A lockset (alternatively lock set) is the hardware and components that make up the locking or latching mechanism that can usually be found on a door or other hinged object but can also include sliding doors and dividers. [1] The components of a lockset can include (but are not limited to) the door handles (commonly both inside and outside), latch bolt, dead bolt, face plate, strike plate, escutcheon, thumbturn, push button, turn button, and other trim. The lockset and associated hardware typically defines a door's function and how a user could (or could not) access the two adjacent spaces defined by the opening associated with the lockset.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, under Title III, and many state and local governments regulate locksets in buildings occupied by the public. Typically, locksets that employ doorknob-controlled latches are forbidden for public use in favor of lever handles, which are easier to operate by gravity instead of the grasping and turning required by knobs. Many municipalities also regulate locksets in terms of fire rating, using standards determined more broadly by national or international organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories in the United States or the International Code Council, which are often supplemented by local governmental organizations (e.g. New York City's Materials and Equipment Acceptance (MEA) Division of their Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) [2] ), or by local building codes. For example, mandates of building code may forbid (e.g., E2141/F16 "Double-Keyed Deadbolt") from group occupancies, or require (e.g., F93/F15) certain functions on hotel or motel doors.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a private non-profit organization, and the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) administer and coordinate voluntary standardization to develop and maintain performance standards for builder's hardware. Locks and handle sets are covered by standard A156.2, deadbolts by A156.5, and finishes by A156.18.
The grade specified according to the standards of ANSI/BHMA indicate the security and durability of the lockset.[ citation needed ]
Commercial, highest grade security and durability; can survive a 360-pound (160 kg) weight test.
Residential, with excellent security and durability; can survive a 250-pound (110 kg) weight test.
Residential, minimum acceptable grade.
The lockset's latching (locking) mechanism may be of the mortise or cylindrical type. [3] The mortise mechanism is enclosed in a box (usually metal), requiring installation in a rectangular cavity carved into the edge of the door. The cylindrical mechanism is typically installed into the door via a cavity that can be simply bored through the door, usually by using a hole saw.
A lockset may incorporate a latch bolt, a deadbolt, or may integrate both into a single lockset.[ citation needed ]
The latch bolt is spring-loaded and has an angled surface, allowing the door to be closed and latched without first retracting the bolt. In addition, the bolt may be fitted with a guardbolt, which is arranged to prevent the unwanted retraction of the latch bolt by an intruder; in this case the latch bolt is called a deadlocking latch bolt. There may be a provision on the inside handle to disable (lock) the outside handle from operating the latch bolt; this is referred to in the table below as the "inside locking mechanism". This mechanism may consist of a push button or turn button in the inside handle.[ citation needed ]
A deadbolt is projected (thrown) only after the door is in the closed position; it will resist being forcibly retracted once it is in its projected position, hence is known as a deadlock. If it is projected or retracted by a handle (rather than by a key), that handle is referred to in the table below as a "thumbturn".[ citation needed ]
A lockset may be fitted with a keyable lock on inside, on outside, or not at all, the latter being known as a "non-keyed lockset". If the lockset has a single keyed side, it is called a "keyed, single-cylinder lockset"; if both sides are keyed, it is called a "keyed, double-cylinder lockset". In this aspect, the word "cylinder" refers to any type of keyed cylinder lock, rather than to the type of mechanism of the lockset.
Locksets come in many variant types, each appropriate to a particular use. [4] Lockset manufacturers may describe a lockset product in terms of how a door is operated by a user, while ANSI/BHMA assign standard alphanumeric codes to the function of a lockset. [5] [6] [7] For accurate and precise descriptions, the standard function code should be used when specifying a lockset.
May use a lockset consisting of two operating handles, both of which are never locked. A cylindrical mechanism lockset on such a door would be given the ANSI code F75, a mortised lockset F01.
A lockset for such a door typically includes a provision to lock from the inside, preserving the privacy of the occupant, along with a means of unlocking from the outside in case of emergency (lockset F76B/F19).
A typical use case occurs upon departing the office: the user pushes a button on the inside handle, locking the door, then pulls the door shut behind. The door must now be opened with a key. The F82(F04) function works for this case.
For enhanced security, the addition of a deadbolt is useful. The F88/F09 "Entrance" function allows the door to be locked from the outside with a key, while still allowing people inside to freely leave without a key.
Door may be specified as non-locking; the F75/F01 "Passage" function serves the purpose.
Door should be locked at all times, calling for the F86/F07 "Storeroom" function.
