All Collections
Hardware Education
Identifying Hardware & Taking Photos in the Field
Identifying Hardware & Taking Photos in the Field

Follow this guide before requesting help with identifying lock types, door closers, operators, and exit devices.

Dan Zappulla avatar
Written by Dan Zappulla
Updated over a week ago

Reference these checklists before submitting hardware photos and specs to TSRs.

Identifying Lock Types

  • Provide measurements and full images of the front, back, and side of the door

  • Note if this is a fire-rated opening (fire-rated labels are found between the top and middle hinges or on the top of the door)

  • If the lock utilizes a key, provide photos of both sides of the existing working key

  • Take clear photos of the latch, backset, trim, lever, and core opening

  • Provide exact measurements or include a tape measure in the photos

  • In writing, specify the lock function needed (classroom, storeroom, etc.)

  • In writing, specify the finish color for exact matching (some colors can be difficult to distinguish)

Download door handing chart here

Identifying Door Closers and Operators

  • Take closeup photos with and without the cover installed

    sample photos of closer with and without cover

  • Provide exact measurements or include a tape measure in the photos

  • In writing, specify the finish color for exact matching (some colors can be difficult to distinguish)

  • Take clear photos of the arm from below

    sample photos of closer arm from below

  • Note if this is a fire-rated opening (Fire-rated labels are found between the top and middle hinges or on top of the door)

Identifying Exit Devices

  • Provide measurements and full images of the front, back, and side of the door (the door width and exit device length differ; please provide both measurements)

  • Provide exact measurements or include a tape measure in the photos

  • In writing, specify the finish color for exact matching (some colors can be difficult to distinguish)

  • Take clear photos of the end caps, head, outside trim, latch, and strike (include photos of the exit device with the head removed, if applicable)

  • Note if this is a fire-rated opening (Fire-rated labels are found between the top and middle hinges or on top of the door)

Electrifying an Opening

  • Provide full images of the door front, back, side, and header with measurements

  • Provide a brief description of what you need to accomplish (adding an electric latch retraction, electric strike, etc.)

  • Note if this is a fire-rated opening (Fire-rated labels are found between the top and middle hinges or on top of the door)

  • Take clear photos of the edge of the door, between the middle and top hinge

  • For openings with two doors, specify which door will be electrified

  • In writing, specify the hardware finish color

  • If an electrical hinge is needed, note the hinge size and quantity of wires required

Did this answer your question?