Mortise Lock, Lever handle lock, Door Knob lock Functions For Various Property Types & Door Handing

There are many types of locks available for doors in both commercial and residential applications and choosing the right one depends on a variety of factors. Different types of locks offer different types of security. They can also differ in terms of price and installation requirements.

Mortise locks, for instance, are commonly used in the doors of modern commercial buildings where foot traffic is very heavy. These types of locks are designed to be both deadbolts and doorknobs, and it is this dual function—plus their strength and durability—that make mortise locks attractive to commercial establishments. 

Also used in commercial and residential settings, lever handle locks permit doors to be shut and opened by pushing the handle or by locking with a key. It’s worth noting, however, that commercial lever handles are superior to residential locks when it comes to overall durability and strength. They are also available in two levels: Grade 2 for light duty commercial establishments such as retail stores and hotels, and Grade 1 for heavy duty commercial spaces including schools, hospitals, and factories.

Door knob locksets are available for doors in both interior and exterior doors; that is, doors within a building and doors that offer entry to a building. The privacy lock, which has a push-button lock on one side, is the most familiar type of interior door knob. Exterior doorknobs, meanwhile, are typically more durable, heavier, and more secure than doorknob locks designed for interior doors.

Knowing more about the functions and uses of various types of locks is important in enabling property owners to plan better for the security of their home or business. Enlisting the service of a professional locksmith is also vital to ensure that locks are installed securely and properly on left-hand and right-hand doors.

Mortise Lock Functions 

Passage – Both levers are always unlocked.

Privacy – The latchbolt is retracted by a knob/lever from either side unless the outside is locked by the inside thumbturn. Turning the inside knob/lever or closing the door unlocks the outside knob/lever. To unlock from the outside, remove the emergency button, insert the emergency thumbturn (furnished) in the access hole, and rotate. The inside knob/lever is always free for immediate egress.

Entrance/Office – The latchbolt is retracted by a knob/lever from either side unless the outside is made inoperative by a key on the outside or by turning the inside thumbturn. When the outside is locked, the latchbolt is retracted by a key on the outside or by a knob/lever on the inside. The outside knob/lever remains locked until the thumbturn is returned to vertical or unlocked by a key. The auxiliary latch deadlocks the latchbolt when the door is locked. The inside knob/lever is always free.

Classroom – The latchbolt is retracted by a knob/lever from either side unless the outside is locked by a key. It’s unlockable from the outside by the key. The inside knob/lever is always free for immediate exit. The auxiliary latch deadlocks the latchbolt when the door is locked. The inside knob/lever is always free for immediate egress.

Storeroom – The latchbolt is retracted by a key on the outside or by a knob/lever on the inside. The outside knob/lever is always inoperative. The auxiliary latch deadlocks the latchbolt when the door is locked. The inside knob/lever is always free for immediate egress.

Entrance/Office With Deadbolt – The latchbolt is retracted by a knob/lever from either side unless the outside is locked by a 20° rotation of the thumbturn. The deadbolt is thrown or retracted by a 90° rotation of the thumbturn. When locked, a key on the outside or a knob/lever on the inside retracts the deadbolt and latches the bolt simultaneously. The outside knob/lever remains locked until the thumbturn is restored to a vertical position. Throwing the deadbolt automatically locks the outside knob/lever. The auxiliary latch deadlocks the latchbolt when the door is locked. The inside knob/lever is always free for immediate egress.

Corridor Lock – The latchbolt is retracted by a knob/lever from either side. The deadbolt is thrown or retracted by a key outside or by turning the inside thumbturn. Throwing the deadbolt locks the outside knob/lever. Turning the inside knob/lever simultaneously retracts the deadbolt and latchbolt and unlocks the outside knob/lever. The inside knob/lever is always free for immediate egress.

Storeroom With Deadbolt – The latchbolt is retracted by a key on the outside or by lever or knob on the inside. The outside knob/ lever is always fixed. The deadbolt is thrown or retracted by a key on the outside or by turning the inside thumbturn. Turning the inside knob/lever simultaneously retracts both the deadbolt and latchbolt. The auxiliary latch deadlocks the latchbolt when the door is locked. The inside knob/lever is always free for immediate egress.

Fail Safe – Electrical power used as a fail-safe mechanism to ensure the lock is locked. The latchbolt is retracted by a key on the outside or a knob/lever on the inside. The auxiliary latch deadlocks the latchbolt when the door is locked. The inside lever is always free.

