As a security professional, you will likely be called out to work on aluminum storefronts. Most locksmithing on storefronts involves the following three tasks:
- Rekeying the lock cylinders
- Repairing locks and other accessories
- Installing upgrades, typically for electronic access control.
Repairs may involve any of the hardware found on storefront doors. While storefronts are metal, they are usually aluminum which is a relatively soft and toolable material. On the other hand, the bracing, the dimensions of the extrusions, and the presence of plate glass create additional degrees of difficulty and concern when repairing or performing upgrades to them.
Storefronts are usually exposed to the weather, on street level, heavily trafficked openings, and poorly maintained.
Some locksmiths have designated mechanics for their door work, since door repairs go better with a two-man team because doors are heavy and cumbersome. For many repairs, the door must be removed from the opening for servicing.
The dispatcher should ask enough questions to determine of the task at hand is a one person rekey or lock repair, or a two man pivot or *concealed closer replacement.
While lockshops like to offer a low flat service call rate in order to be competitive, door work takes longer than a rekey, and a single person may encounter problems which will mean delaying the repair and requiring an additional vehicle, or a vehicle with a two man crew. Setting your flat rate too low puts you in competition with yourself, and impairs your employees’ ability to do a professional job. Successful lockshops have a separate service call and hourly rate for a door team.
A two-man crew can consist of one mechanic with door repair experience and another mechanic who is a good listener and follows direction. The good listener will hopefully soon gain enough experience and self confidence that he or she can negotiate the problems associated with storefront doors. By using a trainee you cut your labor overhead for the service call too.
If there is something you cannot do profitably, then don’t get involved; hand business to a competitor.
For over 100 years, Adams Rite has been an aluminum hardware authority, known for innovative designs and high quality products. When the Maximum Security (MS) Lock® launched in 1955, it quickly became the industry standard and even now remains the dominant locking solution for narrow stile aluminum openings.
Today Adams Rite designs, manufactures and markets door and door hardware products to the commercial, industrial and institutional building construction industry. Product lines include electromechanical deadlocks and deadlatches, electric strikes and exit devices for exterior and interior doors as well as integrated door assemblies. Adams Rite products are designed to complement the clean lines of modern doors, while at the same time meeting safety and access codes.
With a variety of new and innovative electrified access control products for aluminum and glass doors, Adams Rite is still a pioneering voice in the industry. Here is a listing of their storefront door hardware offerings.
MS1847 Series MS®Deadlock/Deadlatch
The MS1847 Deadlock/Latch for ultra-narrow stile sliding doors features a self-protecting bolt with adjustable bolt projection. It is a compact lock designed to fit within very narrow sliding door stiles without compromising the high degree of security these doors need. The sturdy stainless steel bolt has two important features not usually found in sliding door hardware.
1000 Turns are designed to operate Adams Rite MS1847® Deadlocks and 5017 Wood Door Deadlock. Models 1000-11 and 1000-21 have a rectangular escutcheon for mounting directly on the door. Models 1000-01 and 1000-02 are without escutcheon, designed for easy push-nut mounting to door pull or other trim plate.
More Info: http://tinyurl.com/1000turns
MS1861 Series MS® Bottom Rail Deadbolt
The MS1861 Series MS® Bottom Rail Deadbolt provides maximum security with MS deadbolt locking mechanism. It utilizes hardened steel bolts for the limited space of ultra-narrow stile doors.
The MS1861 lies horizontally in the bottom rail of ultra-narrow stile doors which have insufficient vertical space for a lock, or tempered glass doors which have no stile at all. The hardened steel cylindrical bolts allow simple drilled strike holes of a relatively small size to minimize the nuisance and danger presented by some threshold strikes in collecting debris or snagging on high-heeled shoes. MS1861-02 locks either single-leaf or pairs of doors. This product is not recommended for wood doors.
More Info: http://tinyurl.com/AdamsRiteMS1861
MS+1890 Series MS® Deadlock/Deadlatch
The MS+1890 Series MS® Deadlock/Latch provides a maximum security deadlock for after hour and traffic control convenience during business hours.
Typical installation is a bank or store requiring three modes of door control:
1. Both lock and latch bolts retracted for unrestricted entry and exit during business hours,
2. Handle-operated latch for exit-only traffic just after closing, and
3. Maximum Security hookbolt for overnight lockup.
NOTE: Handle or paddle operates latchbolt only. Electrified trim/operators are not available for the MS+1890.
More Info: http://tinyurl.com/AdamsRiteMS1890
4591 Deadlatch Paddle
The 4591 Deadlatch Paddle is an ergonomically-friendly alternative to a knob or lever handle that operates with a simple push or pull. This makes opening a latched door as natural as opening an unlatched one – just push or pull in the direction the door swings.
