Strikes & Keepers for panic bars exit devices EN 1125 / EN 179 

Correct strikes and keepers are essential for smooth egress and consistent relatching on panic bars EN 1125 and emergency exit devices EN179 . EKIN supplies head keepers, floor strikes, surface strikes, centre mullion keepers, rim keepers and mortise strikes, matched to UK guidance and fire-door documentation. 

What are strikes & keepers?

A strike/keeper is the fixed counterpart that the latch or rod engages with. The right geometry ensures the door opens easily and relatches reliably. Choice depends on device family (rim / vertical-rod / mortise), frame profile, threshold conditions and whether there is a centre mullion on double doors.
See device families: EN 1125 → /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/ · EN 179 → /products/emergency-exit-devices-en-179/

Types & typical use

Head keeper (top) — vertical-rod (EN 1125)

• For the top latch at the head of the frame; match to timber or steel profiles.
  
  

• Ensure clear rod travel and a positive seating line.
  
  

Floor strike (bottom, recessed) — vertical-rod (EN 1125)

• Recessed into the threshold; delivers robust two-point latching on pairs.
  
  

• Use where the floor build allows recessing and the strike can be protected.
  
  

Surface strike (bottom, surface-mounted)

• For thresholds where recessing is not possible; rated for the finished floor.
  
  

• Check wear resistance and screw anchorage.
  
  

Centre mullion keeper — paired rim devices (EN 1125)

• Used where a centre mullion is present on double doors.
  
  

• Specify keepers that match the mullion section (fixed or removable).
  Related: Double-Door Kits → /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/double-door-kits/
  
  

Rim keeper (strike) — rim devices (EN 1125)

• Matches the rim latch body on single doors or mullion-mounted pairs.
  
  

• Choose packers/shims for clean capture and zero drag.
  
  

Mortise strike — mortise devices (EN 1125)

• Profiled to the mortise latch geometry and door edge prep.
  
  

• Confirm handing and plate dimensions before drilling.

Fit & compatibility (quick checks)

• Frame material/profile: timber or steel; rebate depth and reveal sizes.
  
  

• Threshold conditions: can you recess a floor strike? If not, choose a surface strike with suitable wear rating.
  
  

• Single vs double: pairs may need vertical-rod with head + floor strikes, or rim + mullion keepers.
  
  

• Bar height & latch throw: verify the engagement line before fixing.
  
  

• Packers/shims: use to fine-tune seating; avoid over-projection that causes drag.
  Help with dimensions → /knowledge/door-size-compatibility/
  
  

Fire-door & compliance notes

• Many strikes/keepers are fire-door compatible only when used with the specified device, screws and fixings.
  
  

• Always match approvals to the door leaf certificate and keep a record of components used.
  
  

• Maintain an inspection log (operating force, relatching, fixings, signage).
  Read more → EN 1125 Guide /compliance/bs-en-1125-guide/ · EN 179 Guide /compliance/bs-en-179-guide/ · Inspection Checklist (PDF) /compliance/inspection-checklist/
  
  

Installation & documentation

• Use the manufacturer’s template; mark bar height and the engagement line precisely.
  
  

• Dry-fit to confirm latch throw and keeper capture; then tighten progressively.
  
  

• Re-test with the door closer to verify smooth opening and relatching.
  Guides & downloads:
  
  

• How to Install /knowledge/how-to-install-push-bar/
  
  

• Maintenance & Troubleshooting /knowledge/maintenance-troubleshooting/
  
  

• Datasheets & Templates (PDF) /downloads/installation-pdfs/

Maintenance & common issues

• Slow return or jamming: usually keeper misalignment or over-tightened fixings.
  
  

• Wear at the bottom strike: check floor strike seating and traffic patterns; consider surface strike with wear plate where recessing is impractical.
  
  

• Rattle on pairs: verify top/bottom latching and keeper seating; check centre mullion keepers if used.

FAQ (Strikes & Keepers)

Q1: Floor strike or surface strike—how do I choose?
Use a floor strike when the threshold can be recessed and protected. Otherwise choose a surface strike rated for your floor finish and traffic.

Q2: What keeper do I need for a centre mullion?
A mullion-specific keeper matched to the mullion section (fixed or removable). See our double-door kits for coordinated parts.

Q3: Are these keepers fire-door compatible?
Many are, but only with the specified device and fixings. Always match to your door leaf certificate.

Q4: Can I use a rim keeper on a mortise device (or vice versa)?
No—keeper/strike geometry is device-specific. Use the part listed for your device family.

Q5: How do I correct minor misalignment?
Shim/pack the keeper, adjust fixings progressively, and re-test relatching with the closer until the capture is smooth.

Send device family (rim/vertical-rod/mortise), single or double, frame profile, threshold conditions (recess possible?), fire-door status and photos. We’ll specify matched strikes/keepers with an itemised price in £.

• Request a Quote → /quote/
  
  

• Use the Selector → /tools/product-selector/