Designated F84/F05, which allows occupants out of the room regardless if the door is locked. In the wake of school shootings, the F110 lockset may be desirable: it allows the outside handle to be locked by using a key on the inside, but still allows occupants free egress.
Non-keyed locksets | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Cylindrical | Mortise | Function label | Description | Example locations |
— | — | Dummy | Handle on one side only, not operative. No latch. | Decorative doors, cabinets, office restrooms |
F89 [8] | — | Exit | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by inside handle only; outside handle inoperable at all times. | Exit-only door |
F111 [9] | F31 [10] | Exit | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by inside handle only. Blank plate outside (13/16" (31 mm) projection). | Exit-only door |
F75 [8] | F01 [10] | Passage, Closet | Latch bolt operated by handle from either side at all times. | Residential closets, any door that must be latched, does not require locking. |
F76A [8] | F22 [11] | Privacy Bath/Bedroom | Latch bolt operated by handle from either side. Outside handle is locked by inside locking mechanism. It is unlocked by emergency release outside, by operating inside handle, or by closing the door. | Single stall or residential bathrooms, offices, bedrooms |
F76B [12] | — | Privacy Bath/Bedroom | Latch bolt operated by handle from either side, except when outside handle is locked by locking device inside (inside handle always operates latch bolt). Locking device shall automatically release when inside handle is operated, or door is closed. Emergency release on outside shall permit outside handle to operate latch bolt. | Single stall or residential bathrooms, offices, bedrooms |
— | F02 [10] | Privacy Bath/Bedroom | Handle from either side retracts latch bolt at all times. Thumbturn retracts and projects deadbolt. Emergency release retracts and projects deadbolt. Latch bolt and deadbolt operate independently of each other. | |
— | F19 [10] | Privacy Bath/Bedroom | Latch bolt operated by outside handle, except when deadbolt is projected. Inside thumbturn projects deadbolt. When inside handle is operated, both latch bolt and deadbolt retract simultaneously, and outside handle is unlocked. Emergency release on outside retracts and projects deadbolt. | Single stall or residential bathrooms, offices, bedrooms |
F76B [12] | — | Patio, Privacy | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by handle from either side, except when outside handle is locked by locking device inside (inside handle always operates latch bolt). Locking device releases automatically when inside handle is operated or when door is closed. | |
Keyed latch bolt locksets, single cylinder | ||||
Cylindrical | Mortise | Function label | Description | Example locations |
F112 [12] | — | Communicating Storeroom | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by inside key only. Outside has blank rose. Inside is inoperable. Should be used only where rooms have more than one exit. | |
F113 [13] | — | Communicating | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by inside handle except when locked by key. Non-removable blank plate outside (13/16" (31 mm) projection). | |
F81 [8] | — | Entry, Office | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by handle both sides. Outside handle is rendered inoperative via inside locking mechanism, which must be released manually. Key (in outside handle) only retracts latch bolt when outside handle is locked. | |
F82 [8] | F04 [14] | Entry, Office | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by handle both sides. Outside handle is rendered inoperative via inside locking mechanism, which is released by key or by turning inside handle. Closing door neither unlocks outside handle nor releases the lock. | Classrooms, commercial storage closets |
F82B [12] | — | Entry, Office | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by handle from either side except when outside handle is locked by locking device on inside (inside handle always operates latch bolt). Inside locking mechanism locks outside handle (automatically releases when inside handle is operated or key unlocks outside handle). When outside handle is locked, operating key in outside handle retracts latch bolt and unlocks locking device. | |
F109 [13] | — | Entry | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by handle from either side except when outside handle is locked by the inside locking mechanism (inside handle always operates latch bolt). Key outside or operating inside handle releases inside locking mechanism, except when mechanism has been rotated to keep outside handle locked. Inside locking mechanism must be manually operated to unlock outside handle. | |
F84 [8] | F05 [10] | Classroom | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by handle from either side except when outside handle is locked from outside by key (inside handle always operates latch bolt). | Classrooms, commercial storage closets, utility room |
F86 [8] | F07 [10] | Storeroom / Closet / Vestibule | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by key in outside handle, or by operating inside handle (inside handle always operates latch bolt). Outside handle is inoperable at all times. | Commercial: storerooms, closets, apartment / office buildings, shared exterior entry / exit, commercial bathrooms, interior offices, fire exits, electronic strikes |