Lever Handle/Door Knob Functions 

Passage:

• Latchbolt by a lever/knob on either side. 
• Both levers /knobs are always free. 

Privacy:

• Throw-off the latchbolt by a lever/knob.
• The outside lever/knob is locked by a push button. (The lever/knob is freewheeling in locked position.)
• The outside lever/knob is unlocked by the emergency release tool on the outside, by rotating the inside lever/knob, or by closing the door. 
• The inside lever/knob is always free.

Entrance or Office

• Deadlocking the latchbolt by a lever/knob on either side, except when the turn button locks the outside lever/knob. The push/turn button locks the outside lever/knob, requiring the use of a key on the outside to unlock. (The lever/knob is freewheeling in locked position.)
• Turning the inside lever/knob unlocks the outside lever/knob.
• The push/turn button locks the outside lever/knob, requiring a key at all times. Turning the inside lever/knob does not unlock the outside lever until the button is manually turned to the unlocked position.
• The inside lever/knob is always free.

Classroom

• Deadlocking the latchbolt by a lever/knob on either side, except when a key on the outside locks the outside lever/knob. (The lever/knob is freewheeling in locked position.)

• The outside lever/knob is unlocked by a key on the outside. 
• The inside lever/knob is always free.

Storeroom 

• Deadlocking the latchbolt by a key in the outside lever/knob or by rotating the inside lever/knob. (The lever/knob is freewheeling in locked position.)
• The inside lever/knob is always free.

Entrance or Office 

• Deadlocking the latchbolt by a lever/knob on either side, except push button locks outside of the lever/knob.
• The push button is released by turning the inside lever/knob or by a key in the outside lever/knob. (The lever/knob is freewheeling in locked position.)

• Closing the door does not release the push button. 
• The inside lever/knob is always free.

Communicating 

• Deadlocking the latchbolt by a lever/knob on either side, except when a key in either lever/knob locks and unlocks the lever/knob independently of the other.

(The lever/knob is freewheeling in locked position.)

• Keyed alike unless otherwise specified. 
• Should be used only in an office or room with multiple entries.

Institutional

• Deadlocking the latchbolt by a key on either side. (Levers/knobs are freewheeling in locked position.)

• Should be used only in an office or room with multiple entries.

Door Handing

For handed door closer:

(Determined from the push side of the door only)

• Door is right hand if it swings out to the right.
• Door is left hand if it swings out to the left.

For Locks:

(Determined from the outside of the door)

• On an exterior door, the outside is the street or entry side. 
• On a closet door, the outside is the hallway or room side.
• On a room door, the outside is the hallway side. 
• On a communication door, the outside is the side opposite the hinges.  

From The Outside (Key Side) Of The Door:

• RH= Hinges are on the right, the door swings in.
• RHR= Hinges are on the right, the door pulls out.
• LH= Hinges are on the left, the door swings in.
• LHR= Hinges are on the, the door pulls out.

For Exit Devices & Exit Trim:

(Determined from the pull side of the door)

• Door is left hand reverse if it pulls out to your left.
• Door is right hand reverse if it pulls out to your right. 

Finishes 

Locksmith for NYC offers a variety of architectural or designer locks in different finishes. 

Description:

• Lifetime Brass

• Bright Brass
• Satin Brass
• Antique Brass
• Satin Bronze 
• Oil Rubbed Bronze
• Dark Bronze Anodized 
• Bright Nickel 
• Satin Nickel 
• Antique Nickel (black chrome) 
• Distressed Nickel 
• Matte Black 
• Dark Amber
• Bright Chrome 
• Satin Chrome 
• Satin Chrome (antimicrobial)
• Bright Stainless Steel 
• Satin Stainless Steel 
• Satin Stainless Steel (antimicrobial)
• Sprayed Aluminum 
• Sprayed Dark Bronze 
• Prime Cost

This is only a reference. Finishes may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Security locks are vital when planning for safety in different types of properties. Since there are various types of locks available in the market, it is important to understand that some locks are designed with certain functions or purposes in mind. Selecting the right type of lock is a process that involves considerations such as the level of security desired, the types of doors needing locks, and many others. Whichever lock function you need based on the property you own; Locksmith for NYC has the right locks for you.

Contact Locksmith for NYC now!

Reference: Official Mortise Website