Push bar doors, also known as panic bars or crash bars, are essential safety devices designed to provide easy egress during emergencies. However, there are legitimate reasons you might need to lock one temporarily—for after-hours security, during specific events, or for maintenance. Many push bar models from leading push bar manufacturers feature a discreet locking function that requires an Allen key (hex key). This guide will walk you through the process safely and correctly.

When it comes to building safety, few components are as critical—or as misunderstood—as the hardware on your exit doors. You’ve likely seen the horizontal bars on doors in shopping malls, hospitals, and theaters. You might know them as "panic bars," "crash bars," or "push bars." But does every fire exit door require one?