F90 [8] | — | Corridor, Dormitory | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by handle from either side, except when outside handle is locked by key in outside handle or by inside locking mechanism (which cannot be activated unless door is in closed position); inside handle is always operable. Key in outside handle locks or unlocks outside handle. Operating the inside handle automatically releases the inside locking mechanism. Closing the door automatically releases the inside locking mechanism. | |
F92 [8] | — | Service Station | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by handle from either side except when outside handle is locked by inside locking mechanism. Key retracts latch bolt when outside handle is locked. Inside locking mechanism can not be activated unless door is in closed position. Inside locking mechanism released by turning inside handle or by key in outside handle, unless inside locking mechanism is fixed in locked position by turning coin slot in inside handle. | |
F93 [8] | — | Hotel, Dormitory, Apartment | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by key outside and by handle inside. Outside handle always inoperative. Depressing inside locking mechanism when door is closed shuts out all keys except emergency key and projects visual occupancy indicator in cylinder face (inside locking mechanism will not activate unless door is in closed position). Inside locking mechanism released by turning inside handle, automatically reactivating all keys and retracting visual occupancy indicator. Lock out key fixes inside locking mechanism in locked position, shutting out all keys except emergency key. | Hotel room |
— | F26 [10] | Institutional Privacy | Key outside retracts latch bolt, overriding thumbturn when held in locked position. Thumbturn inside locks and unlocks outside handle. Handle outside unlocks when the door closes or by operating handle inside. Handle inside always retracts latch bolt. Note: Key does not lock handle outside, only unlocks it. | |
— | F06 [10] | Holdback | Key outside retracts latch bolt, also locks and unlocks outside handle. Handle inside always retracts latch bolt. Holdback function: to set, rotate and hold handle, then rotate key twice toward latch bolt. Handle will remain in rotated position indicating that it is unlocked. | |
Keyed latch bolt locksets, double cylinder | ||||
Cylindrical | Mortise | Function label | Description | Example locations |
F80 [8] | — | Communicating | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by either handle. Key in either handle locks or unlocks its own handle only. | |
F87 [8] | F30 [10] | Utility, Asylum, Institutional | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by key inside or outside. Handle inside and outside are inoperative at all times. | Asylum room |
F88 [8] | F09 [10] | Classroom, Security, Apartment, Exit, Privacy | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by either handle unless outside handle is locked by key in inside handle. When outside handle is locked, key in outside handle only retracts latch bolt: outside handle can only be unlocked by key in inside handle. | |
F110 [13] | F32 [10] | Intruder Classroom | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by handle from either side (inside handle always operates latch bolt). Key either inside or outside locks or unlocks outside handle. Key from either side retracts latch bolt. | |
— | — | Classroom Security Intruder | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by either handle unless outside handle is locked by key (inside handle always operates latch bolt). Key in either handle locks or unlocks outside handle. When inside key locks the outside handle, only the inside key can unlock the outside handle: the outside key only retracts the latch bolt once outside handle is unlocked by inside key. | |
Deadlocks | ||||
Cylindrical | Mortise | Function label | Description | Example locations |
E2161 [15] | F18 [10] | Deadlock with Blank plate | Deadbolt operated by key outside only. | |
E21112 [13] | — | Deadlock, Thumbturn | Deadbolt operated by thumbturn inside only (outside blank plate). | |
E2192 [13] | — | Deadlock, Thumbturn only | Deadbolt operated by thumbturn inside only (no trim outside). | |
E2142 [13] | F16 [10] | Deadlock, Double Cylinder | Deadbolt operated by key outside and inside. | |
E2152 [13] | F17 [10] | Deadlock | Deadbolt operated by key outside; by thumbturn inside. | |
E0172 | F29 [10] | Classroom Deadlock | Deadbolt operated by key outside. Thumbturn inside retracts deadbolt only, will not project it. | |
Keyed locksets with both latch bolt and deadbolt | ||||
Cylindrical | Mortise | Function label | Description | Example locations |
cf. F81 | F08 [10] | Entry, Corridor | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by handle both sides. Key and thumbturn both retract and project deadbolt. Handle outside is locked by toggle or by projecting deadbolt, and is unlocked by toggle only. Key retracts both latch bolt and deadbolt; handle outside remains locked. Handle inside retracts latch bolt only; deadbolt is retracted manually, and handle outside remains locked. | |
