Hardware That Protects and Complies

Door Security Hardware & Handicap Door Openers in Springfield and surrounding towns for commercial buildings that need code-compliant exit hardware and accessible entry systems

A.W. Gifford Inc installs door security hardware and handicap door operators in Springfield, Western Massachusetts, and Northern Connecticut for offices, retail spaces, and buildings that require panic bars, door closers, and automatic openers designed to meet accessibility and fire code requirements. You receive hardware that allows doors to function properly under heavy use while providing safe and compliant egress during emergencies.


Panic bars, also called exit devices, allow a door to be pushed open from the inside without a key or handle, which is required for many commercial exits. Door closers control the speed and force with which a door closes, preventing slamming and ensuring the door latches securely. Continuous hinges distribute weight along the entire edge of the door, which is useful for high-traffic entries where standard hinges would wear out quickly. Automatic door openers are installed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, allowing individuals with mobility limitations to enter or exit using a push-button control.


If your building needs hardware upgrades to meet code requirements or improve security, contact A.W. Gifford Inc to schedule an assessment of your doors and discuss which products are appropriate for your application.

How Exit Hardware and Accessibility Features Work Together

Your locksmith measures the door, selects hardware rated for the door weight and traffic level, and installs the device according to manufacturer specifications and local building codes. Reinforcement plates and latch protectors are added to doors that are vulnerable to forced entry, and these plates cover the area around the lock or latch to prevent prying or drilling.


After installation, your doors will close consistently, latch without adjustment, and meet the requirements for accessible entry if automatic openers are included. A.W. Gifford Inc installs security hardware for office and retail environments, and the work is done with attention to how the door is used daily, not just how it looks when closed.


Not all doors require the same level of hardware, and some buildings only need closers or panic bars on specific exits. If your door is already equipped with a closer or exit device that is not functioning properly, parts can often be replaced or adjusted without removing the entire assembly.

What to Know About Exit Hardware and Automatic Openers

These are the questions that facility managers and business owners in Springfield and surrounding towns ask when they are evaluating whether their doors meet code and function safely under daily use.

What is a panic bar and when is it required?

A panic bar is a horizontal bar mounted on the inside of a door that releases the latch when pushed, and it is required on most commercial exit doors to allow fast egress during an emergency.

How does a door closer work?

A door closer uses a hydraulic or pneumatic mechanism to control the speed at which a door closes and the force applied to the latch, and most models allow you to adjust these settings with screws on the closer body.

What is the purpose of a latch protector?

A latch protector is a metal plate that covers the gap between the door and the frame where the latch is located, and it prevents someone from inserting a tool to retract the latch and open the door.

Why would a building in Springfield need an automatic door opener?

Automatic door openers are required under ADA regulations for buildings open to the public, and they allow individuals using wheelchairs or mobility aids to enter or exit without pulling or pushing a heavy door.

Can you install exit hardware on a door that already has a lockset?

Yes, panic bars replace the lockset entirely.

If your building has doors that do not close properly, are difficult to open, or lack the hardware required by local code, A.W. Gifford Inc can evaluate the situation and recommend the correct devices for your use case and compliance needs.

Door Security Hardware & Handicap Door Operators

Install Door Closers

Install Automatic Door Openers for Handicap Accessibility

Install Panic Bars