Answering your search for reliable mortise exit devices, this guide highlights five top options suited for high-traffic commercial doors, narrow stiles, and doors requiring elegant but secure hardware. Each pick caters to different use cases: from easy field reversibility and backset versatility to more robust, fail-safe electric locking. The selections help facility managers, contractors, and building owners choose the best fit for pushbar longevity, door compatibility, and building codes. Below is a quick product snapshot to compare key traits at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Adams Rite 8410-37136 | Narrow stile glass doors | Field-reversible handing and adjustable pushbar length |
| Adams Rite 8400 Series | Light to medium-traffic commercial doors | Clean design with heavy-duty dead latch and easy installation |
| Adams Rite 8420-38236 | General mortise exit for varied doors | Durable construction with clear 8400-series lineage |
| BRINKS 8420 | Wide stile, high-traffic doors | ANSI Grade 1, UL 305, adjustable for sizing |
| Von Duprin E7500-32D | Electrical locking with fail-safe operation | Electric mortise lock maintains fire rating and egress |
Adams Rite 8410-37136 Mortise Exit Device
The Adams Rite 8410-37136 is designed for narrow stile glass doors, offering a mortise exit device with a pushbar made from extruded aluminum. The bar can be clad or anodized in multiple finishes, aligning with interior aesthetics while meeting durability needs. This device is non-handed, and its lever entry trim is field-reversible, reducing on-site inventory complexity. Pushbar length supports standard openings of 30″, 36″, 42″, and 48″, and standard bars can be field-cut to narrower widths as needed. Best for installations on glass doors where a slim profile is essential.
Who it’s best for: facilities operating glass storefronts or interior glass partitions where a slim, reversible exit device pairs with a modern look. Why selected: it offers flexibility in finishing and sizing while maintaining reliable pushbar performance. Limitation: field modifications may require careful measurement to preserve alignment with door hardware.
Adams Rite 8400 Series Clear Anodized
The Adams Rite 8400 Series in a clear anodized finish delivers a heavy-duty dead latching mechanism with pushbar clad or anodized, available in multiple finishes. It is designed for straightforward installation with a clean, unobtrusive appearance. This model is suitable for 1-1/8″ backset doors and is commonly used on commercial doors requiring a dependable, low-profile exit device. Best for: projects prioritizing simple installation and corrosion resistance in public building corridors. Caution: verify door thickness compatibility and ensure proper backset for your door frame.
Adams Rite 8420-38236 Exit Device
The Adams Rite 8420-38236 entry reinforces the 8400 series design. The product page notes a focus on dependable houseware-like quality with a simple, high-performance mortise exit mechanism. It’s positioned as a solid choice for general exit requirements on typical doors. Best for: customers seeking a straightforward replacement with familiar Adams Rite design language. Limitation: product descriptions may lack explicit specification details beyond the core exit device features.
BRINKS 8420 Commercial Rim Panic Exit
This Brinks device is designed for wide stile doors and high-traffic environments. It offers left-right hand reversibility and can be dogged to remain open. It includes adjustable roller strikes with shims for fine-tuning. It fits 36″ to 42″ doors out of the box and can be field sized to 28″-35″ doors. It meets ANSI Grade 1 standards and is ADA compliant, suited for commercial wood or metal doors. Best for: facilities needing a rugged, code-compliant option for wide-stile doors. Caution: ensure proper height clearance for the dogging mechanism in active egress paths.
Von Duprin E7500-32D Electric Mortise Lock
The Von Duprin E7500-32D is an electric locking mortise option designed to control outside trim while the door remains latched, preserving fire ratings and enabling controlled egress. It features fail-safe operation: the lock remains engaged when energized and unlocks during power failure, ensuring safe egress in emergencies. It offers field-reversible design with a 24VDC continuous duty solenoid for flexible installation on either door hand. Best for: venues requiring electronic control with fail-safe egress. Limitation: this model is specialized for electrical integration and may require power supply planning.
Adams Rite 8410-38136 Narrow Stile Mortise Exit Device
This Adams Rite 8410-38136 model extends the narrow stile concept to additional configurations, labeled here as LHR with a 1-1/8″ backset. It follows the same line as the 8410 family, emphasizing reversible handing and compatibility with smaller door openings. Best for: installations needing narrow stile performance with a consistent Adams Rite design. Caution: verify exact backset and handedness for optimal alignment with adjacent hardware.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
What door type and stile width are you targeting? Narrow stile doors require slim exit devices that still deliver reliable operation. Measure backset, door thickness, and rail width to ensure a correct fit. Is field reversibility important? Several models offer reversible handing, reducing spare parts needs and simplifying procurement. Do you need electrical control or purely mechanical operation? The E7500 series provides fail-safe electrical locking, while mechanical mortise devices focus on simple, durable operation. Are finishes important for aesthetics and corrosion resistance? Finishes vary from anodized to clad options; choose a finish that resists the environmental conditions of the door’s location. Consider installation complexity: some units are far easier to install with standard backsets and mounting patterns, while others require precise alignment to maintain fire and life-safety compliance.
FAQ
- What is a mortise exit device? A mortise exit device is a hardware assembly installed in a mortised cavity within the door, providing a pushbar exit function with a latch that secures the door when closed.
- Do these devices meet fire-safety requirements? Many are designed to be compliant with life-safety codes when installed according to manufacturer instructions, with some models offering fail-safe electrical options.
- What means field reversible? Field reversible means the handing (left or right) can be changed in the field without returning to the factory, simplifying installation on door swings.
- Can the pushbar length be adjusted? Some models provide adjustable pushbars to fit standard door openings and allow field modification for narrower openings.
- Which option is best for high-traffic doors? Products listed as ANSI Grade 1 or with heavy-duty latching mechanisms are typically preferred for high-traffic commercial doors.
- Are electric mortise locks necessary? Electric mortise locks enable controlled egress and access management, useful where codes permit locking during normal operation but require unlock capability in emergencies.