This product is available for any Adams Rite 4300, 4500 or 4900 Series Deadlatch, MS+1890 Deadlock/Latch, or 2190/2290 Interconnected Deadbolt/Deadlatch.
Dual Force® 2190 Interconnected Deadbolt/Deadlatch
The Dual Force® 2190 Interconnected Deadbolt/Deadlatch provides access control and security for aluminum stile doors. Latch and deadbolt capabilities are combined for fast, easy, and panic-proof exiting.
The Dual Force 2190 combines the access control capabilities of a latch with the security of a deadbolt. The key retracts and extends the deadbolt (and deadlatch) from either side. The exterior lever retracts the latch only, while the inside lever retracts the deadbolt and latch simultaneously for fast, easy, panic-proof exiting. This product is intended for out-swinging doors.
Key or thumbturn retracts or extends deadbolt or deadlatch. Inside lever retracts both when configured with interconnect feature. Outside lever retracts latch only. Latch holdback feature activated or deactivated by turning key to retract latch and sliding holdback button on faceplate down to hold and up to release. 2190 will not work without its specially designed strike - included standard in package.
For electrified trim options, order 2190 Electrification Kit EK-2190 for adding to the clutched exterior lever. Dual voltage 12/24 VDC rated for continuous duty operation. Energizing the lever allows exterior lever to be turned to retract latch only. The electrified option is not available for low profile trim.
More Info: http://tinyurl.com/AdamsRite2190
4510 Standard Duty Deadlatch
The 4510 Standard Duty Deadlatch offers flexibility of traffic control during and after business hours. A reverse turn of the key while the bolt is held retracted retains the bolt to allow two-way traffic for hospitals, banks, stores, and other buildings which require free entrance at certain times and exit-only at other times. This deadlatch is interchangeable, without stile modification, with any MS1850A or MS1850S Deadlock of same backset and faceplate shape. It does not, however, provide the same maximum security level as the MS® Deadlock.
Turn the key or operate handle to retract spring-loaded latchbolt. To hold bolt retracted, push it in and secure by reverse turn of key. It uses any standard mortise cylinder with MS® dimensioned cam.
More Info: http://tinyurl.com/adamsRite4510
4600 Heavy Duty Designer Deadlatch Handles
The 4600 Heavy Duty Designer Deadlatch Handles are designed with a patented adjustable drive mechanism to operate the 4300, 4500, and 4900 Series Deadlatches with either an upward or downward motion. 4600 Deadlatch Handles can be retrofitted in the field onto the 2190/2290 Interconnected Deadbolt/Deadlatch.
Offered in a wide range of lever designs and architectural finishes, the 4600 Series Deadlatch Handle complements the most contemporary door systems.
NOTE: Request-to-Exit (REX) switch optional to provide signal when lever is actuated.
4900 Heavy Duty Deadlatch
The 4900 Heavy Duty Deadlatch provides flexible traffic control and easy installation. A reverse turn of the key while bolt is held retracted retains the bolt, to allow two-way traffic for applications which require free entrance at certain times and exit-only at other times. It is interchangeable, without stile modification, with any MS1850A or MS1850S deadbolt of same backset and faceplate shape. Also retrofits to existing 4500 and 4700 Deadlatch preparations. 1-3/4" minimum door thickness required.
To operate, turn key or operate handle or paddle to retract spring-loaded Latchbolt. To hold bolt retracted, push it in and secure by reverse turn of key. Uses any standard 1-5/32" mortise cylinder with MS® dimensioned cam.
An alternative to knob or lever handles, the 4550 deadlatch panel akes opening a latched door as natural as opening an unlatched one – just push or pull in the direction the door swings. Available for any Adams Rite 4300, 4500 or 4900 Series Deadlatch, MS+1890 Deadlock/Latch, or 2190/2290 Interconnected Deadbolt/Deadlatch.
More Info: http://tinyurl.com/AdamsRite4900
MS2180 Auto-Release Two-Point Flushbolt
The MS2180 Auto-Release Two-Point Flushbolt works in conjunction with any MS pivoting deadlock to provide maximum security for paired doors.
It is used instead of code-violating manual (flip-lever) flushbolts in the inactive leaf of paired doors. One turn pins the inactive leaf in position. The pivoting MS® deadlock in the active leaf secures the entire opening. The action of securing the MS® deadlock trips an internal mechanism in the MS2180 so that when the MS® deadlock is retracted, the entire opening releases with only one operation.
This auto-release two-point flushbolt must be installed with a pivoted bolt MS® deadlock. It may not be used as a standalone locking mechanism.
