exit bar strike install ?

[Raymond]

Howdy folks,

I don't install that many exit bars and have a technical question I hope someone can answer. The situation is to install an exit bar on the primary door of a two-door entrance. These are steel doors. The secondary door stays locked in place with flush-bolts all the time. The secondary door has a 3/4" flap of metal that the primary door closes against. They are locked together with a deadbolt.

My question concerns which strike plate and where to attach it. One method would be to attach a large piece of angle iron to the door and then screw the normal strike to the side facing the exit bar. An easier and quicker method would be to use the 5/16" thick flat strike plate. One local locksmith advocates this flat strike sticking out 3/4" past the 3/4" flap of metal on the stationary door. Another says to align the strike plate even with the flap.

I am inclined to align the flat strike with the flap. This prevents an additional obstruction from sticking out in the path of someone exiting in a hurry.

What say you, experienced experts?

Thanks

[Tyler J. Thomas]

Google “Von Duprin 1609 strike”. This is a strike meant for rim devices used on double doors. Commonly called a lip strike. Your exit device manufacturer may have their own version.

Anytime you mount a strike to a stationary door you must be concerned with people coming too close to it. They can snag purses, clothes, and even skin. I’d hesitate to use angle iron or custom hardware because you’re going to need spend a considerable amount of time smoothing any rough edges to prevent any of these circumstances.

Hope this helps.

[cledry]

Ditto, we need to know what hardware you are installing. Fire code might not allow a door locked with flush bolts, you might need auto flush bolts and a door coordinator. Depends on the fire rating.