Precision 2601 Apex Concealed Vertical Rod Exit Device, Exit Only, Cover Plate Prep. - Narrow Stile

About this item

The PHI Precision 2601 is a heavy-duty Grade 1 concealed vertical rod exit device from the Apex 2000 Series, built for narrow stile metal doors where a standard rim device just won’t fit. It’s designed as an exit-only setup, with a simple cover plate on the outside—so there’s no handle, key cylinder, or trim on that side.

From the inside, it’s straightforward: just press the touchpad and the door opens, allowing for quick and easy egress. From the outside, though, the door can’t be opened unless additional hardware like a key cylinder or trim is specifically added.

This makes it a practical choice for areas where one-way traffic is important, such as stairwells, emergency exits, back-of-house doors, or any space where people need to exit freely but entry should stay restricted.

Why Concealed Vertical Rod on a Narrow Stile

The concealed vertical rod design locks the door at two points: a top latchbolt that engages the top frame and a bottom bolt that drops into the floor strike. Both rods run internally through the door stile rather than on the surface. On a narrow stile aluminum or glass door where a surface vertical rod device would be visible and potentially interfere with glazing, the CVR conceals all the hardware inside the stile itself. The outside of the door looks clean. The inside shows only the pushpad. This is the design reason architects specify Precision CVR devices on aluminum storefront, curtainwall, and narrow stile hollow metal doors throughout healthcare, education, and commercial projects.

Detailed Specifications

The 2601 chassis lock stile assembly is investment cast steel, zinc dichromated for corrosion resistance. The top latchbolt is stainless steel with a 3/4" throw and positive deadlocking action. The bottom bolt is steel plated with an independent action 5/8" throw, carrying an adjustment range that accommodates up to 3/4" door undercut at the floor. The center chassis is steel plated heavy wrought steel assembly with lock-in-place top and bottom latch adjustors. Critically, those adjustments are accessible through the door after installation, which saves significant time on job sites where fine-tuning at the frame is unavoidable.

The standard touchbar height is 39-15/16" from the floor, which satisfies ADA single-motion egress requirements. If your door schedule specifies a non-standard height, that can be ordered at time of purchase.

Top strike is No. S519, surface applied, investment cast stainless steel, black powder coated. Bottom strike is No. S460, flush mounted steel, black powder coated.

Door Size Range

The 36" device covers door widths from 2'-7" to 3'. The 48" device covers 3'-1" to 4'. Both sizes are available. Standard door height is 6'-8" to 8'-0". Taller openings from 8'-1" to 10'-0" are available. Door thickness is 1-3/4" standard for all metal single and double door applications.

Dogging

Standard hex key dogging is included. A 1/4" turn with a hex key retracts and holds the touchpad for push/pull operation during business hours. Dogging is not available on fire exit hardware configurations, per code.

Certifications

The Precision 2601 is UL Listed for both panic and fire exit hardware applications and is BHMA certified to ANSI A156.3 Grade 1. Grade 1 means the device is tested to 500,000 cycles, which is the standard for high-traffic commercial openings in schools, hospitals, and office buildings. The device is non-handed and field reversible.

Finishes and the Apex Series

Available finishes include 628 Satin Aluminum, 605 Bright Brass, 606 Satin Brass, 612 Satin Bronze, 613 Oil Rubbed Bronze, 625 Bright Chrome, and 630 Satin Stainless Steel. Side filler and end cap are heavy wrought brass, bronze, or stainless steel. The Apex 2000 Series is the preferred PHI Precision exit device line for healthcare and educational facilities that spec based on aesthetics and engineering efficiency alongside code compliance.