Choosing the Right Exit Device: Rim, Mortise, or Vertical Rod? (2025 Guide)

When it comes to commercial doors, the right exit device—also called a panic bar—plays a crucial role in life safety, security, and access control. But not all exit devices fit every door. Choosing between rim, mortise, or vertical rod devices can save you time, money, and code headaches.

This guide breaks down the differences, pros, con, and ideal uses for each type, making it easy to select the best hardware for your building.

What Is an Exit Device?

An exit device allows free egress with one motion—no keys, no twisting, just a push. Most commercial buildings require panic hardware on:

Doors along egress routes
Spaces with occupant loads over 50

Exit devices come in three main styles:

Rim Exit Devices
Mortise Exit Devices
Vertical Rod Exit Devices (surface or concealed)

Each serves different door layouts and access control systems.

1. Rim Exit Devices

Overview

Rim devices mount on the surface of the door and latch into a strike on the frame. They are the most common and easiest to install.

Best for

Single doors
Double doors with mullions
Schools, storefronts, offices
Quick retrofits

Pros

Simple surface installation
Durable for high‑traffic areas
Works well with electric rim strikes for access control
Easy maintenance and replacements

Cons

More visible hardware (surface mounted)
Requires mullions for double doors

Pro Tip

For electrification, pair rim devices with** latch retraction kits** (e.g., Command Access MLRK1‑VD) or electric rim strikes.

2. Mortise Exit Devices

Overview

Mortise devices use a mortise lock body inside the door. The latch engages a strike plate in the frame, giving a cleaner look and stronger locking mechanism.

Best for

High‑security applications
High‑traffic interior corridors
Modern or premium aesthetic environments

Pros

Clean, flush appearance
Strong latch engagement
Great with electrified mortise locks
Ideal for fire‑rated doors

Cons

Requires precise door prep
More difficult and expensive to retrofit

Pro Tip

Mortise devices work exceptionally well with motorized latch retraction kits.

3. Vertical Rod Exit Devices

Overview

These devices use rods running inside or on the surface of the door to latch at the top and bottom. Available in surface or concealed versions.

Best for

Double doors without mullions
Schools, gyms, churches, auditoriums
Situations requiring multi‑point latching

Pros

Secures top and bottom of door
Ideal for pairs of doors (with or without an astragal)
Offered in fire‑rated and non‑rated options

Cons

More moving parts → more maintenance
Top latch alignment can be tricky
Electrification can require special hardware

Pro Tip

Electrification often requires motorized dual‑rod kits for smooth and reliable performance.

Comparison Chart: Which Device Fits Your Door?

Feature	Rim Device	Mortise Device	Vertical Rod Device
Ideal Door Type	Single or pair w/mullion	Single or pair	Pair (no mullion)
Security Level	Moderate	High	High (multi‑point)
Aesthetics	Surface‑mounted	Flush / integrated	Visible rods (surface)
Installation	Easy	Complex	Moderate–complex
Access Control	Excellent w/rim strikes	Excellent w/mortise electrification	Needs specialized kits
Maintenance	Simple	Moderate	Higher (more moving parts)

Access Control & Electrification

If you plan to add keypads, readers, buzz‑in, or remote unlocking, your exit device choice matters:

Rim Devices: Best with electric rim strikes or motorized latch retraction kits.
Mortise Devices: Combine with electrified mortise bodies or motorized kits.
Vertical Rod Devices: Require specialized dual‑rod retraction kits to ensure both latches disengage smoothly.

Always use a listed 12/24 VDC power supply sized for inrush and verify fire/life‑safety compatibility.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a rim, mortise, or vertical rod exit device depends on your door layout, security needs, and whether electrification is part of the plan.

Rim devices → simplest and most versatile
Mortise devices → strongest & best appearance
Vertical rods → ideal for double doors without mullions

Need help matching the right device to your doors? Contact SNTRY Supply for recommendations and field‑tested solutions.

This guide breaks down the differences, pros, con, and ideal uses for each type, making it easy to select the best hardware for your building.

What Is an Exit Device?

An exit device allows free egress with one motion—no keys, no twisting, just a push. Most commercial buildings require panic hardware on:

Doors along egress routes
Spaces with occupant loads over 50

Exit devices come in three main styles:

Rim Exit Devices
Mortise Exit Devices
Vertical Rod Exit Devices (surface or concealed)

Each serves different door layouts and access control systems.

1. Rim Exit Devices

Overview

Rim devices mount on the surface of the door and latch into a strike on the frame. They are the most common and easiest to install.

Best for

Single doors
Double doors with mullions
Schools, storefronts, offices
Quick retrofits

Pros

Simple surface installation
Durable for high‑traffic areas
Works well with electric rim strikes for access control
Easy maintenance and replacements

Cons

More visible hardware (surface mounted)
Requires mullions for double doors

Pro Tip

For electrification, pair rim devices with** latch retraction kits** (e.g., Command Access MLRK1‑VD) or electric rim strikes.

2. Mortise Exit Devices

Overview

Mortise devices use a mortise lock body inside the door. The latch engages a strike plate in the frame, giving a cleaner look and stronger locking mechanism.

Best for

High‑security applications
High‑traffic interior corridors
Modern or premium aesthetic environments

Pros

Clean, flush appearance
Strong latch engagement
Great with electrified mortise locks
Ideal for fire‑rated doors

Cons

Requires precise door prep
More difficult and expensive to retrofit

Pro Tip

Mortise devices work exceptionally well with motorized latch retraction kits.

3. Vertical Rod Exit Devices

Overview

These devices use rods running inside or on the surface of the door to latch at the top and bottom. Available in surface or concealed versions.

Best for

Double doors without mullions
Schools, gyms, churches, auditoriums
Situations requiring multi‑point latching

Pros

Secures top and bottom of door
Ideal for pairs of doors (with or without an astragal)
Offered in fire‑rated and non‑rated options

Cons

More moving parts → more maintenance
Top latch alignment can be tricky
Electrification can require special hardware

Pro Tip

Electrification often requires motorized dual‑rod kits for smooth and reliable performance.

Comparison Chart: Which Device Fits Your Door?

Feature	Rim Device	Mortise Device	Vertical Rod Device
Ideal Door Type	Single or pair w/mullion	Single or pair	Pair (no mullion)
Security Level	Moderate	High	High (multi‑point)
Aesthetics	Surface‑mounted	Flush / integrated	Visible rods (surface)
Installation	Easy	Complex	Moderate–complex
Access Control	Excellent w/rim strikes	Excellent w/mortise electrification	Needs specialized kits
Maintenance	Simple	Moderate	Higher (more moving parts)

Access Control & Electrification

If you plan to add keypads, readers, buzz‑in, or remote unlocking, your exit device choice matters:

Rim Devices: Best with electric rim strikes or motorized latch retraction kits.
Mortise Devices: Combine with electrified mortise bodies or motorized kits.
Vertical Rod Devices: Require specialized dual‑rod retraction kits to ensure both latches disengage smoothly.

Always use a listed 12/24 VDC power supply sized for inrush and verify fire/life‑safety compatibility.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a rim, mortise, or vertical rod exit device depends on your door layout, security needs, and whether electrification is part of the plan.

Rim devices → simplest and most versatile
Mortise devices → strongest & best appearance
Vertical rods → ideal for double doors without mullions

Need help matching the right device to your doors? Contact SNTRY Supply for recommendations and field‑tested solutions.