How to Replace a Broken or Damaged Panic Bar

If you have a commercial building, you likely have a panic bar installed on your exit doors. These devices are critical for ensuring the safety of your employees and customers in case of an emergency. However, over time, panic bars can become worn out or damaged due to frequent use or harsh weather conditions. In these cases, it's important to replace the panic bar to ensure it works properly when you need it most. Here's how to replace a broken or damaged panic bar:

Step 1: Choose the Right Replacement Panic Bar

Before you can replace your panic bar, you need to ensure that you have the right replacement part. Panic bars come in different sizes and shapes, so make sure to measure your current panic bar and choose a replacement that matches the same dimensions. It's also important to choose a panic bar that meets the same safety standards as your current one.

Step 2: Remove the Old Panic Bar

The next step is to remove the old panic bar from the door. To do this, you'll need to unscrew the mounting plates and remove the mounting screws. If your panic bar is attached with bolts, you'll need to remove those as well. Once you've removed all the mounting hardware, you should be able to remove the panic bar from the door.

Step 3: Install the New Panic Bar

With the old panic bar removed, it's time to install the new one. First, attach the mounting plates to the door using the same holes as the old panic bar. Next, place the new panic bar onto the mounting plates and secure it with the mounting screws or bolts. Make sure to tighten the hardware securely to ensure the panic bar is properly attached to the door.

Step 4: Test the New Panic Bar

Once the new panic bar is installed, it's important to test it to ensure it works properly. Open and close the door several times to ensure the panic bar engages and disengages smoothly. Test the latch to make sure it locks securely when the panic bar is engaged. If you notice any issues, you may need to adjust the panic bar or contact a professional for help.

Step 5: Perform Regular Maintenance

To ensure your panic bar stays in good working condition, it's important to perform regular maintenance. This includes cleaning the panic bar and lubricating the moving parts. You should also check the mounting hardware periodically to ensure it's still tight and secure. Regular maintenance can help prevent future issues with your panic bar.

Conclusion

Replacing a broken or damaged panic bar may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and instructions, it can be done quickly and easily. Remember to choose the right replacement part, remove the old panic bar, install the new one securely, and test it to ensure it works properly. With regular maintenance, your new panic bar should provide reliable safety and security for years to come.

Commercial door panic bars and exit device hardware are available at www.autodoorandhardware.com.

Disclaimer: The material in this article has no regard to the specific installation, building code requirements, law requirements, authority having jurisdiction, local or state requirements, or any particular needs of any viewer. This article is presented solely for informational and entertainment purposes and is not to be construed as a recommendation or solicitation. Nor should any of its content be taken as advice. Automatic Door and Hardware is not an installation advisor. The views expressed in this article are completely speculative opinions and do not guarantee any specific result. Commercial doors, hardware, and automatic door parts should only be worked on by trained, qualified, and licensed professionals; failure to do so can result in danger. Any opinions expressed in this article are subject to change without notice. Automatic Door and Hardware is not under any obligation to update or keep current the information contained herein. Automatic Door and Hardware may have an interest in the securities and commodities of any entities referred to in this material. Automatic Door and Hardware accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of the use of all or any part of this material. Automatic Door and Hardware recommends that you consult with a licensed and qualified professional before making any modifications or repairs to commercial doors, automatic doors, or hardware components of those doors. The content covered in this article is NOT to be considered as advice. I’m NOT an adviser. These are only my own personal and speculative opinions, ideas, theories, hypotheses, charts, technical analysis, insights, and curated news publications. The technical analysis in this article is completely speculative and does NOT guarantee any specific result. The technical analysis in this article has NO proven rate of accuracy. Do NOT repair or modify your doors and/or hardware based upon the analysis presented in this article. Always do your own research and only use trained and licensed professionals for any repairs or modifications. I will NOT be held liable for any of your personal repairs or modifications or any losses/damages that you may incur if you do repair or modify your doors and/or hardware. Information provided through this article is provided to you as is without any express representations or warranties of any kind, and we make no representation or warranty that this article (or any information provided in response to your inquiry), will be accurate, complete, or error-free. You agree that you must evaluate all information and responses, and that you bear all risks associated with, the use of this article, including any reliance on the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information or materials made available through this article. This article is purely for entertainment purposes only!