Common Panic Bar and Lock Failures and How to Prevent Them

For Atlanta businesses, having reliable emergency exit devices are about more than convenience. It’s a matter of safety, code compliance, and customer trust. Panic bars (also called exit devices) and commercial-grade door locks are essential for allowing safe, easy egress in emergencies, while securing your property after hours. 

At Door Resources, we’ve been helping Atlanta-area businesses repair and maintain these critical components for over 35 years. Here’s a look at the most common panic bar and lock failures we see in the field, why they matter, and how to prevent them from disrupting your business or failing inspection. 

Loose or Wobbly Panic Bars

It’s easy to overlook a panic bar that feels just a little loose or rattles when pushed. But over time, that looseness can lead to real trouble. If a panic bar doesn’t stay firmly in place or operate smoothly, it may fail when you need it most.

In Atlanta, fire codes require exit devices to provide safe, reliable egress without special knowledge or effort. A malfunction here can lead to failed inspections, fines, or worse, real danger during an emergency.

Regular use and wear can loosen hardware over time. That’s why it’s smart to give your doors a quick check now and then. If the bar feels wobbly, it’s a good idea to have it tightened or serviced before it becomes a bigger problem. 

Sticking or Jammed Exit Devices

We also see panic bars that start sticking, requiring a lot of force to operate or getting partially jammed. Often, this happens because the door has shifted or sagged on its hinges, or because dirt and debris have worked their way into the mechanism.

A sticking exit device is more than an annoyance. In an emergency, it can stop people from getting through your emergency exit door quickly and safely. Keeping doors properly aligned and hardware clean goes a long way toward preventing these problems. 

And if you notice resistance, it’s better to get it checked and adjusted before it turns into a costly repair or a safety hazard. 

Broken Latches and Worn Springs

Another common issue we repair is the door latch mechanism itself. Over time, the springs inside a panic bar can wear out or break. You might notice the bar doesn’t spring back after being pushed or the door doesn’t latch securely when closed. This kind of failure isn’t just inconvenient, it’s a major security risk.

A door that won’t latch properly can be forced open easily, leaving your business vulnerable after hours. It can also mean the door fails to hold closed in a fire situation, which is a serious code violation. Replacing failing hardware from a licensed Atlanta locksmith early is always cheaper and easier than dealing with an emergency service call later. 

Access Control Integration Issues

These days, many panic bars and locks are tied into access control systems. We often see problems where electric strikes or card readers stop releasing reliably, or where there are odd buzzing or clicking sounds.

Small issues in access control can knock an entire security system offline or leave a door stuck locked or unlocked at the wrong time. It can frustrate tenants, employees, and even customers if they can’t get in or out when they need to.

Testing these systems regularly to stay compliant with Atlanta's secure access building codes and having a commercial door technician who understands both the mechanical and electronic components is key. It’s not enough to fix one part if the integration fails somewhere else. 

General Wear in High-Traffic Areas

Finally, panic bars and locks in busy areas simply wear out faster. We see this all the time in Atlanta’s retail stores, restaurants, schools, and warehouses. Constant use can lead to worn finishes, loosened hardware, and eventually failure if it’s ignored.

Investing in commercial-grade, heavy-duty hardware is always a smart move for high-traffic doors. But even the best equipment needs occasional tightening, cleaning, and inspection to keep working properly. 

Why Choose Door Resources for Repairs in Atlanta?

 At Door Resources, we’ve spent decades helping Atlanta businesses avoid these common headaches. We know what to look for and how to spot early warning signs before they turn into expensive repairs or failed inspections. Our technicians are trained to handle everything from basic adjustments to complete hardware replacements, ensuring your doors are safe, secure, and up to code.

We’re proud to be a local, family-owned business that understands the needs of Atlanta property managers, facility directors, retail owners, and more. If you’ve noticed any issues with your panic bars or locks, don’t wait for them to fail at the worst possible time.

Contact Door Resources today at 770-963-8191 or contact us online for a professional inspection or repair. We’re here to help keep your business secure, compliant, and ready for whatever comes next.