— | F12 [11] | Dormitory, Exit | Key outside or thumbturn inside retracts and projects deadbolt. Key outside retracts both latch bolt and deadbolt, handle outside remains locked. Handle outside is locked by toggle or by projecting deadbolt. When the deadbolt is projected, handle inside retracts latch bolt and deadbolt simultaneously, and handle outside remains inoperative. | |
cf. F90 | F13 [11] | Dormitory, Exit | Key outside or thumbturn inside retracts and projects deadbolt. When the deadbolt is in the retracted position, handle from either side retracts latch bolt. When the deadbolt is projected, handle outside is locked. When the deadbolt is projected, handle inside retracts latch bolt and deadbolt simultaneously, unlocking handle outside. | |
— | F14 [11] | Storeroom | Key from either side retracts and projects deadbolt. Handle from either side retracts latch bolt. Latch bolt and deadbolt are independent of each other. Not recommended for use on any door used for Life Safety egress. | |
— | F15 [11] | Hotel Guest | Standard key outside retracts latch bolt only and will not retract or project deadbolt; emergency key outside will retract latch bolt and deadbolt and also project deadbolt. Thumbturn inside retracts and projects deadbolt. Handle inside retracts both latch bolt and deadbolt simultaneously. Handle outside is always inoperable. | |
— | F20 [11] | Entry, Apartment | Key outside or thumbturn inside retracts and projects deadbolt. Key outside retracts both latch bolt and deadbolt, handle outside remains locked. Handle outside is locked by toggle or projecting deadbolt and is unlocked by toggle only. With deadbolt projected, handle inside retracts latch bolt and deadbolt simultaneously, and handle outside remains locked. | |
— | F21 [10] | Room | Key outside or thumbturn inside retracts and projects deadbolt. Handle either side retracts latch bolt. Latch bolt and deadbolt operate independently of each other. | |
— | F25 [10] | Storeroom | Key from either side retracts and projects deadbolt. Key from either side retracts latch bolt. Handle outside is locked by toggle or by projecting deadbolt and is unlocked by toggle only. When deadbolt is projected, handle inside retracts latch bolt only, and outside trim remains locked. | |
— | F33 [10] | Classroom Security Intruder Deadbolt | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by handle inside or outside. Key from either side retracts or projects deadbolt, which also unlocks or locks outside handle. Outside handle can only be locked by projecting the deadbolt. | |
— | F34 [10] | Classroom Security Intruder Deadbolt | Deadlocking latch bolt operated by handle inside or outside. Key from either side retracts or projects deadbolt, which also unlocks or locks outside handle. Outside handle can only be locked by projecting the deadbolt. Auxiliary deadlatch. | |
F95 [13] | — | Interconnected Latch bolt and Deadbolt, Single-Locking Entry | Latch bolt operated by handle from either side. Rotating thumbturn from inside or key from outside extends deadbolt to locked position. Both deadbolt and latch bolt are retracted to unlocked position by operating inside handle. | |
F97 [16] | — | Entry, Double-Locking | Deadlocking latch bolt is operated by handle from either side except when outside handle is made inoperable by locking device inside. When outside handle is locked, deadlocking latch bolt is operated by key outside. Inside locking device is manually operated to unlock outside handle. Rotating turn from inside or key from outside extends deadbolt to locked position. Operating inside handle always retracts both deadbolt and latch bolt. Closing door shall not release locking device inside. | |
F98 [16] | — | Storeroom, Double-Locking | Deadlocking latch bolt is operated by handle from either side except when outside handle is locked. Key in deadbolt cylinder outside retracts and projects deadbolt; thumb turn inside retracts and projects deadbolt. Handle outside is locked and unlocked manually with handle turn button inside. When outside handle is locked, key in outside handle retracts latch bolt. Handle inside retracts both latch bolt and deadbolt simultaneously. |
A warded lock is a type of lock that uses a set of obstructions, or wards, to prevent the lock from opening unless the correct key is inserted. The correct key has notches or slots corresponding to the obstructions in the lock, allowing it to rotate freely inside the lock.
The pin tumbler lock, also known as the Yale lock after the inventor of the modern version, is a lock mechanism that uses pins of varying lengths to prevent the lock from opening without the correct key.
A lock is a mechanical or electronic fastening device that is released by a physical object, by supplying secret information, by a combination thereof, or it may only be able to be opened from one side, such as a door chain.
A deadbolt or deadlock is a type of lock morticed into a wooden door. Then, using a key from either side of the door, a bolt is thrown into the door frame, thus securing the door. It is distinct from a spring bolt lock because a deadbolt can only be opened by a key or handle. The more common spring bolt lock uses a spring to hold the bolt in place, allowing retraction by applying force to the bolt itself. A deadbolt can therefore make a door more resistant to entry without the correct key, as well as make the door more resistant to forced entry. A deadbolt is often used to complement a spring-bolt lock on an entry door to a building.
