Drop Bar

We have shown a number of pictures on the site about the "drop bar" and had a few discussions on methods to force entry on some of the unique ones. Below are two of the different standard drop bar configurations that are present in many areas. It is important to remember that the key to success in forcing a door with a drop bar it to immediately identify the drop bar's location. Below are some photos of two different type of drop bar installations. Remember to read the door in order to determine the drop bar's location.  

Door #1

Inside Door #1

Drop Bar From Door #1
This bar is made from small (1.5' x1.5') steel and is held in place with two small hooks.

Door #2

Inside Door #2

Drop Bar From Door #2

This bar is a little bit different, it has panic hardware installed. This bar is allowed to remain in place while the building is occupied! In order to open this door, the occupant simple needs to press on the drop bar (or run into it) and the door will open. If you look closely on the side of the bar (where it contacts the door frame) you can tell that the bar retracts into itself, allowing the door to open. When this type of bar bar is present it will typically be the only locking mechanism on the door. This is quite different from door #1 picture above which had two other locking mechanism beside the drop bar (quarter-turn dead bolt, and simple handle lock.)

When faced with having to force entry on a door with a drop bar, try to picture the location of the bar. Also, remember that the bar is typically located a few inches from the door itself. The bar is either attached to the frame (as pictured above), or sometimes even the wall. This will determine the distance of the bar from the door, the further the bar, the less likely you'll be able to cut the entire bar with a single "kerf" of the saw.

Read the door! Notice the additional locks on door #1 and the absence of locks on door #2. Believe it or not they make our job easy, if we just work smarter not harder.

These photos were submitted by the following readers:
Door #1 by Firefighter Chris Naff, Engine 1, St. Johns County Fire Rescue
Door #2 by Lt. Matt Rettmer, Castle Rock Fire & Rescue Department