Field notes from recent installations and retrofit projects

Panic bar retrofit for a 24-hour pharmacy

Swapped out the old rim exit device for a touch-bar model with a dogging feature. The store team now clears the exit lane in under two seconds during fire drills, and the latch holds firm against the constant push of foot traffic.

Cylinder upgrade on a rental block

Replaced worn euro profile cylinders across 14 apartment doors with anti-bump versions. The landlord reported zero lockouts in the first quarter, and tenants stopped calling about keys sticking in the winter cold.

Keypad entry for a small office suite

Installed a weatherproof keypad lock on the rear staff entrance. The office manager can now issue temporary codes for cleaners and couriers without cutting spare keys, and the unit survived a full monsoon season without a single misfire.

Door closer calibration for a clinic corridor

Adjusted the closing speed and latch force on six fire-rated doors so they close reliably without slamming. The clinic staff noticed the difference immediately, and the inspection report now lists all doors as code-compliant.

Hinge replacement on a heavy steel gate

Fitted heavy-duty ball-bearing hinges to a warehouse gate that had sagged after years of daily use. The gate swings smoothly again, and the welder confirmed the frame no longer takes stress from the misaligned leaf.

What customers say after the work is done

Capabilities: From Specification to Installation Support

We work across the full door hardware lifecycle, from product selection and compliance checks to retrofit planning and post-installation guidance. Our team helps you match the right locking mechanism to your door frame, traffic patterns, and security requirements.

Compatibility Assessment

We review your existing door frames, thickness, and backset measurements to recommend hardware that fits without major modification. This covers cylinder types, hinge spacing, and closer arm configurations for both residential and commercial doors.

Compliance and Code Guidance

For commercial projects, we help you navigate fire-rated door requirements, panic bar regulations, and accessibility standards. Our team verifies that exit devices and locking systems meet the relevant safety codes for your building type and occupancy.

Retrofit and Upgrade Planning

Upgrading from mechanical locks to electronic access control requires careful planning. We outline the wiring, power supply, and integration steps needed to replace existing hardware without disrupting your daily operations or compromising security.

Installation Documentation

Every product we supply includes detailed specification sheets, dimension diagrams, and step-by-step installation guides. We also provide torque settings, alignment checks, and maintenance schedules so your hardware performs reliably over time.

Access Control System Design

For multi-door facilities, we help design access control layouts that balance security with convenience. This includes keypad entry, card readers, and centralized management options, along with guidance on credential types and audit trail requirements.

Ongoing Technical Support

After installation, our support desk assists with troubleshooting, spare part identification, and rekeying services. We also offer guidance on seasonal maintenance for weatherproof sealing and closer adjustments to extend the life of your hardware.

Door Hardware Questions We Hear Most

How do I know which cylinder lock fits my existing door?

Check the door thickness and the backset distance from the edge to the center of the bore. Euro profile cylinders need a specific length based on the door and handle setup, while mortise cylinders depend on the case size. Measure both sides of the door, including any trim, then match the cylinder length to the total. Our specification sheets list compatible frame types and common retrofit scenarios for each lock model.

What is the difference between a panic bar and a magnetic lock for an exit door?

A panic bar is a mechanical push-to-exit device that releases the latch when pressure is applied, which keeps the door code-compliant for fire egress. A magnetic lock holds the door with an electromagnet and requires a sensor or request-to-exit button to release. Panic bars suit high-traffic commercial exits where reliable mechanical release matters. Magnetic locks fit interior security doors where you want access control and can manage the power supply and fail-safe settings.

Can I install a smart lock on a metal or aluminum frame?

Yes, but the mounting plate and latch must match the frame profile. Metal frames often need a reinforced strike plate and sometimes a spacer to align the latch with the keeper. Check the lock's backset range and whether the included screws suit the frame material. For aluminum storefront doors, a rim cylinder or a mortise lock with a tailored faceplate is usually the safer choice than a retrofit smart lock.

What does a fire-rated door require for its hardware?

Fire-rated doors need hardware with a listed label that matches the door assembly rating, typically 20, 45, 60, or 90 minutes. Panic bars and closers must carry the same listing as the door. Avoid adding deadbolts or auxiliary locks that are not part of the rated assembly, since they can compromise the door's performance in a fire. We include the listing information on each product sheet so you can verify compatibility before ordering.

How often should door closers be adjusted or serviced?

Inspect closers every six months for oil leaks, loose mounting screws, and consistent closing speed. Adjust the sweep and latch speed valves when the door slams or fails to close fully. High-traffic commercial doors may need a new closer every three to five years depending on usage. Regular cleaning of the track and pivot points prevents premature wear and keeps the door aligned with the frame.

Do you provide specification sheets for project tenders?

Yes, each product page includes a downloadable specification sheet with dimensions, materials, compliance standards, and installation notes. For larger projects, we can prepare a consolidated hardware schedule that maps each door opening to the correct lock, hinge, closer, and sealing product. Contact our support desk with your door schedule and we will help you match the hardware to your security and code requirements.

Need help matching hardware to your door frames? Send your measurements and opening details to info@onefermeture.com or review our resources for compatibility guides.

What you get when you work with our hardware team

Every lock, hinge, and closer is checked against published safety standards before it reaches your site. Fire-rated doors get panic bars with tested exit mechanisms, and cylinder locks are verified for bump resistance.

Compliance verified before dispatch

We measure door thickness, backset, and frame alignment so the hardware you order matches the opening you have. No guesswork, no returns because the cylinder was the wrong length.

Fit matched to your door frame

Each product ships with a specification sheet covering drill patterns, screw positions, and torque settings. A contractor can install a panic bar or electronic lock without calling us for hidden details.

Installation data in the box

For multi-door buildings, we group hardware by floor and opening type so the site team knows which closer goes on the stairwell door and which lock suits the storage room.

Ordered by opening, not by part number

Mechanical cylinders, keypads, and magnetic locks are selected for daily use in corridors, entrances, and emergency exits. We prioritize components that hold up in high-traffic commercial settings.

Built for repeated daily operation

If a product does not fit or a spec changes mid-project, our support desk helps you swap to the correct item before installation starts. See how we handle replacements on the resources page.

Swap support before installation

Capabilities that keep your entry points secure and serviceable

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