10. Miscellaneous items
Yes, there are two categories for miscellaneous items. To this author, the main difference between the two seems to be the previous category contains hardware applied to the door (e.g. hooks and viewers), while this one contains items not installed directly on the door, such as computers, wiring diagrams, key switches, software, and wire.
Six important things to remember
With many other aspects of door hardware with which a specifier should be concerned, this article now explores six pertinent items that can help limit the amount of door hardware punch list items on a project.
1. Most door hardware components have to meet various codes and standards for minimum functionality and durability, depending on the device type.
Door hardware is affected by many building, fire, safety, accessibility, and other standards and codes. Some local jurisdictions have specific codes and standards for their own use.
2. ANSI and BHMA’s standard refers to three finish designation systems.
In the co-published ANSI/BHMA A156.18, American National Standard for Metals and Finishes, the American National Standards Institute and Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association refer to a trio of finish designation systems:
- National Bureau of Standards of the U.S. Department of Commerce;
- Canadian Builders Hardware Manufacturers Inc.; and
- BHMA.
The BHMA finish designations provide more information in their number by stating not only the item’s finish, but also its base metal. This is important when specifying fire-rated openings, as an example, to ensure there is a steel-based metal as required by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 80, Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives. Otherwise, any other base metal, such as brass or bronze, would melt long before the time required by code, leaving the door vulnerable to fire hazard.
For instance, US26D is the U.S. designation for ‘satin chromium plated,’ while 626 is the BHMA designation for ‘satin chromium plated on brass or bronze base metal,’ and 652 is ‘satin chromium plated on steel base metal.’ This is important when specifying, ordering, and installing hinges on fire-rated doors, as they require steel-based hinges per NFPA 80.
3. Most hardware devices are tested to meet multiple minimum criteria, and depending on the levels met, grades are applied.
Grade 1 is the best-performing device passing the highest minimum standards, Grade 2 would be the next, and Grade 3 would be the lesser quality of the three. Procedures include cycle testing, which is the performance of how many times a device can be ‘used.’ For example, one cycle of a test would include such a lever handle of a lockset being rotated to retract and extend a latchbolt that would be one cycle. Another example would be a door closer cycle—each time the door closer opens and closes would be one cycle.
Other examples include:
- impact testing where the devices are struck;
- weather or salt tests where the devices are exposed to outdoor weather to see how long they will last; and
- finish tests to see how long the architectural finish on the device will resist wear and the test of time.
4. Although many door hardware devices are not ‘handed,’ there are many devices that are.
‘Handing’ a device is determined by which way a door swings. A door hanging on the left and pushing away from the user is a left-hand door and a door hanging on the right and pushing away is a right-hand door.
Reverse-handed doors are the opposite, as their name suggests. In other words, when a door is hanging on the left and pulls towards you, it is a left-hand reverse, and a door hanging on the right and pulling toward you is a right-hand reverse door.
5. Hardware schedules, also known as submittals, are typically created from architectural project specifications and drawings, which are created by an architect, typically coordinated with a DHI-certified AHC.
Hardware schedules are created from the specifications typically by a door and hardware distributor employee. The schedule is typically submitted to the project general contractor or construction manager, who typically submits it to the project architect for approval prior to ordering and delivering to the jobsite.
Most of us might think that there is only one type of lock, which is the one we use to get in and out of our homes. When in reality there are many. Like in the second picture, this looks like the type of door you’d see in a bathroom, judging by the mosaic tile. For whatever lock you have, do know that you shouldn’t fear from locking yourself out. A skilled locksmith would be able to get into even the most stubborn of locks.