Your Guide to Commercial Door Knobs and Locks

When shopping for commercial door hardware there are a lot of functions available to accommodate all kinds of commercial applications. And it may be easier for you to shop this way, knowing what functions does what. We’ll cover everything from basic entry lock functions to exit security locks.

Shop with Confidence for Commercial Door Knobs

As you can see, commercial door knobs are not one-size-fits-all; their functions vary to accommodate the specific needs of different spaces. The broad range of commercial door knob functions makes determining the differences between these different functions challenging. That's why we put together this guide to make your shopping experience a little easier, because we understand that allows business owners to make informed decisions about the security and accessibility of their buildings.

An Entry Lock Function: An entry function has a keyed cylinder on the outside and a push button for locking the door on the inside. The inside button will lock the lever on the outside until you unlock it by rotating the inside lever or by using the key on the outside.

Entry/Office Lock: This style will have a keyed cylinder on the outside and a turn/push button to lock the inside. The turning button will lock the outside lever which will require the outside lever to be unlocked with the key until the button is manually unlocked by the inside. If its a push button, it will lock the outside lever until you rotate the lever from the inside or you unlock by the key from the outside. The inside lever is always free.

Office Lock: The office lock will have a keyed cylinder on the outside and a turn button on the inside. Turning the button will lock the outside lever requiring you to use the key to unlock until the button is manually turned or unlocked from the inside. The inside lever is always free.

Classroom Lock: The classroom lock will have a keyed cylinder on the outside and can be locked and unlocked by the key and the inside lever is always free.

Exit Security Lock: This lock will retract the latch by either lever except if the key from the inside lever has locked the outside lever. And when the outside lever is locked you can use the key on the outside lever or turn the inside lever to retract the latch.

Asylum Lock: The Asylum function includes a deadlocking latch bolt and can be operated by the key on either side. Both of the levers will always be inoperable so it will always require a key to open the latch.

Dormitory Lock: This style also includes a deadlocking latch bolt and can be operated by the levers except when locked by the push button on the inside lever. The key on outside lever will lock or unlock the outside lever and automatically releases the button. Closing the door also releases the push button. The inside lever is always free.

Storeroom Lock: This style of lock includes a deadlocking latch bolt that is operated by the lever inside or by the key on the outside. Outside lever is always inoperable and inside lever is always free.

Storeroom (Electrified - Fail Safe): This lock will open the latch bolt by the lever from either side except when the lever is electrically locked. When the outer lever, that is inoperable, is locked the latch bolt retracts by the keyed cylinder from the outside.

Assisted Living or Corridor Lock: You can lock or unlock this by the key from outside. The push button locks the lever from the inside. Closing the door or turning inside lever will release the button and unlock the door. When the outside lever is locked by the key it can only be unlocked by the key. The inside lever is always unlocked.

Passage/Closet Function: No locking mechanism on this function. The function is always unlocked.

Privacy Hospital Lock: Outside lever is locked by the push button on the inside lever. Rotating the inside lever, closing the door or turning the emergency release turn button on the outside will release the push button. Inside lever is always free.

Dummy Trim: This is a single trim that is surface mounted to the door.

Communicating Passage Lock: The door is opened by the inside lever and the outside is a non removable blank plate.

Exit Non Keyed: This function has a blank plate on the outside and the inside lever is always unlocked.

Patio Lock: This function is operated by either side unless the outside is locked by the push button from the inside. Unlocks by turning inside lever or closing door.

Faculty Restroom Lock: This function has an outside lever that is fixed. Enter by the key only. Push button on the inside lever activates a visual occupancy indicator. An emergency mater key will be able to unlock from the outside if emergency. When turning the inside lever or closing the door will release the visual occupancy indicator. And rotating the inside spanner button provides lock out feature by keeping indicator activated.

Hotel and Motel Commercial Lock: The deadbolt is retracted by the key in the upper lock from the outside or by the inside turn unit. The bolt automatically deadlocks when fully thrown. Deadlatch retracted by the key in outer fixed knob. Push button in inner knob/lever activates visual occupancy indicator. Rotation of inside spanner button provides lockout feature by keeping indicator thrown. Turning inside knob/lever retracts deadbolt and latch simultaneously for immediate exit.

Communicating Lock: This is locked or unlocked by the key from the outside and there is a blank plate inside.

Whether it's entry, entry/office, classroom, exit security, or privacy, choosing the right door knob is an important step in making sure that a commercial space operates smoothly while prioritizing safety and security – and those of us here at Direct Door Hardware are here to help! Shop our full selection of commercial door hardware to find top brands and styles or contact us today with any questions you may have.