BEST 45H Series Heavy Duty Mor...
IN STOCK (leaves warehouse same day if ordered before 3pm ET)
$1,481.00
$861.96
BEST BEST 45H Series (AB - Office Deadbolt Function) - Escutcheon Trim Heavy Duty Mortise Lock, Single Keyed BES-45H-AB-ES

BEST 45H Series Heavy Duty Mortise Lock with Office Deadbolt Function and Escutcheon Trim

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Model: 45H7AB3J626
$1,481.00
$861.96
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In Stock (leaves warehouse same day if ordered before 3pm ET)

$1,481.00
$861.96
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BEST 45H Series Heavy Duty Mortise Lock with Office Deadbolt Function and Escutcheon Trim

Professional Grade Mortise Lock Solution for Commercial Applications

The BEST 45H Series Heavy Duty Mortise Lock delivers commercial-grade security with office deadbolt function and escutcheon trim configuration. Featuring a solid one-piece stainless steel anti-friction latch with 50% more surface contact, this lock provides superior strength and security for demanding applications. The 2-3/4" backset design accommodates standard door preparations, while the 0.095" cold rolled steel case construction ensures long-term durability. ANSI A156.13 Series 1000 Grade 1 Operation and Strength certified with Grade 2 Security rating.

Professional Features & Benefits

  • Enhanced Latch Design: Solid one-piece stainless steel anti-friction latch provides 50% more surface contact with strike for superior strength and security with precision-engineered curve for enhanced cycle life.
  • Heavy-Duty Construction: 0.095" cold rolled steel case, cover, and armored front manufactured for exceptional strength and durability in commercial applications.
  • Standard Backset Configuration: 2-3/4" backset design accommodates standard door preparations for versatile installation options.
  • Reversible Operation: Non-handed design with reversible latch that rotates 180 degrees for easy handing change without opening case, plus non-handed cylinder retainer.
  • Armored Front Protection: Completely surrounds latch and deadbolt providing increased lateral strength with staked assembly design for self-alignment during installation.
  • Roller Bearing Mechanism: Roller bearing hub mechanism provides smooth, wear-resistant operation with enhanced case integrity through four corner case cover screws.
  • ANSI Compliance: Meets ANSI A156.13 Series 1000 Grade 1 Operation and Strength, Grade 2 Security standards for commercial applications.
  • Professional Trim Design: Self-aligning trim mechanism with lever return spring located in trim for enhanced protection against lever droop and positive horizontal return.

Technical Specifications

45H Series –The design and operation of the BEST® mortise lock meets the intent
of the standard for ANSI A117.1 section 404.2.6.
Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association:
45H Series –ANSI A156.13, Series 1000, Grade 1 Operation and Strength, Grade 2 Security. To meet Grade 1 Security, a drill resistant core
(1CD, 1CDP, 1CDF, or 1CDX) must be used with escutcheon trims, and 1EK7K4 high security cylinder must be used with sectional trims.
47H Series – ANSI A156.13, Series 1000, Grade 1 Operational, Strength, and Security

