Ironmongery Method Statement: Scope, Installation and Inspection

This method statement guide explains how to control the procurement, installation, inspection and handover of architectural ironmongery (door hardware). It is intended for coordination with the approved door, frame and hardware schedules. It does not replace the project specification, fire-door listing, manufacturer instructions, authority requirements or the approved drawings.

1. Objective

The objective is to install the correct hardware set at the correct door, in the correct handing, finish, function and fire/smoke performance, and to leave a traceable inspection and handover record. The method should prevent mismatched hardware, damaged finishes, incorrect preparation, poor operation and loss of key-control information.

2. Scope

The scope may include:

• Approved ironmongery schedule and door-by-door hardware sets.
• Hinges, pivots, locks, latches, cylinders, handles, pull plates and escutcheons.
• Door closers, coordinators, flush bolts, panic/exit devices and door stops.
• Seals, thresholds, kick plates, protection plates, signage and other scheduled accessories.
• Mechanical or electrified hardware interfaces, where included in the contract.
• Delivery inspection, secure storage, installation, adjustment, testing, snagging and handover.

The schedule—not a generic list—defines what belongs on each door. Confirm handing, leaf size/weight, frame type, fire/smoke rating, access-control function, finish, keying and manufacturer before procurement or installation.

3. Documents and approvals

Before work starts, assemble the latest:

1. Architectural door schedule and door/frame details.
2. Approved ironmongery or hardware schedule, including set numbers and quantities.
3. Door elevations, shop drawings, room data and finish schedule.
4. Fire-rated doorset certification/listing and compatible hardware requirements.
5. Product data, templates and manufacturer installation instructions.
6. Approved samples and finish boards.
7. Electrical/access-control schematics for electrified items.
8. Inspection-and-test plan, installation checklist and keying schedule.
9. Project specification, authority conditions and applicable fire/life-safety requirements.

NFPA 80 is one example of a fire-door standard with requirements for builders/fire hardware and inspection/testing. The applicable edition and local authority govern. A hardware item that works on an ordinary door is not automatically suitable for a listed fire or smoke doorset.

4. Material receipt and storage

On delivery, check packaging, quantity, item code, handing, finish, accessories, fasteners, templates, certificates and visible damage against the approved schedule. Record discrepancies before issuing items to the work face.

Store hardware dry, secure and protected from dust, paint, cement, welding sparks and moisture. Keep keys, cylinders, master-key information and electrified components under controlled access. Do not mix similar-looking items with different functions or fire ratings.

5. Pre-installation checks

1. Confirm the door and frame are installed, labelled where required and ready to receive hardware.
2. Check opening size, handing, swing, clearances, frame reinforcement and substrate.
3. Confirm that services, access control, seals, thresholds and adjacent finishes are coordinated.
4. Check the latest shop drawing and hardware set number at the door.
5. Confirm that the approved manufacturer template and fasteners are available.
6. Do not proceed where a fire-door label, frame condition, door thickness, reinforcement or hardware compatibility is unresolved.

6. Installation sequence

Hinges and pivots

Install the type, quantity and size shown in the approved schedule and manufacturer instructions. Use the supplied template or approved setting-out detail. Keep leaves aligned and ensure fasteners engage the specified reinforcement. Do not copy a fixed hinge height from another project: locations depend on the door construction, weight, hardware set, manufacturer and fire rating.

Locks, latches and cylinders

Confirm lock function, handing, backset, cylinder type and keying before cutting. Prepare the door and frame with the manufacturer’s template; protect the face and finish from breakout. Check that the latch engages the strike without binding and that the cylinder, lever, thumbturn or access device is compatible with the schedule.

Closers and hold-open devices

Install the closer, arm/rail and accessories using the product template and approved fixing arrangement. Adjust closing and latching only within the manufacturer’s permitted range and the project’s fire/smoke requirements. Do not wedge or prop open a fire door unless the approved system specifically provides a compliant release arrangement.

