Upgrading an Entire School District’s Security

By Brandon Faber

Published on Jul 25, 2024

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Front of Lawson High School with red brick walls

Custom Styles

We recently spoke with Jeremy Guthrie from Omega Door and Hardware, who is currently installing the TownSteel Aegis locks at the Lawson School District into their elementary, middle and high school. With the install consisting of around 70 Aegis locks. We were keen to get his perspective on how the project went for him and learn from his first-hand experience with the Aegis locks.

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Designed for Schools

When we first sat down with Guthrie, we discussed the simple and effective design of the TownSteel Aegis locks, and why its design makes them particularly well-suited for school environments. It has an easy thumb turn to lock it, and large and clear status indicators to highlight if the door is locked or not.

According to Guthrie, “The use is simple – it’s not complicated. If there is a security problem in a school, it’s really easy to use the thumb turn and the indicators are nice and big so there’s no mistaking from a distance that the door is locked. I think that goes a long way for security in schools.”

When it comes to school safety, more features doesn’t always equate to a better lock, and Aegis proves that with its simplicity.

Unlike traditional single or double cylinder locks, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming in emergencies, Aegis locks streamline the process. Guthrie emphasized, “With standard single cylinder classroom locksets, they have to go out in the hall to lock it. Even with double cylinder classroom locksets, you have to fumble around with keys. With the Aegis locks, you just use the thumb turn (inside the door) and you’re done.”

Beyond simplicity, Aegis locks were also designed with durability in mind. These locks are built to withstand the demanding environment of schools. As Brad Parks, TownSteel’s Director of Marketing noted: “We wanted to build the most durable lock because we knew where it was going to be. Protecting kids and protecting teachers.”

Join Guthrie echoed this sentiment, praising the construction of Aegis locks. “Looking at the mechanics that are in the escutcheons from behind, everything looks quality made. It doesn’t look like sloppy castings.”

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Easy for Installers

Installation ease is a crucial factor for any lock, especially for schools on a budget. Guthrie shared that the locks are straightforward to install, regardless of the installer’s experience level.

“The hole sizes aren’t too tight, so you don’t have to be so precise with your machine. That makes it easier for inexperienced installers…There is room for error….not that we in Omega need that room for error!”

“I have an apprentice working with me who’s 18 years old who just started his career in doors. I showed him how to install the Aegis and turned him loose. That’s how confident I am about the ease of installation. There’s nothing he gets hung up on where he can’t do it.” said Guthrie.
He also noted that each lock can be installed in just ten minutes, making it comparable to cylindrical locks and significantly faster than mortise locks. For a project spanning 3 schools and about 70 locks, it took his two-person team about 8 days to complete.

Aegis locks are simple to install and are an easy way for schools to enhance their entire school or school districts safety. “I would definitely recommend these locks. They’re a good product for any district to implement for better safety.” stated Guthrie.

Learn more about Aegis locks here.

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Getting Help and Resources

For additional resources on addressing school safety, you can review guidelines and materials from our partners at The “I Love U Guys” Foundation and at Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS).

You can also get in touch with us directly. We’d love to hear your thoughts and comments.

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Learn more about our complete School Safety Program