Auxiliary bolt – Stainless steel, non-handed.
Backset – 2-3/4"
Case –0.095” cold rolled steel, 5- 7/8" H x 7/8" D x 4-1/16" W. Steel is zinc dichromate plated for corrosion protection.
Deadbolt – Stainless steel, 1" throw.
Latchbolt –Solid stainless steel, 3/4" throw. Latch is oil-impregnated for anti-friction operation. Reversible without opening case.
Strike – For complete strike package spec’s see page 5.
Door Thickness – Standard lock configuration designed for doors 1-3/4" thick. Thick door configuration available for doors up to
5" thick (specify thickness when ordering).
Faceplate –Stainless steel, brass or bronze material, 8" H x 1-1/4" W x 1/16" T. Lock face automatically adjusts to proper bevel during
installation.
Products protected by one or more of the following patents: 4,873,853 5,590,555 5,794,472
Finishes –
• 605 - bright brass, clear coated
• 606 – satin brass, clear coated
• 611 – bright bronze, clear coated
• 612 – satin bronze, clear coated
• 613* – oxidized satin bronze, oil rubbed
• 618 – bright nickel plated, clear coated (brass base material)
• 619 – satin nickel plated, clear coated (brass base material)
• 622 – flat black coated (brass base material) 625 – brightchromium plated (brass base material)
• 626 – satin chromium plated (brass base material)
• 629 – bright stainless steel
• 630 – satin stainless steel
• 690* – dark bronze coated (brass base material)
*613 finish is designed to wear over time, providing an “antique” appearance.
*690 finish will continue as a dark brown appearance over time.
Antimicrobial Finish –
• 626AM – satin chrome plated with UltraShield™ antimicrobial protected coating
• 630AM – satin stainless steel with UltraShield™ antimicrobial protected coating
The BEST UltraShield finish inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microbes on the surface of the hardware.
NOTE: BEST UltraShieldTM option is recommended for use on any hardware application where product cleanliness is a high priority. i.e;.
Hospital/Healthcare, Elderly Care, Education, Transportation, Food-Service, Hospitality.

Installation & Operation

  1. Review manufacturer specifications and verify door preparation requirements including door thickness (standard 1-3/4" or thick door configuration up to 5"), mortise pocket dimensions, and handing requirements.
  2. Use manufacturer-provided templates to mark mounting hole locations accurately on door and frame surfaces for proper backset and faceplate positioning.
  3. Prepare door mortise pocket and drill required holes for cylinder, trim mounting, and through-bolts per manufacturer specifications.
  4. Install case assembly into mortise pocket and secure with provided screws, ensuring armored front self-aligns with door bevel during installation.
  5. Install cylinder, trim components, and strike assembly according to manufacturer torque specifications and alignment requirements.
  6. Test lock operation including latch function, deadbolt throw, key operation, and lever return to verify proper installation and smooth operation. Refer to manufacturer documentation for complete installation details and troubleshooting.

Professional Applications

  • Commercial Office Buildings
  • Educational Facilities
  • Healthcare Institutions
  • Government and Municipal Buildings
  • Industrial and Warehouse Facilities
  • Multi-Tenant Residential Properties
  • Retail Establishments

Why Choose BEST Quality?

BEST 45H Series mortise locks deliver professional-grade reliability with 0.095" cold rolled steel construction and solid stainless steel components engineered for demanding commercial applications. The precision roller bearing hub mechanism and enhanced case integrity design with four corner screws provide dependable performance where security and durability are essential. ANSI A156.13 Series 1000 Grade 1 certification ensures compliance with commercial building standards.

Product Specs

Series:
45H
Standard Cylinder:
SFIC Prep Less Core
Duty Level:
Heavy Duty
Keyed Function:
Single Cylinder
Product Group:
Mechanical Locks
Product Subgroup:
Mortise Locks and Trim
Product Type:
Mortise Locks
Subcategory:
Mortise
Keyed:
Yes
Commercial/Residential:
Commercial
Lock Type:
Mortise
Lock Function:
Office
Product Attribute:
Mortise Locks
Electronic:
No
Product Function:
Entrance/Office
Face Plate:
8" H x 1-1/4" W x 1/16" T
Product Category:
Mechanical Locks
Backset (Distance):
2-3/4"
Department:
Door Hardware