Exit and panic hardware

Confirm the door width, escape direction, outside access, dogging/hold-open status, signage and coordination with the fire/life-safety strategy. Test the complete assembly, not only the bar or latch in isolation.

Seals, thresholds and protection plates

Install seals and thresholds continuously and without damaging the doorset listing or clearances. Protection plates and kick plates must match the approved size, material and mounting restrictions. Do not drill or trim a fire-rated assembly beyond the permitted details.

Electrified hardware

Coordinate power, monitoring, access-control, fire-alarm release, cable transfer and testing with the electrical and life-safety teams. Confirm fail-safe/fail-secure behavior and emergency-release logic against the approved design; never improvise a connection at the door.

7. Fire-rated door controls

For each fire or smoke doorset, verify the complete tested/listed assembly: leaf, frame, hinges, lock/latch, closer, seals, glazing, threshold and accessories. Use only compatible hardware and fasteners permitted by the listing and manufacturer. Maintain labels and do not make field modifications that invalidate the assembly.

The required inspection and test record should identify the door reference, rating, hardware set, installation date, installer, defects, corrective action and final acceptance. The authority having jurisdiction or project fire consultant may require additional evidence.

8. Inspection and testing checklist

Check	Acceptance evidence
Door identity	Door number and location match the approved schedule.
Hardware set	Item codes, function, handing, finish and quantity match the set.
Fixing	Correct template, fasteners, reinforcement and no damaged finishes.
Alignment	Hinges, lock, strike, closer and seals align with the door/frame.
Operation	Door opens, closes, latches and locks smoothly without binding.
Fire/smoke	Listed hardware, labels, seals and closer arrangement are intact and compatible.
Access/escape	Keys, cylinders, exit devices and electrical release operate as designed.
Protection	Hardware is protected from adjacent work and cleaned per manufacturer instructions.
Records	Inspection, snag closure, test results, keying and handover schedules are complete.

Do not present a general clearance or mounting height as a universal tolerance. Use the approved detail, door manufacturer, hardware manufacturer and governing standard.

9. Snagging and corrective work

Common snags include wrong handing, incorrect finish, loose or missing fasteners, a latch that does not enter the strike, closer misadjustment, damaged coating, missing seals, inaccessible cylinders, nonfunctional access control and unlabelled keys.

Record the door reference and exact defect. Correct using the approved product instructions, then repeat the functional and fire/life-safety checks. If a field modification affects the listed assembly, stop and obtain the required technical decision before proceeding.

10. Handover records

• Approved door and hardware schedules.
• Material approvals, delivery inspections and certificates.
• Manufacturer data sheets, templates and installation instructions.
• Door-by-door installation checklist.
• Fire-rated doorset/listing evidence where applicable.
• Access-control and emergency-release test records.
• Snag list and close-out evidence.
• Keying schedule, keys, tags and master-key records under controlled handover.
• Warranty information and maintenance instructions.
• As-built door schedule and final room/location references.

FAQ

What is ironmongery?

Ironmongery is the architectural term for door and window hardware such as hinges, locks, latches, handles, closers, exit devices, seals and associated fittings. The project schedule determines which items are included.

Can I use one hinge position or lock height on every project?

No. Hardware positions and preparation depend on the approved door schedule, construction, manufacturer template, accessibility requirements, fire rating and local/project standards.

Can any closer be installed on a fire door?

No. Confirm compatibility with the listed doorset, fire-door standard, manufacturer and authority requirements. Installation and testing must follow the approved system.

Related EngineersBlog reading

• Ironmongery for an FD-90 door
• Wooden-door fabrication and installation method statement
• Fire-rated staircase door coordination
• Quality checks for wooden doors

Technical limitation

This is a general installation and inspection framework. The approved hardware schedule, door/frame shop drawings, product instructions, fire/life-safety listing, local code, authority requirements and project quality plan govern the work. It is not a substitute for a manufacturer’s installation manual or a fire-door compliance decision.