What is a panic bar?
A panic bar (also called a push bar, crash bar or exit device) is the bar across an exit door. You push it and the door opens, with no key or knob to turn. They're required on many commercial exit doors so people can get out quickly.
Common problems we fix
- The bar sticks or needs a hard push
- The door doesn't latch when it closes
- The outside handle or key cylinder is broken
- The bar can't be set to stay unlocked during business hours
- Double doors that don't line up or latch together
Types of exit devices
- Rim device: the most common type. The latch sits on the edge of the door.
- Vertical rod device: rods run to the top and bottom of the door. Often used on double doors.
- Mortise device: the latch sits inside the door edge, for heavy-use doors.
- Outside trim: the handle or key on the outside, so people can come in when you want them to.
A note on fire and building codes
Exit doors in many buildings have to meet fire and building codes. We use hardware made for exit doors and install it to the manufacturer's instructions. Your building or fire inspector has the final say on what's required for your door.
Questions we hear a lot
Can you add a panic bar to our back door?
Usually, yes. We'll check the door, the frame and how the door is used, and recommend the right device.
Is every panic bar alarmed?
No. Some exit devices have a built-in alarm that sounds when the door opens. Many don't. We work on both.
Our bar works but the door doesn't close all the way. Is that the bar?
Often it's the door closer, not the bar. We check both on the same visit.
Related services
Where we work
We serve all of Alameda County, Contra Costa County, San Francisco, Marin County and Sonoma County.