BEST 45H7AB3J626 – Frequently Asked Questions

1) Will the BEST 45H mortise lock fit a 1-3/4 inch door?
Yes, 1-3/4 inches is what the standard 45H lock is built around, and it's the usual commercial door thickness. For anything thicker, BEST makes a thick-door configuration that covers doors up to 5 inches, but you have to specify the thickness on the order; it isn't a field adjustment. The lock mortises at a 2-3/4 inch backset, so the pocket and cross-bore on a standard commercial prep line up without rework.
2) What does the office deadbolt function on the BEST 45H actually do day to day?
Office function with a deadbolt: the key retracts the latch from outside, and there's a separate 1 inch stainless deadbolt you throw when you want the room locked down beyond the latch. The 3/4 inch stainless latchbolt handles normal traffic. It's a single-cylinder setup, keyed on one side. Typical use is a tenant or staff office where the occupant wants to secure the room from inside without a key, then leave the latch working normally the rest of the day.
3) Does the BEST 45H mortise lock come with a core, or do I need to order one separately?
It ships prepped for a small format interchangeable core, less core. The core is a separate line item, which is the point of SFIC: you buy the lock bodies and then key them into your own system with your own cores, without a locksmith opening the lock. If you're already running BEST SFIC across a building, these drop straight into that keying scheme.
4) Do I have to specify handing when ordering a BEST 45H mortise lock?
No. The 45H is non-handed. The latchbolt is reversible and rotates 180 degrees without opening the case, and the cylinder retainer is non-handed as well, so one lock covers left and right hand openings. That matters if you're stocking spares for a portfolio of buildings, since one part number covers every door instead of two.
5) What ANSI grade is the BEST 45H mortise lock, and what do I need to add to reach Grade 1 security?
The 45H is certified to ANSI A156.13, Series 1000, Grade 1 Operation and Strength, with a Grade 2 Security rating as supplied. To reach Grade 1 Security with escutcheon trim, a drill resistant core is required (1CD, 1CDP, 1CDF or 1CDX). With sectional trims the requirement is the 1EK7K4 high security cylinder instead. If your spec sheet says Grade 1 security outright, the core selection is the line that gets you there, not a different lock.
6) Will the BEST 45H latch into the strike that's already in my frame?
The latchbolt throws 3/4 inch and the deadbolt throws 1 inch, so the strike has to be a mortise strike with a deadbolt cutout deep enough for a full 1 inch bolt, not a latch-only strike. The armored front wraps both the latch and the deadbolt, and the lock face self-adjusts to the door bevel during installation, so bevel isn't something you order for. Faceplate is 8 x 1-1/4 x 1/16 inches, so an existing pocket cut for a different manufacturer's faceplate may need the edge prep corrected.
7) I need a mortise lock for a classroom, not an office. Is the BEST 45H the right one?
No, office function is the wrong function for a classroom. The 45H AB is entrance/office with a deadbolt. For classroom function in a mortise body, the Cal-Royal NM8070 is a Grade 1 classroom mortise lockset for 1-3/4 inch doors, and the Corbin Russwin ML2003 is a Grade 1 classroom mortise lockset also listed for 1-3/4 inch doors. If the requirement is lockdown from inside the room, look at those rather than trying to make an office function do it.
8) What is the closest cross-brand equivalent to the BEST 45H office function mortise lock?
The Cal-Royal NM8050 is the nearest match from another maker: it is a heavy duty Grade 1 mortise lockset with an Entrance/Office function and an auxiliary deadlatch, sized for 1-3/4 inch doors. The BEST 45H is also a heavy duty commercial mortise lock carrying the Entrance/Office function, with a 2-3/4 inch backset and a standard configuration for 1-3/4 inch doors. The practical differences are in keying and trim: the BEST arrives with an SFIC prep less core, so it drops into a small format interchangeable core system, and its escutcheon trim comes in wrought, forged, and forged concealed cylinder styles.
9) Which mortise lock should be used on a classroom door instead of an office function lock?