More Info: http://tinyurl.com/flushbolt
8600 Series Life-Safety Exit Device
This narrow stile concealed vertical rod pushbar is made of extruded aluminum, clad or anodized in a variety of finishes. The device is non-handed. Lever Entry Trim is field reversible.
Standard sizes are dimensioned for 30", 36", 42", and 48" openings. Standard width bars can be field cut to the next smallest opening width.
Bar Height adjusts from 30" to 44". Standard units are adjustable for doors up to 66" above the selected bar height. For doors over 66" above bar height, use 8655 Tall Door Kit.
The 8500 Series accepts any standard diameter mortise cylinder with MS cam and accommodates cylinder lengths from 1" to 1-1/4". (Available separately).
The 8600 Series electrified aluminum grade option has the following features:
- Patented top latching mechanism interlocks door to frame
- Strong, durable construction for a high level of security
- Adjustable steel rods protected in contoured covers
- Easy to install
- Pushbar clad or anodized, not plated, in a variety of finishes
8600 Series Certifications: UL 305 Panic Hardware, California State Fire Marshall, ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1, New York City MEA
3080 Series Entry Trim
The 3080 Series Entry Trim provides outside activation for doors with any type of Adams Rite exit device. The locked handle is protected from vandalism and forced entry with a breakaway clutching mechanism.
All models share the same core components, so handles can be changed without having to replace the entire trim. Solid construction meets Grade 1 standards.
The 3080E Electrified Entry Trim provides a continuous duty solenoid mounted to the trim, which enables remote activation of the locking function without unlatching the door, making this trim ideal for stairwell and fire doors.
Standard Handles: The 3080-01, -02, and -03 lever handles are designed to return within ½” of the door face. Handles in the Designer Series do not have this same feature. Please verify with local code requirements to ensure compliance.
This product can be ordered with or without a hole for cylinder. Order standard mortise cylinder with MS® cam separately. (NOTE: Order 4603 Rectifier, 4605/4606 Transformer or PS-1 Power Supply separately.)
More Info: http://tinyurl.com/AdamsRite3080
8800 Series
This narrow stile rim exit device's patented “Starwheel” bolt interlocks door to frame. Features include strong, durable construction for a high level of security, easy installation and unobtrusive design for clean sight lines. The Pushbar is clad or anodized, not plated, in a variety of finishes.
8800 Series Certifications include: UL 305 Panic Hardware, ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1, California State Fire Marshall, New York City MEA*
*Consult Factory for specific number
The device is non-handed. Lever Entry Trim is field reversible.
Pushbar Length is designed for 30”, 36”, 42”, and 48” openings. Standard width bars can be field cut to the next smallest opening width. Suits 1-3/4” standard door thickness, up to 2-1/4”.
Operation:
1. When door closes, the interlocking noseguard and starwheel bolt close around the strike. The deadlocking slide springs over, locking the starwheel bolt to the strike.
2. When pushbar is depressed, the deadlocking slide moves back, allowing the door to unlock from the strike. This unique interlock provides solid security and prevents jamb spreading.
Strike: Made of hardened steel. Standard strike and narrow versions for centering doors in 4" jamb. (Both strikes are included).
Removable Mullion - 3890: Allows the use of rim exit devices on paired doors without narrowing the doors. Provides higher security and better traffic flow than paired doors with vertical rod exit devices. Available in anodized 313 and 628. Specify door height when ordering.
Options and Accessories
Silent Electrification Motorized Latch Retraction: The SE Motorized Latch Retraction option provides near-silent operation for quiet environments such as hospitals, offices, hotels, and libraries where solenoid-driven devices would be disruptive.
Electric Latch Retraction: The EL option is offered only for our Rim Exit devices and uses a solenoid mounted in the pushbar for instantaneous unlocking and locking of the exit device from a remote location or access control device. The EL option is available for rim exit devices only.
Alarmed Exit Device: This battery-operated option emits a loud (95 decibel) alarm to notify management of unauthorized exit. Available on minimum opening width 36". Cannot be ordered with other exit device options.
Request to Exit (REX) – Monitor / Signal Switch: Mounted in the exit device pushbar on the hinge end, the switch can be used to activate signal light, horn, monitor, or other devices.
Cylinder Dogging: For management control of dogging exit devices for life-safety exit devices only.
Electric Dogging: A holding magnet keeps the pushbar depressed (set manually) and the latch retracted for lower profile exit devices, resulting in less damage and quieter operation.
Matching End Caps: Matching end caps are available for applications where it is preferable that the end caps match the finish of the exit device. Available for US finishes only.
Tim O'Leary
Tim O'Leary is a security consultant, trainer and technician who has also been writing articles on all areas of locksmithing & physical security for many years.