Commercial · Locksmith Service
Panic Bar & Exit Device Services
Using a faulty exit device creates disruption, represents a safety risk, and impedes authorized access to and exit from a structure. At Lock & Key Pros, we provide assessment, repair, replacement, and installation of commercial exit devices as part of our locksmith service.
In order to ascertain the problem and the required service, we take into consideration the door, exit hardware, latch, strike, closer, alignment, exterior locking hardware, and the condition of the existing components. Where there is a requirement for code, fire rating, inspection, or specialized compliance, such matters are to be handled by the concerned authorities or specialists.
- Commercial Locksmith
- Licensed
- Bonded
- Insured
- Free Estimates
- Warranty
Common Panic Bar & Exit Device Issues
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Push Bar Is Hard to Operate
The push bar mechanism can be difficult to operate due to wear, resistance of the latch, misalignment of the hardware, or other conditions affecting the door. There are many parts that can be causing the problem.
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Door Does Not Latch After Closing
If the door does not latch after closing, it can be the exit device, latch, strike, closer, or the frame relationship and alignment.
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Hardware Feels Loose or Unstable
If the hardware feels loose or unstable, then fasteners may be loose or the hardware may be worn out.
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Exterior Key or Trim Does Not Operate Correctly
If the exterior key or trim does not work correctly, then it can be the exterior trim, cylinder, linkage, or the exit hardware.
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Door Slams or Fails to Close Into the Latch
If the door slams shut or does not close into the latch, it can be the closer, the door alignment, or the exit device.
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Existing Hardware Is Damaged or Outdated
If the hardware on the door is damaged or outdated, then it may be better to replace it.
Panic Bar Repair vs. Replacement
If the hardware can be repaired in order to make it reliable again, then it should be repaired. If it is badly damaged or worn, then it should be replaced.
| What the assessment shows | Best next step |
|---|---|
| The hardware is serviceable and can be restored reliably | Panic bar or exit device repair |
| Repair has failed or is not appropriate | Panic bar or exit device replacement |
| The door, strike, alignment and closer are all functioning correctly | The problem is in the panic bar itself |
| The panic bar is functioning and engaging correctly | The door frame, latching hardware, or exterior trim may be causing the problem |
| The door does not close into the latch | Door Closers |
What Are Panic Bars & Exit Devices?
Panic bars and exit devices are types of hardware used on commercial doors to release the door upon activation of an internal push mechanism. Different types of hardware and door applications use various configurations of hardware, methods of latching, exterior trim, and associated hardware.
This page is concerned with the supported locksmith and door hardware service offered: identifying failure of hardware, servicing hardware where possible, replacing obsolete or failed hardware, and installing supported exit devices.
Panic Bar Installation
A new panic-bar or exit-device installation must be matched to the commercial door, door preparation, handing, frame, latching arrangement, exterior trim, and intended use.
Because exit-hardware applications can involve building, fire, accessibility, or life-safety requirements, the final product and application should be selected and approved in accordance with the requirements that apply to the property.
Exit Device Repair
Exit device repair may remedy an ill-fitting, sticking, or loose device that fails to latch, operates poorly, or engages poorly with the strike or door alignment.
If the door does not close into the latch, the correct approach may include Door Closers or a more extensive evaluation of the commercial door hardware.
Panic Bars & Storefront / Commercial Doors
Commercial doors may integrate a variety of components, including exit hardware and closers. Problematic components on one side of the door may adversely affect the function of the opening.
Storefront Locks covers the storefront cylinder and exterior lock, while Panic Bars & Exit Devices covers the push-to-exit hardware.
Panic Bars and Door Closers
The closer regulates the speed at which the door returns to its place. If the door closes too fast, too slow, or not far enough to latch, the exit device will not work as intended, and the reason may be the door closer or the door alignment.
Panic Bars and Access Control
Many commercial doors use access control equipment along with exit devices, and the outside hardware and inside release mechanism should be assessed as a unit.
Access Control covers card, code, keypad, reader, and credential management systems in more depth.
Exterior Trim, Cylinders & Locking Hardware
Many exit device doors use exterior trim or cylinder-operated components. Trim or exterior key failure requires the service technician to determine whether the problem is due to the exterior lock or cylinder, the trim, the exit device, or the interface between them.