An office function lock lets the occupant secure the door from inside, which is not what a classroom opening calls for. For classroom duty, the Cal-Royal NM8070 is a heavy duty Grade 1 classroom mortise lockset with an auxiliary deadlatch for 1-3/4 inch doors, and the Corbin Russwin ML2003 is a Grade 1 mortise classroom lockset in the ML2000 Series, also for 1-3/4 inch doors. Both keep the same mortise pocket approach as the BEST 45H, which is a keyed single cylinder mortise lock in the Office function.
10) What is the difference between an office function mortise lock and a storeroom function mortise lock?
Storeroom function keeps the outside lever locked at all times and entry is by key only, so it is used where staff should never be able to leave an opening unsecured. Office function allows the outside lever to be left unlocked for the working day and secured when the room is closed. If storeroom is the right behavior, the Accentra 8805FL is a Grade 1 storeroom mortise lock in the 8800 Series with an Arcadia lever, and the Cal-Royal NM8080 is a heavy duty Grade 1 storeroom mortise lockset for 1-3/4 inch doors with an interchangeable core option. The BEST 45H covered here is the Office function with a deadbolt.
11) Is the Hager 3850E office mortise lock a direct substitute for a BEST 45H office lock?
They land on the same opening but they are not interchangeable. The Hager 3850E is a 3800 Series Grade 1 Office mortise lock with lever and escutcheon at a 2-3/4 inch backset, and it is non-keyed, for doors 1-3/4 to 2-1/2 inches thick. The BEST 45H office lock is keyed, single cylinder, and shares the 2-3/4 inch backset with escutcheon trim. If the opening needs a key on the outside, the Hager 3850E will not do it; if the office lever only needs to be locked and unlocked without a key, it will.
12) Can a Baldwin 6301 mortise lock body be swapped in for a BEST 45H?
No, the door prep is different. The Baldwin 6301 is an Entrance/Apartment mortise lock body on a 2-1/2 inch backset, offered knob by knob or, as the 6301LS, lever by lever, for doors 1-3/4 inches and over. The BEST 45H uses a 2-3/4 inch backset, so the cylinder and trim holes sit a quarter inch apart between the two and the mortise pocket will not line up. Match backset before function when replacing an existing mortise lock.
13) What trim and lever options do I choose from on the BEST 45H, and does the choice affect security?
Three escutcheon trims: J wrought escutcheon, M forged escutcheon, and N forged escutcheon with concealed cylinder. The N hides the cylinder behind the trim, which is what you pick when you don't want the core visible on the pull side. Lever choices are Curved with Return, Curved without Return, Contour with Angle Return, Gull Wing, 3 solid tube with return, 12 solid tube without return, and 4 round knob. Levers with a return are the ones to specify where clothing snag is a concern in an egress path. The lever return spring sits in the trim, which is what keeps the lever from drooping over time.
14) Is there an antimicrobial version of the BEST 45H for a hospital or school?
Two finishes carry the BEST UltraShield antimicrobial coating: 626AM satin chrome and 630AM satin stainless steel. The coating inhibits growth of bacteria and other microbes on the hardware surface. BEST calls it out for hospital and elderly care, education, transportation, food service and hospitality, anywhere hand contact hygiene is part of the facility standard. If you're standardizing a healthcare wing, 630AM is the one that matches typical satin stainless door hardware already in place.
15) Can I get the BEST 45H with a keypad or card reader instead of a key?
No, the 45H is a mechanical lock with no electronic option. If access control is the requirement in a mortise body, look at the TownSteel FME-2000, a Grade 1 mortise lockset with RFID for 1-3/4 inch doors, the Schlage CO-100 standalone electronic mortise lock with keypad reader, or the Dormakaba E-Plex 2066 electronic pushbutton keyless mortise lock. Where you want the door electrically controlled but keep a mechanical lockset, the Command Access ML190 is a motorized mortise lock with field selectable fail safe or fail secure operation on 24VDC.
16) Does the BEST 45H meet accessibility requirements for lever operation?
BEST states the design and operation of the mortise lock meets the intent of ANSI A117.1 section 404.2.6, which is the door hardware operation clause. Pair that with one of the lever trims rather than the 4 round knob if accessibility is the driver, since a knob requires tight grasping and twisting that a lever does not.
