable, in good working order, and up-to-date with the latest safety codes. Push bar door lock mechanisms offer an efficient way to secure emergency exits while meeting building standards.
By selecting the right parts and accessories, maintaining proper installation procedures, and addressing any replacements promptly, business owners can reduce the risk of endangering their employees’ safety during emergencies.
Conclusion
Having push bar door lock mechanism parts installed in your commercial building is essential for ensuring not only the safety of everyone inside but also for following building codes and regulations.
By understanding these hardware parts’ specifications, including types, sizes, and mountings, along with appropriate installation measures, you can make informed decisions about purchasing and installing high-quality push-bar door locks.
If you are unsure or overwhelmed by the task at hand when it comes to purchasing or installing these products, it’s always important to consult a professional locksmith for advice. They can help guide you through the process and offer valuable insight into which product best suits your situation.
