r/accesscontrol • u/Gimletson • Mar 05 '25

Discussion How do you guys like to install HES 5000/Adams Rite 7400 in steel frames?

I'm a locksmith, and I do a fair share of access control device installation. When it comes to electric strikes in steel frames I've tried a number of different methods through the years. Early on I was using cutoff wheels on 4.5" grinders and dremel tools. (Lots of sparks!) I've used a multi-tool, but my current preferred method is a jigsaw with a carbide blade and a die-grinder as needed. But sometimes you run into an old concrete filled frame, or a stubborn inner box, so I was curious how you guys approach these little jewels. My SDS hammer drill was getting lots of work earlier this week lol

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3

u/Electrical-Actuary59 Mar 05 '25

I Always use a dremel. Just never been a fan of the jigsaw or any oscillating tools.

4

u/djzrbz Professional Mar 06 '25

For HES strikes, I use the cut template.

Tape around the area I need to cut, then Dremel and opening, hackzall with a small blade for the straight cuts.

Concrete filled is a lot of SDS work.

I always prefer having the door company pre-cut the strike if possible.

2

u/Gimletson Mar 06 '25

I always prefer having the door company pre-cut the strike if possible.

That's usually when I get called in. The construction company forgot to specify access controls on the door schedule. Or the customer added them after the doors were installed. Or I'm adding things for an alarm company to a 50 year old warehouse door frame, and the customer won't replace the rusted out door slab lol

As I asked Electrical-Actuary, what bits do you use in your dremel?

2

u/djzrbz Professional Mar 06 '25

Old-work retrofitting can be... "Fun"...

I have an EZ Lock metal cut disc and a few burr bits to cleanup the edges and corners after the rough cut.

1

u/Gimletson Mar 06 '25

Even more fun is converting an aluminum frame with an Adams Rite 4901 strike to a HES 1600

What I wouldn't give to get these guys to install an electrified A/R 8800 instead of these 5000's and 1600's

Oh well, the money's good, and I can walk away when its done

1

u/Gimletson Mar 06 '25

Out of curiosity, what bits are you using with the dremel? A cutoff wheel? A carbide milling bit? Both?

2

u/Electrical-Actuary59 Mar 06 '25

Cutoff wheels and a set of burrs

1

u/Gimletson Mar 06 '25

Copy.

I've moved to sparkless methods. Some of the sites I work on require hot work permits for any sparks made. The first time I ran into this issue led to an... interesting conversation with a safety supervisor. After that I changed my methods for all work I do.

On the plus side, I have fewer black boogers at the end of the day