10 Common Door Hardware Mistakes in Commercial Installations (and How to Avoid Them)
ahram_sg
On February 10, 2026
In commercial projects, door hardware mistakes don’t just cause inconvenience, they lead to failed inspections, safety risks, noise complaints, premature wear, and costly replacements.
Whether it’s an office building, hotel, hospital, school, or mall in Egypt, most post-handover issues come down to poor hardware decisions, not bad doors.
- Using Residential Hardware in Commercial Spaces
The mistake:
Installing residential-grade locks, hinges, or handles in offices, clinics, or retail spaces.
Why it’s a problem:
- Residential hardware isn’t designed for high traffic
- Faster wear, sagging doors, frequent breakdowns
- Higher long-term maintenance costs
How to avoid it:
Always specify commercial door hardware rated for frequent use:
- Heavy-duty mortise locks
- Commercial-grade cylinders
- Reinforced hinges and door closers
- Ignoring Fire-Rated Requirements
The mistake:
Mixing non-rated hardware with fire-rated doors.
Why it’s a problem:
- Fire door certification becomes invalid
- Doors may not close or latch during a fire
- High risk of inspection failure
How to avoid it:
Specify fire-rated hardware as a complete system:
- Fire-rated hinges
- EN 1154 fire-rated door closers
- Fire-rated locks and panic exit devices
ASG provides fire-rated door hardware that works together as one tested system.
- Choosing the Wrong Door Closer Size
The mistake:
Installing a door closer that’s too weak, or too strong, for the door.
Why it’s a problem:
- Door won’t close fully (fire risk)
- Door slams loudly (noise complaints)
- Accessibility issues
How to avoid it:
Match the closer to:
- Door weight and width
- Usage frequency
- Fire-rating requirements
AFM by Ahram Security Group offers commercial door closers that are available in multiple EN power sizes and adjustable settings.
- Skipping Panic Exit Devices on Escape Routes
The mistake:
Using normal handles or locks on public escape doors.
Why it’s a problem:
- Non-compliant with life-safety standards
- Dangerous during panic situations
- High legal and liability risk
How to avoid it:
On public buildings, always specify EN 1125 panic exit devices:
- Shopping malls
- Schools and universities
- Hospitals
- Cinemas and theaters
ASG’s panic exit devices are EN 1125 compliant and designed for high-traffic public use.
- Installing the Wrong Cylinder Type
The mistake:
Using basic cylinders everywhere, regardless of door function.
Why it’s a problem:
- Easy key duplication
- Poor access control
- Security gaps on main doors
How to avoid it:
Match the cylinder lock Egypt type to the door:
- Double or thumb-turn cylinders for main doors
- Computer key cylinders for offices and clinics
- Single cylinders for internal rooms
ASG cylinders are available in multiple security grades, including computer key systems.
- Overlooking Door Hinges (Until It’s Too Late)
The mistake:
Treating hinges as a minor accessory.
Why it’s a problem:
- Doors sag or scrape floors
- Fire doors fail alignment tests
- Hinges crack or corrode
How to avoid it:
Specify hinges based on:
- Door weight
- Fire rating
- Environment (humidity, coastal areas)
- Forgetting Acoustic & Comfort Hardware
The mistake:
Focusing only on security and ignoring noise control.
Why it’s a problem:
- Loud corridors in hotels
- Poor speech privacy in offices
- Lower user satisfaction
How to avoid it:
Add acoustic hardware to your specification:
- Door seals
- Automatic drop seals
- Properly adjusted door closers
AFM by ASG offers door seals and drop seals that improve both acoustic performance and smoke control.
- Mixing Incompatible Brands & Components
The mistake:
Using locks from one brand, hinges from another, closers from a third with no system compatibility.
Why it’s a problem:
- Installation conflicts
- Warranty issues
- Unpredictable performance
How to avoid it:
Work with a single manufacturer ecosystem where components are designed to work together.
Ahram Security Group offers a complete door hardware system:
- Locks, cylinders, hinges
- Door closers, panic devices
- Seals, accessories, and digital locks
- Poor Planning for Digital & Smart Locks
The mistake:
Adding digital locks without checking door compatibility.
Why it’s a problem:
- Retrofit issues
- Weak mechanical backup
- Poor user experience
How to avoid it:
When installing a smart door lock Egypt:
- Ensure compatibility with mortise locks and cylinders
- Use high-security cylinders as backup
- Pair with quality hinges and door closers
ASG’s digital locks are designed to integrate with their mechanical hardware for reliable hybrid solutions.
- Treating Hardware as a Last-Minute Decision
The mistake:
Selecting door hardware at the end of the project.
Why it’s a problem:
- Budget compromises
- Compliance gaps
- Design mismatches
How to avoid it:
Involve hardware decisions early during:
- Design development
- Fire and life-safety planning
- Accessibility coordination
ASG supports projects with early-stage specification support, helping teams avoid costly revisions later.
Build It Right the First Time with Ahram Security Group
Most commercial door problems don’t come from bad doors; they come from bad hardware decisions. If you want to avoid rework and inspection failures, improve safety, durability, and user experience, and specify hardware with confidence, partner with Ahram Security Group (ASG) and access a complete, compliant, and integrated range of door hardware for commercial projects in Egypt.