Back Page, November 2025
10 Years Ago
Tim O’Leary wrote a comprehensive overview of mechanical exit devices, still good information today! Locksmith Bill Neff, an early advocate of video surveillance systems and recurring revenue, shared some of his expertise. Allan Colombo wrote about high-tech residential locks, featuring the Arrow Revolution, Kwikset SmartCode and Schlage Sense. The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association launched its residential certification program. Another residential article looked at decorative lock options from Baldwin, Omnia, Marks USA, the ASSA ABLOY Good Design Studio and Hager. Smart locks were promoted as an option for senior living facilities. “Powering Up Access Control Devices” addressed selecting the right power supply. On the automotive front, Gale Johnson tested out Keyline USA’s new 884 Decryptor Mini transponder programmer. Johnson also wrote about Capitol Industries’ magnetic cam lock which has no keyway, eliminating problems such as manipulation with picking tools and damage from contaminants entering the lock.
20 Years Ago
Ilco introduced their TKO multi-function programming tool. Jerry Levine explained how to use the AD30 transponder coil detector by Advanced Diagnostics. A comparison listing of card numbers used for the HPC 1200 machine and the Ilco U2 was printed. Bill Neff introduced us to the Genie transponder programming machine. Tom Gillespie suggested several products to display for increasing impulse sales. Jerry Levine installed a Baldwin two-point lockset. Tim O’Leary looked at the Trilogy narrow stile locksets by Alarm Lock. O’Leary also reviewed access control power supplies. Key bumping got into the news again 10 years ago and Gale Johnson looked at the problem and offered solutions. DORMA introduced their SKC cylinder lock which offered increased key control. A handy cross-reference listing of transponder key blanks was printed. A second listing showed code information for late-model vehicles. Bianchi introduced their electronic keyheads and separate horseshoe key blades for mix-and-match cloning.
Classroom Barricade Device Myths and Facts
Editor’s Note: Though this article was first published 10 years ago, it remains relevant today. Read the full article at www.locksmithedger.com/12119494 and visit author Lori Greene’s website, www.idighardware.com, for more school security updates.
Classroom barricade devices are secondary locking devices designed to be installed in addition to existing classroom door hardware. These devices have emerged in response to fears that inadequate security may leave classrooms vulnerable during an active shooter incident. Fire marshals and other code officials point to the safety concerns associated with this practice.
The following myths about classroom barricade devices were disproven on behalf of the Door Security and Safety Foundation, at the 2015 annual conference of the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM).
Myth #1: Securing a classroom door during a lockdown should take priority over allowing safe evacuation.
Myth #2: If the product is not permanently attached to the door, it is not under the jurisdiction of the code official and is not subject to the same requirements that conventional locks and security hardware must meet.
Myth #3: Using barricade devices is no different than using furniture as a barricade, which is recommended by many organizations, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and many others.
Myth #4: It is safe to relax the code requirements addressing fire protection because fatal school fires are no longer common.
Myth #5: Conventional locksets will not effectively secure classrooms against active shooters.
Myth #6: Lots of other states are allowing classroom barricade devices.
Myth #7: Active shooter incidents are the biggest security threat to schools.
Myth #8: The benefits of barricade devices outweigh the risks.
Society’s desire to react quickly and within budgetary restrictions sometimes leads to choices that may solve one problem but inadvertently create others. We frequently see the unintended consequences of installing non-code-compliant products, like double-cylinder (key-operated) deadbolts - people have died because they were unable to escape through doors equipped with these locks. We shouldn’t extend that risk to our classrooms. A holistic approach must be taken for classroom security including training, drills, key distribution, and impact-resistance of glazing adjacent to the hardware. There is no reason to sacrifice life safety in favor of security.
Lori Greene, AHC/CDC, FDAI, CCPR, CFPE, is Manager – Codes & Resources, Allegion.