A mortise lock is a lock that requires a pocket—the mortise—to be cut into the edge of the door or piece of furniture into which the lock is to be fitted. In most parts of the world, mortise locks are found on older buildings constructed before the advent of bored cylindrical locks, but they have recently become more common in commercial and upmarket residential construction in the United States. The design is widely used in domestic properties of all vintages in Europe.
A bored cylindrical lock is a lockset which is installed by boring two circular holes in the door. Door handles may also use the same installation.
A crash bar is a type of door opening mechanism which allows users to open a door by pushing a bar. While originally conceived as a way to prevent crowd crushing in an emergency, crash bars are now used as the primary door opening mechanism in many commercial buildings.
Door furniture or door hardware refers to any of the items that are attached to a door or a drawer to enhance its functionality or appearance.
A door handle or doorknob is a handle used to open or close a door. Door handles can be found on all types of doors including exterior doors of residential and commercial buildings, internal doors, cupboard doors and vehicle doors. There are many designs of door handle, depending on the appropriate use. A large number of handles, particularly for commercial and residential doors, incorporate latching or locking mechanisms or are manufactured to fit to standardised door locking or latching mechanisms.
A latch or catch is a type of mechanical fastener that joins two objects or surfaces while allowing for their regular separation. A latch typically engages another piece of hardware on the other mounting surface. Depending upon the type and design of the latch, this engaged bit of hardware may be known as a keeper or strike.
A lock bypass is a technique in lockpicking, of defeating a lock through unlatching the underlying locking mechanism without operating the lock at all. It is commonly used on devices such as combination locks, where there is no natural access for a tool to reach the locking mechanism. Because the mechanism itself is not being manipulated, this could technically not be considered lockpicking at all. However, it does fall under the repertoire of techniques used to open locks. Lock bypass is one of the most important parts of locksmithing, especially with respect to public buildings which must be able to be opened from inside in case of fire, thus allowing the use of "letter box tools" among other techniques. Locks may be bypassed by a variety of other techniques including loiding, i.e. the "credit card" technique, against self-closing "latch systems."
An electronic lock is a locking device which operates by means of electric current. Electric locks are sometimes stand-alone with an electronic control assembly mounted directly to the lock. Electric locks may be connected to an access control system, the advantages of which include: key control, where keys can be added and removed without re-keying the lock cylinder; fine access control, where time and place are factors; and transaction logging, where activity is recorded. Electronic locks can also be remotely monitored and controlled, both to lock and to unlock.
An electric strike is an access control device used for door frames. It replaces the fixed strike faceplate often used with a latch. Like a fixed strike plate, it normally presents a ramped or beveled surface to the locking latch allowing the door to close and latch just like a fixed strike would. However, an electric strike's ramped surface can, upon command, pivot out of the way when the lock on the door is in the locked position and the door is opened, allowing a user to pull/push the door to open it without operating the mechanical lock or using a mechanical key. After the door is opened past the keeper, the keeper returns to its standard position and re-locks when power is removed or applied, depending upon the strike's configuration.
An interchangeable core or IC is an adaptable locking key cylinder, which can be rapidly exchanged in the field via the use of specialized "control keys".
The term door security or door security gate may refer to any of a range of measures used to strengthen doors against door breaching, ram-raiding and lock picking, and prevent crimes such as burglary and home invasions. Door security is used in commercial and government buildings, as well as in residential settings.
A rim lock is a locking device that attaches to the surface of a door.
Builders' hardware or just builders hardware is a group of metal hardware specifically used for protection, decoration, and convenience in buildings. Building products do not make any part of a building, rather they support them and make them work. It usually supports fixtures like windows, doors, and cabinets. Common examples include door handles, door hinges, deadbolts, latches, numerals, letter plates, switch plates, and door knockers.
VingCard Elsafe, whose origin was in Moss, Norway, is an international producer of hotel locking systems, electronic in-room safes and energy management systems. After inventing the first mechanical hole card operated lock in 1976, VingCard was acquired in 1994 by ASSA ABLOY, and merged with the electronic safe producer Elsafe to form VingCard Elsafe in 2006. Since 2015 VingCard Elsafe is not an operating company, but a product brand within ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions.
Emtek is a door and cabinet hardware manufacturer based in the City of Industry, Los Angeles County. Since 2023, the company has been owned by Fortune Brands Innovations.
This is a glossary of locksmithing terms.