17) What is a simpler mortise lock for an opening that does not need to lock at all?
For a corridor or closet door that only needs latching, a passage mortise lock removes the cylinder and the keying entirely. The Falcon MA101 is a Grade 1 heavy duty mortise passage lock in the MA Series with field reversible operation and a fire rating, the Schlage PM010 is a Grade 1 non-keyed passage latch mortise lock for 1-3/4 inch doors, and the Hager 3810E is a 3800 Series Grade 1 passage mortise lock with escutcheon at a 2-3/4 inch backset. The BEST 45H office lock is keyed and takes an SFIC prep less core, which is cost and keying work an unlocked opening does not need.
18) Which mortise lock replaces an office lock on a restroom or bedroom door?
An office lock is keyed from the outside, which is the wrong behavior for a privacy opening. Privacy function is the substitute: the Cal-Royal NM8440 is a heavy duty Grade 1 privacy mortise lockset with a deadbolt for 1-3/4 inch doors, and the Hager 3840S is a 3800 Series Grade 1 privacy mortise lock at a 2-3/4 inch backset for doors 1-3/4 to 2 inches thick. The Hager matches the 2-3/4 inch backset the BEST 45H uses, so the door prep carries over.
19) What electronic mortise lock covers an office opening instead of a keyed mechanical lock?
If codes or credentials are wanted in place of keys, the Schlage CO-100 is a standalone electronic mortise lock with a keypad reader, Grade 1 heavy duty, for 1-3/4 inch doors, and the Dormakaba E-Plex 2066 is an electronic pushbutton keyless mortise lock in the E-Plex 2000 Series. The Schlage Electronics LEBMB-ADD is a mobile enabled mortise lock with push button and LED covering privacy, office, and apartment functions on 1-3/4 inch doors, Grade 2 with a 3 hour fire rating. The BEST 45H is a non-electronic mechanical lock, so it needs no power, batteries, or programming at the door.
20) Is a Sargent 4874 mortise deadbolt an alternative to an office deadbolt mortise lock?
They are not the same device. The Sargent 4874 is a double cylinder mortise deadbolt in the 4870 Series with a 2-3/4 inch backset, and the Kaba Ilco 185 Series is a non-handed mortise deadbolt. A deadbolt alone provides no latching and no lever operation, so the opening still needs separate latching hardware. The BEST 45H is a single cylinder keyed office lock that combines the lever latch and the deadbolt in one mortise case at the same 2-3/4 inch backset.
21) What mortise lock should be specified for a behavioral health or ligature resistant opening?
Standard lever trim has a projection that will not pass a ligature resistant review. The TownSteel MRX-A-01 is a Grade 1 heavy duty passage mortise lockset with satin stainless steel ligature resistant arch trim for 1-3/4 inch doors, and the MRX-L-01 is a Grade 1 heavy duty anti-ligature lever mortise lockset in stainless steel. For a hospital push-pull opening, the Marks USA 5PDN is a Grade 1 hospital passage mortise push/pull paddleset, ligature resistant and ADA compliant in satin stainless steel. The BEST 45H uses conventional lever and knob trim including curved, contour, gull wing, and round knob styles.
22) What mortise lock should be used when an office opening needs to release on an access control signal?
A mechanical office lock cannot be tied into an access control panel. For that, the Command Access ML190 is a heavy duty motorized mortise lock with field selectable electrified locked or unlocked operation on 24VDC, storeroom function, and the Schlage L9092EU with 03A trim is a heavy duty electric lock/unlock outside lever mortise lock, keyed outside, with request to exit, running on 12 or 24VDC on a 1-3/4 inch door. Both require power transfer through the frame and hinge; the BEST 45H is a non-electronic lock that needs no wiring.
23) Which mortise lock suits a dormitory or corridor opening where the room secures on exit?
Dormitory function differs from office function in that the outside lever locks when the occupant leaves and throws the deadbolt. The Sargent 7925 is a Grade 1 heavy duty dormitory exit function mortise lock in the 7900 Series with rose trim and a single cylinder deadbolt. The BEST 45H is a single cylinder office function lock and is supplied with escutcheon trim rather than rose trim, so switching between the two changes the visible plate on the door as well as the locking behavior.
