Locks are available in different functions to meet specific security needs. Although only locksmiths typically stock any function other the standard entry function.
Doors are tested for their construction and durability, and separated into three different grades. It’s important to understand the difference between these grades. Locks are tested and assigned to a grade by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA). The BHMA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain performance standards for builder’s hardware. For most consumers, shopping for a new lock can be as basic as selecting the right color. A good rule of thumb is not to just look for a brand or design but to first look at the grading of the hardware. Most manufacturers of door hardware offer products in all three grades. Locks are tested in multiple areas – two of which are strength and cycle.
Just throwing a lock on your door does not automatically provide you with security. The locks available at your local DIY outlet store, or “big box” are, at best, what locksmiths refer to as “grade 3” locks. Many locks from these sources do not meet any product standards at all.
Grade 3 locks are the lowest rated locks found in locksmith shops. The best available elsewhere is the bottom of the quality available from your local locksmith.
Grade 3 locking hardware is commonly referred to as “residential “ grade. The standards call for strength tests, durability tests, and attack tests that will provide good security for a home over a good hardware lifetime.
Grade 2 locking hardware meets standards significantly higher. Grade 2 is typically called “commercial” grade because it can operate properly while being used in high traffic areas such as storefronts. It can also absorb the punishment of more determined attacks.
Grade 1 locking hardware meets even more stringent rules, such as operating properly through 800,000 cycles. That equals a lock being opened 100 times a day for over 20 years. Grade 1also must meet impact tests, strength tests, and torque tests that provide the highest quality product.
The strength test examines how much forcible turning a lock in the locked position can withstand. To be grades, a lock must stay locked after the minimum force has been applied.
Grade 1 requires a key in knob – must hold up to 300 lb-in and a lever lock must withstand 450lb-in.
Grade 2 requires a key in knob, must hold up to 150 lb-in and a lever must hold up to 225 lb-in.
Grade 3 requires a key-in-knob to withstand at least 120 lb-in and a lever lock must withstand at least 180 lb-in.
The Cycle Test examines how many times the lock can be operated before it fails.
Grade 1 lock must complete 800,000 cycles.
Grade 2 lock must complete 400,000 cycles.
Grade 3 locks must complete at least 200,000 cycles.
- Entry lockset function. This is the most common type of lock for home or office. An entry function lock has a small button on the inside of the knob. This lets you manually lock the door when you want. Most types will remain locked even when a key is inserted or used. You will most commonly find them on residential homes, on front and back doors.
Office and Inner Entry Lock
Latchoolt retracted by knob/lever from either side unless outside is made inoperative by key outside or by turning inside thumbturn. When outside is
locked, Latchbolt is retracted by key outside on by knob/lever inside. Outside knob/lever remains locked until thumbturn is returned to vertical or unlocked by key. Auxiliary latch deadlocks latchbolt when door is closed. Inside lever is always free for immediate egress.
- Storeroom lockset function. This lock is always locked. It requires a key to be used each time you want to enter. There is no button on the inside and does not come with an option to leave the door open. It’s perfect for commercial uses, on a supply closet, because it will ensure that the door is locked, as long as it’s closed. You want your office equipment to be secure!
Storeroom Lock
Latchbolt retracted by key outside or by knob/lever inside. Outside knob/lever is always inoperative. Auxiliary latch deadlocks latchbolt when door is closed. Inside lever is always free for immediate egress.
- Classroom lockset function. These are in fact used for classrooms. Similar to a storeroom function lockset, the lock has no button on the inside. However, it does have the ability to be left unlocked, but only with a key. A full turn will lock or unlock the knob allowing only the person with the correct key to leave the door open. It’s a great lock for anyone who doesn’t want to leave a door open unless they authorize it to be.
Classroom Lock
Latchbolt retracted by knob/lever from either side unless outside is locked by key. Unlocked from outside by key. Inside knob/lever always free for immediate exit. Auxiliary latch deadlocks latchbolt when door Is closed, Inside lever is always free for immediate egress.
- Privacy lockset function. This one is used mostly in bedrooms or bathrooms. It is made for privacy. They will frequently have a small hole on the outside and a push-button on the inside. The outside hole enables the lock to be unlocked in emergencies by a pin or paperclip. They are not designed to be used as a main locking device, but just a way to keep someone from walking in when you at an inopportune moment.
Bath/Bedroom Privacy Lock
Latchbolt retracted by knob/lever from either side unless outside is locked by inside thumbturn. Turning inside knob/lever or closing door unlocks outside knob/lever:
To unlock from outside remove emergency button, insert emergency thumbturn
(furnished] in access hole and rotate. Inside lever is always free for immediate egress
- Passage lockset function. This is hardly a “real lock” at all! This knob doesn’t actually lock. It just keeps the door latched to the frame, so they don’t blow around in the wind. You will commonly find them on closets in a home or doors that just don’t need to be locked in general. Some people will also use them in bedrooms, so you can close the door, but not lock it.
Passage Latch
Latchbolt retracted by knob/lever from either side at all times. Inside lever is always free for immediate egress.
