Panic Bars (Exit Devices) in Savannah

When you need a panic bar — and when you do not

Panic hardware is required on egress doors in occupancies where the public gathers in any number — restaurants, schools, churches, theaters, retail, and assembly spaces over a certain occupant load. The exact threshold depends on your occupancy class and the local code interpretation. If you are unsure, we will look at your space and tell you straight.

The basic rule of panic hardware: a single, intuitive push on the bar must release the door from the inside, regardless of how it is locked from the outside. No turning a thumbturn, no flipping a deadbolt. Push. Out.

Bar grades and what they mean

ANSI/BHMA grades panic hardware on cycle life and force-resistance testing. Grade 1 is for high-use public spaces and is what we typically install for restaurants, retail, schools, and assembly buildings. Grade 2 is for moderate-use commercial. Grade 3 is for low-use, light commercial. We will recommend the grade that matches your foot traffic, not the most expensive option in the catalog.

Common brands

Von Duprin is the standard for higher-end commercial work. Detex is widely used for security applications. Falcon and Cal-Royal cover most of the mid-market. We service all four and have parts relationships for adjustments and rebuilds.

Common situations we see in Savannah

• Restaurant panic bar that no longer latchesCommon after years of use. Sometimes a simple latch adjustment, sometimes a rebuild.
• New retail buildout that needs a panic devicePlan, order, and install before opening day.
• School with a sticky bar that requires multiple pushesCode violation. Repaired or replaced.
• Multi-tenant building with mixed bar brands and agesStandardize on one brand for parts simplicity.
• After-hours rear exit that needs alarmed exit hardwareDetex alarmed bars are the common solution.
• Bar damaged by an attempted break-inDocument, replace, and verify the strike and frame are still sound.

What affects the price

Locksmith pricing is rarely a flat fee because no two jobs are the same. A house lockout on Tybee Road at noon is a different job than a high-security rekey for a downtown short-term rental. We'll always quote a price range over the phone before we drive out, and confirm the final price before any work starts.

• Brand and grade of barVon Duprin Grade 1 vs. mid-market Grade 2 are different price tiers.
• Door prepExisting prep vs. new install on a previously un-prepared door.
• Trim and pulls on the outsideLever trim, key cylinder trim, or no outside trim — all priced differently.
• Alarm or delay-egress functionalityAlarmed and delayed-egress bars cost more.

What to have ready before you call

A short call goes faster when you have a few details handy. None of this is required — we'll work with whatever you have — but it helps us send the right tools and the right tech.

• Door dimensions and materialWood, hollow metal, or aluminum storefront — affects what bar fits.
• Code requirements you know aboutFire-rated, ADA-compliant, etc.
• Existing bar brand if replacingSometimes we can match parts; sometimes a swap is cleaner.
• Hours of operationAfter-hours installs minimize customer disruption.

Local service area

Panic bar installation and repair across Savannah commercial properties — Broughton Street retail, Southside restaurants, Pooler shopping centers, downtown hotels.

Frequently asked questions