24) Do the Baldwin 6301 and Marks USA 21AC mortise locks fit the same doors as a commercial office mortise lock?
The Marks USA 21AC and 22AC are entrance double cylinder ornamental iron mortise locks with a round knob, built for 1 inch thick doors, which is the gate and iron door market rather than a 1-3/4 inch commercial door. The BEST 45H standard configuration is designed for 1-3/4 inch doors, with a thick door configuration available up to 5 inches when the thickness is specified on the order.
25) Which BEST 45H finish should I order to match the rest of my building?
Fourteen finishes are available: 605 bright brass, 606 satin brass, 611 bright bronze, 612 satin bronze, 613 oxidized satin bronze oil rubbed, 618 bright nickel, 619 satin nickel, 622 flat black, 625 bright chrome, 626 satin chrome, 630 satin stainless, 690 statuary dark bronze, plus 626AM and 630AM antimicrobial. Two of them change appearance on purpose: 613 is meant to wear to an antique look over time, and 690 stays a dark brown. If you're matching existing openings exactly and don't want drift, 626 or 630 are the stable commercial choices.
26) I just need a deadbolt, not a full lockset. Is the BEST 45H overkill?
Probably, yes. The 45H is a complete heavy duty mortise lockset with lever trim, latchbolt and deadbolt together. If the opening only needs a bolt, the Sargent 4874 is a double cylinder mortise deadbolt on a 2-3/4 inch backset, the same backset as the 45H, so the edge prep dimension carries over. The Kaba Ilco 185 Series is another mortise deadbolt option and is listed as no handing.
27) How well does the BEST 45H hold up in a high traffic entrance?
Built for it. The case, cover and armored front are all 0.095 inch cold rolled steel, and the latch is a solid one-piece stainless anti-friction design with 50 percent more contact surface against the strike, with a curve profile intended for cycle life. The hub runs on a roller bearing mechanism, and four corner screws hold the case cover together. The latch itself is oil impregnated so it keeps operating smoothly without service.
28) Do Emtek mortise entrance locksets work as a substitute for a commercial office mortise lock?
No. The Emtek 3019 Brisbane, 3102 Memphis, 3104 Hamilton, and 3106 Manhattan mortise entrance locksets are dummy function, meaning the trim is fixed and there is no latch or lock operation at all. They are used on inactive leaves and matching pairs. The BEST 45H is a commercial, heavy duty, keyed office function mortise lock with a working latch and deadbolt.
29) Which mortise locks come with credential readers for a facility standardizing on cards?
For card and mobile credentials at the door, the TownSteel FME-2000 is a Grade 1 heavy duty classroom mortise lockset with RFID for 1-3/4 inch doors, the Dormakaba Saffire LX-I-M002 is an electronic RFID mortise lockset with BLE mobile access at BHMA Grade 2, and the Schlage Electronics LEMD-GRW is a Grade 1 ENGAGE Series wireless mortise lock with a 125kHz proximity reader, mobile enabled deadbolt with LED, Greenwich trim, right hand, with a 3 hour fire rating. The Accentra nexTouch NTM623-NR is a Grade 1 mortise lock with a capacitive touchscreen keypad and cylinder override, no deadbolt. The BEST 45H is the mechanical route, keyed with an SFIC prep less core so it joins an existing small format core system.
30) Are there lighter duty mortise latches for interior doors that do not need commercial hardware?
Yes. The Codelocks CL2255 is a medium duty electronic tubular mortise latch in the CL2000 Series with a brushed steel finish, suited to interior traffic rather than main commercial openings. The BEST 45H is rated heavy duty for commercial use, with a 0.095 inch cold rolled steel case and an armored front, which is what a high traffic entrance opening calls for.
How fast can I get the BEST 45H7AB3J626 delivered?
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Can I return it if it doesn’t work for me?
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Does the BEST 45H7AB3J626 come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The BEST 45H7AB3J626 is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty. For full warranty terms, check the product documentation or Contact Us.
How do I get technical support or installation help for the BEST 45H7AB3J626?
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