Panic Bar Installation

Panic bar installation starts from $250. Locksmith Auto installs and repairs crash bars, push bars, and exit devices for fire code compliance. We carry rim-style, vertical rod, and concealed vertical rod hardware from Von Duprin, Sargent, and Precision.

Panic bars are required by fire code on most commercial emergency exits. The idea is straightforward: in a fire or emergency, people push the bar and the door opens right away. No knobs to turn, no keys to find, no fumbling. Building inspectors, fire marshals, and insurance companies all require them on designated egress doors. No exceptions.

Three main types. Rim exit devices ($250-400 installed) mount on the door surface and retract a latch at the edge. Most common, least expensive. Vertical rod devices ($350-600 installed) have rods that run to the top and bottom of the door, latching at both points for better security. Concealed vertical rod devices ($400-700 installed) hide the rods inside the door so it looks cleaner.

Installation means mounting the panic bar assembly to the door face, drilling for the latch mechanism, putting in the strike on the frame, and adjusting push force. Code says less than 15 pounds to open. Locksmith Auto verifies that the door opens smooth, latches tight when closed, and hits the ADA push-force requirements.

Something we see all the time: businesses chaining or padlocking a panic bar door from outside. That completely defeats the purpose and it's a life-safety violation. If you need to stop people from coming in through a panic bar door, the right answer is an alarm exit device ($350-550 installed) that blasts an alarm when the bar gets pushed, or a delayed egress device ($400-650 installed) that holds the door for 15-30 seconds while an alarm sounds so staff can respond.

We handle new installations, replacement of worn or damaged units, and repair of existing hardware. Common repairs: broken push pads ($80-150), misaligned latches ($75-120), worn springs that keep the door from latching right ($60-100). Every installation and repair gets tested for code compliance before we walk out. 90-day warranty on parts and labor.