Panic Bar / Push Bar Repair

What Panic Bar Problems Do We Fix?

Bars that won't retract the latch, bars stuck in the open position, broken end caps, loose mounting, and failed fire inspection issues. Panic bars have internal springs and linkage that wear over time. The most common failure is the latch bolt not fully retracting when the bar is pushed, which means the door doesn't open freely in an emergency.

Florida Fire Prevention Code requires all panic hardware to operate with a maximum of 15 pounds of force. If your bar requires more force than that, it fails inspection. We repair and adjust to meet code.

What Brands Do We Service?

Von Duprin (98/99 series), Detex (10/20 series), Sargent (80 series), Dorma, and Yale. Von Duprin 98 and 99 are the most common exit devices in South Florida commercial buildings. We carry replacement latch assemblies, tailpieces, and end caps for both models.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), exit hardware must be tested annually in commercial buildings. We handle both the testing and the repair if anything fails.

Types of Panic Hardware Triton Locksmith Repairs

• Rim exit devices: The most common type. The latch mechanism is surface-mounted on the door. Von Duprin 98/99 series and Sargent 8800 are the standard commercial rim devices.
• Mortise exit devices: The lock body is inside the door. More secure because the latch is recessed. Common on heavy-traffic entries.
• Vertical rod exit devices: Rods extend from the push bar into the top and bottom of the door frame. Provides three-point locking. Required on some double doors and fire doors.
• Concealed vertical rod (CVR): Same as vertical rod but the rods are hidden inside the door. Cleaner appearance. More expensive to repair.

Common Panic Bar Problems

• Latch not retracting: The push bar is pushed but the latch does not pull back. Usually a broken spring or worn latch mechanism. Triton Locksmith replaces the internal components.
• Latch not engaging the strike: The door closes but the latch does not catch. Misalignment between the latch bolt and strike plate. Triton Locksmith adjusts the strike or the door alignment.
• Push bar sticking: The bar pushes in but does not spring back. Broken return spring or bent push rail. We replace the spring or the entire push rail.
• Dogging mechanism failure: The hex key dogging feature (holds the latch retracted for free entry) stops working. Internal dogging pin is bent or seized.
• Vertical rod not reaching the strike: Top or bottom rods are bent, disconnected, or too short after a door was planed down. We straighten, reconnect, or replace rods.

Fire Code Requirements for Panic Hardware

NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) requires panic hardware on certain exit doors. Any door in an assembly occupancy (restaurant, theater, church) with an occupant load over 50, or any door in an educational or high-hazard occupancy, must have panic hardware. The hardware must allow the door to open with no more than 15 lbs of force applied to the push bar.

Triton Locksmith installs fire-rated panic hardware on fire-rated door assemblies. The exit device must carry the same fire rating as the door (typically 90 minutes or 3 hours). We verify compatibility with the door label and ensure the complete assembly maintains its fire rating.

How Much Does Panic Bar Repair Cost?

• Latch mechanism repair: $150-$250
• Push bar spring replacement: $100-$200
• Full rim exit device replacement: $300-$500
• Vertical rod device replacement: $400-$600
• Strike plate adjustment: $95-$150
• Dogging mechanism repair: $100-$175

Where Does Triton Locksmith Repair Panic Bars?

Any commercial building with exit doors across South Florida. Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach. Same-day service. Call (561) 524-8500.

When to Repair vs. Replace a Panic Bar

Replace the entire exit device if the push rail is bent, the body is cracked, or the device is more than 15 years old and showing multiple failures. Repair if the issue is limited to a specific component: latch mechanism ($150-$250), spring ($100-$200), dogging pin ($100-$175), or vertical rod adjustment ($95-$150). Triton Locksmith always inspects the entire device before recommending repair or full replacement. For buildings in Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach with multiple exit doors, we inspect all panic hardware during the visit and provide a condition report with repair priorities and budget estimates.

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