Buying guide

Commercial locks and levers: functions, backsets and grades

A commercial lockset is specified by its ANSI function code first, then backset, door thickness and finish.

The short answer

Commercial locks and levers

A commercial lockset is specified by its ANSI function code first, then backset, door thickness and finish. The function is what the lock DOES, and it is the part most often got wrong.

How to choose

What actually decides the part number

Function codeF75 passage latches but never locks. F76 privacy locks from inside with an emergency release. F82 entrance locks from inside or by key. F84 classroom is locked and unlocked by key from outside only. F86 storeroom is always locked outside and always free inside.

GradeGrade 1 for high traffic and security, Grade 2 for ordinary commercial interior use. ANSI A156.2 covers bored locks.

BacksetThe distance from door edge to the centre of the bore, commonly 2 3/4 inches on commercial doors. It has to match the existing prep or the lock will not line up.

KeyingKeyed alike means one key opens a group. Keyed to an existing system means matching your current keyway, which we need told before ordering, because cut keys cannot be returned.

Before it ships

What we confirm with you

Confirmed in writingFunction code, backset, door thickness, finish, and whether it keys to an existing system.

AvailabilityDon-Jo and LockeyUSA carry commercial locksets in stock. Emtek is stocked but is largely a residential line, so we will tell you which you are looking at rather than blur the two.

Related lines

Compare without going back

Keypad locksNo wifi, no app, no subscription Exit devicesWhat you need to specify Door accessoriesKick plates, guards, sweeps and thresholds

All eight lines

Not sure which you need

Send a photo instead

You do not need a part number. Send a photo of the hardware and the door it sits on, plus the ship-to zip code, and we will identify it and quote it the same business day.

Send a photo See the brands we supply