Important Scope & Compliance Note
Panic bars and exit devices are related to building, fire, accessibility, occupancy, and life safety codes. This service page describes only the locksmith and door-hardware work that Lock & Key Pros provides.
How it works
How Our Panic Bar & Exit Device Service Works
- 1
Describe the Door-Hardware Problem
Is the panic bar sticking, loose, not releasing, not latching, damaged, or being replaced?
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Door & Exit Hardware Inspection
The technician evaluates the device, latch, strike, alignment of the door, interaction of the door closer, exterior trim, and related hardware.
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Repair or Replace Decision
The path of supported service is determined based on the state of the hardware and the function of the door.
- 4
Perform Approved Hardware Work
Components of the hardware are repaired, or the supported hardware is replaced or installed as agreed.
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Test Door Operation
The door is tested for release, closure, latching, and exterior access support functions.
What Is the Time Taken for Panic Bar or Exit Device Services?
The expected time for service varies based on the specific device, door, hardware, and alignment, as well as closer interaction, and whether the work requires repair, replacement, or installation.
A serviceable hardware issue is very different from a door that requires work on the exit device, closer, strike, exterior trim, and access-control components.
Panic Bar & Exit Device Cost / Pricing
Cost depends upon the door, type of equipment, condition of equipment, whether the work is repair or replacement, closers, alignment issues, exterior trim, access control, and more.
Pricing is affected by the panic bar or exit device type; the condition of existing hardware; repair versus replacement; latch, strike, door frame or alignment problems; exterior cylinder or trim parts; door closer or access control interactions; and the project size and number of doors.
Explain the hardware problem and the commercial door for a pricing estimate. Lock & Key Pros offers free estimates and can scope the supported work before the project begins.
Panic Bar & Exit Device Service Areas
Lock & Key Pros offers supported commercial exit hardware services in these service areas.
Why Lock & Key Pros?
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Complete Door-Hardware Evaluation
Assessment of the device and hardware including latch, strike, alignment, closer, exterior trim, and associated assembly hardware.
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Serviceable vs Unserviceable Assessment
Hardware is assessed based on whether a component can be serviced or should be replaced.
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Coverage of the Commercial Market
The door may incorporate a storefront lock, a closer, and access control, and may also be covered by commercial lock service.
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Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Credentials are confirmed for Lock & Key Pros.
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Free Estimates
Estimates are provided based on the real door and the exit hardware problem.
Panic Bars & Exit Devices FAQs
Do you work on panic bars?
Yes. Panic bars are included in the Lock & Key Pros commercial services list.
Do you work on exit devices?
Yes. Exit devices are included in the Lock & Key Pros commercial services list.
Can a panic bar be repaired?
Some supported hardware can be repaired when the components remain serviceable and can be restored reliably.
When should a panic bar or exit device be replaced?
Replacement is appropriate when the hardware is badly worn, damaged, unserviceable, or cannot be restored reliably.
What if the door will not latch after it closes?
The reason may be related to a component of the exit device or the latch, or to other door hardware such as the closer, strike, or alignment. The assessment may include the complete opening as well as hardware on the frame.
Can access control systems work with exit hardware?
An access control system and exit hardware must be evaluated together. The specific details of a given door and supported exit hardware will determine whether access control can be used.
Do you certify panic bars for fire or building code compliance?
This service page outlines the locksmith and door hardware work we are equipped to perform. Fire-door certification, code compliance, or other specialized services should be performed by the proper qualified entity or specialist.
How much does a panic bar or exit device service cost?
The price will be determined by the condition, the extent of the work, the hardware, the door, and whether we are replacing or repairing the device.
Do you provide panic bar and exit device service in Tarzana?
Yes. Tarzana is one of our service areas. For local information, use the Tarzana location page, and for service details, use this page.
Need Help With a Panic Bar or Exit Device?
Describe what the commercial door hardware is doing. Is the problem with release, closing, latching, or access from the outside? Is this a rush job? Lock & Key Pros can direct you to panic bar, exit device, closer, storefront, lock, and access control services.