Panic Bars for Commercial Doors: When to Repair vs Replace

Panic bars (also called exit devices) are one of the most important parts of a commercial door.

They are designed for two things:

• safe exit
• reliable, secure latching every time the door closes

In busy commercial buildings and multi-tenant properties, panic hardware gets used constantly. Over time, parts wear out, alignment shifts, and doors stop securing properly.

At Supreme Lock Solutions Ltd., we provide commercial door hardware service across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and we regularly repair and replace panic hardware for businesses, property managers, and managed buildings.

This guide will help you understand:

• common panic bar problems
• why panic bars stop latching properly
• when repair makes sense
• when replacement is the better long-term solution

Why Panic Bars Matter for Security

Many property managers assume panic bars are only for safety.

But they are also a major security component.

If the door doesn’t latch properly, the building may not be secured, even if:

• the lock is “good”
• the key turns
• the door looks closed

In many commercial properties, a back door or side door with panic hardware can become the weakest point if it isn’t latching consistently.

Common Signs Your Panic Bar Needs Service

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to have the door inspected:

• the door does not latch every time
• the door “looks shut” but pulls open
• the panic bar feels loose or wobbly
• the latch sticks or hesitates
• the door is hard to open from the inside
• the door requires repeated pushes to secure
• tenants complain the door is “hard to use”
• the panic bar squeaks, grinds, or feels rough
• the door is being propped open constantly

Some of these issues become safety concerns, and others are security issues. In either case, they should be addressed quickly.

Why Panic Bars Fail Over Time

Panic hardware problems usually come from a few core issues:

1) Heavy daily use

Multi-tenant buildings and commercial properties see constant traffic.

2) Door misalignment

Even the best panic bar won’t latch properly if the door is sagging or the strike doesn’t align.

3) Loose mounting and worn parts

Over time, screws loosen, components wear, and the exit device gets sloppy or inconsistent.

4) Doors not closing fully

If the door closer isn’t closing the door properly, the exit device may never engage.

5) People forcing doors

If a door has been sticking for months, staff and tenants push harder, which can damage hardware.

Repair vs Replace: What’s the Difference?

When panic bar repair makes sense

Repair is often the right option when:

• the panic bar is in decent condition
• the issue is alignment or adjustment
• the door closer needs correction
• the strike needs repositioning
• hardware is not heavily worn

Many panic hardware calls are resolved by fixing the door system, not by replacing the entire device.

When panic bar replacement makes sense

Replacement is usually the better long-term move when:

• the unit is worn out from years of heavy use
• the hardware is failing repeatedly
• the door is no longer securing properly
• the bar is loose, bent, or damaged
• the cost of repeated repairs is adding up
• reliability is critical and downtime is a major issue

In managed buildings, repeated panic bar issues often create constant tenant complaints and repeat service calls. Replacement helps restore reliability.

A Common Mistake: Replacing the Exit Device Without Fixing the Door

Sometimes panic hardware gets replaced, but the door still doesn’t latch properly.

Why?

Because the real issue was:

• door sag
• strike misalignment
• closer failure
• frame shifting
• hinge wear

A panic bar needs the door to be aligned properly to work consistently.

That’s why we inspect the full door system to make sure the fix holds up long-term.

Panic Bars and Back Door Security

Back doors are commonly targeted during break-ins because they are out of view.

If your back door uses panic hardware and the door is not securing properly, that door may be the easiest entry point in the building.

If a building has repeat issues with:

• doors not latching
• door closers failing
• propped open staff entrances

Then panic bar service becomes a key part of securing the property.

What We Check During Panic Hardware Service

When Supreme Lock Solutions services a panic bar, we typically review:

• whether the door closes fully every time
• whether the latch aligns with the strike
• how smoothly the device operates
• whether the bar is loose or worn
• whether the closer is controlling the door properly
• whether the door is sagging or binding

Our goal is not just to “get it working today,” but to correct the cause so it stays reliable.

‍

‍

Serving Nova Scotia and New Brunswick

Supreme Lock Solutions provides panic bar service and commercial door hardware support across:

Nova Scotia: Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, Sackville, Truro, New Glasgow, Kentville, Bridgewater and surrounding areas
New Brunswick: Saint John and surrounding areas, plus additional service coverage across the province

‍

‍

Need Panic Bar Service or Replacement?

If your commercial panic bar is sticking, failing to latch, or causing building security concerns, Supreme Lock Solutions Ltd. can help.

Visit: www.supremelocksolutions.com

‍

‍

FAQ: Panic Bars and Exit Devices

Why won’t my panic bar latch properly?

The most common reasons are door misalignment, strike alignment problems, door sag, or closer issues.

Is panic bar repair usually possible?

Yes, depending on the condition of the hardware and whether the door system is aligned properly.

Should I replace the panic bar if it’s loose?

Loose hardware can sometimes be repaired, but if the unit is worn out or repeatedly failing, replacement is usually the best solution.

Can a door closer cause panic bar problems?

Yes. If the closer doesn’t shut the door fully, the exit device may never latch properly.

‍