BEST 45H Series Heavy Duty Mor...
IN STOCK (leaves warehouse same day if ordered before 3pm ET)
$2,001.00
$1,111.67
BEST 45H Series ( AB - Office Function) - Escutcheon Trim Heavy Duty Mortise Lock with Visual Thumbturn Indicator, SFIC Housing Less Core

BEST 45H Series Heavy Duty Mortise Lock with Visual Thumbturn Indicator - Office Function SFIC Housing

(No reviews yet) Write a Review

Model: 45H7AB3M626VIT
$2,001.00
$1,111.67
Selected Finish is
Selected Lever Style is
Selected Trim Style is

In Stock (leaves warehouse same day if ordered before 3pm ET)

$2,001.00
$1,111.67
Adding to cart… The item has been added
Free Shipping on orders over $199
We price match and offer bulk discounts! Click Add to Quote. It's quick and easy.
✨
Earn points with this purchase! You can redeem points for giftcards, iPads, XBox's and more. View Rewards
Free Keying on all locks
You may also like

BEST 45H Series Heavy Duty Mortise Lock with Visual Thumbturn Indicator - Office Function SFIC Housing

Professional Grade Mortise Lock with Visual Status Indication

The BEST 45H Series Heavy Duty Mortise Lock delivers commercial-grade security with advanced visual thumbturn indicator technology. This office function mortise lock features a 2-3/4" backset, solid stainless steel latchbolt with 3/4" throw, and 1" throw deadbolt for maximum security. The lock case is manufactured from 0.095" cold rolled steel with zinc dichromate plating for superior corrosion protection and meets ANSI A156.13 Series 1000 Grade 1 Operation and Strength standards.

Professional Features & Benefits

  • Heavy-Duty Steel Construction: 0.095" cold rolled steel case, cover, and armored front provide exceptional durability and strength for demanding commercial applications.
  • Visual Status Indication: Thumbturn indicator displays padlock icon open for unlocked and padlock icon closed with red paint for locked status, providing clear operational feedback.
  • 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.
  • Roller Bearing Hub Mechanism: Provides smooth, wear-resistant operation with four position hub toggle design for easy handing changes without opening the case.
  • Armored Front Protection: Completely surrounds latch and deadbolt providing increased lateral strength with staked assembly design for self-alignment during installation.
  • ANSI Grade 1 Compliance: Meets ANSI A156.13 Series 1000 Grade 1 Operation and Strength, Grade 2 Security standards for commercial applications.
  • Field Reversible Design: Non-handed components including cylinder retainer, auxiliary bolt, and curved lip strike allow easy handing changes without case disassembly.
  • Enhanced Case Integrity: Four corner case cover screws plus interlocking armored front and cover design at the latch provide superior structural strength.

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 up to 5" thick door configuration), mortise pocket dimensions, and handing requirements.
  2. Use manufacturer-provided templates to mark mounting hole locations accurately on door and frame surfaces for the 8" H x 1-1/4" W faceplate.
  3. Prepare door mortise pocket and frame strike pocket according to specifications, ensuring proper clearance for the armored front assembly.
  4. Install the lock case into the door mortise, allowing the self-aligning trim mechanism and armored front to properly seat against the door bevel during installation.
  5. Mount the curved lip strike and strike box assembly in the frame, ensuring proper alignment with the 3/4" latchbolt and 1" deadbolt throws.
  6. Test lock operation including visual indicator function, lever return spring mechanism, and locking toggle operation to verify proper installation and smooth operation throughout the full range of motion.

Professional Applications

  • Commercial Office Buildings
  • Educational Facilities
  • Healthcare Institutions
  • Government and Municipal Buildings
  • Multi-Tenant Residential Properties
  • Industrial and Warehouse Facilities
  • 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. Multiple finish options including antimicrobial UltraShield coatings ensure long-term performance in high-traffic environments.

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
Product Attribute:
Indicator Locks
Electronic:
No
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
Product Function:
Office

BEST 45H7AB3M626VIT – Frequently Asked Questions

1) What does the visual indicator on the BEST 45H office function lock actually show?
The thumbturn indicator shows a padlock icon in the open position when the door is unlocked, and a closed padlock icon with red paint when it is locked. On the office function, the inside thumbturn locks and unlocks the outside lever, so a teacher, office manager or staff member can see the door state from inside the room without pulling on the lever to test it. That is the whole point of buying the indicator version instead of a plain 45H.
2) Does the BEST 45H lock come with a core, and what kind of cylinder does it take?
It ships with an SFIC housing prepped less core, so no core is included. You need to add a BEST small format interchangeable core (6 or 7 pin) keyed to your system, or a construction core to get the job running. If you are keying into an existing BEST system, this is the right prep. Note also that the 45H carries ANSI A156.13 Grade 2 Security as supplied; to reach Grade 1 Security a drill resistant core (1CD, 1CDP, 1CDF or 1CDX) is required with escutcheon trims, or a 1EK7K4 high security cylinder with sectional trims.
3) Do I have to specify handing when ordering a BEST 45H mortise lock?
Handing is a required selection at order: left hand, right hand, left hand reverse or right hand reverse. That said, the 45H is field reversible. The four position hub toggle lets you change handing without opening the case, and the cylinder retainer, auxiliary bolt and curved lip strike are all non-handed. So if a door gets rehung or the wrong hand shows up on site, a locksmith can turn it around rather than reorder.
4) Will the BEST 45H latch into the strike prep already in my frame?
The 45H throws a 3/4 inch solid stainless latchbolt and a 1 inch stainless deadbolt off a 2-3/4 inch backset, with an 8 x 1-1/4 x 1/16 inch faceplate. Those are standard ANSI A156.13 Series 1000 mortise numbers, so if the frame is already prepped for a Grade 1 mortise lock with an ANSI strike and box, it lines up. What you do need to check is that the existing strike box is deep enough for the 1 inch deadbolt throw, since latch-only prep on a passage or office non-deadbolt lock will not have that pocket.
5) What is the closest Grade 1 mortise office function equivalent to the BEST 45H if I need a non-BEST brand?
The Cal-Royal NM8050 is a heavy duty Grade 1 mortise lockset with an entrance/office function and a 1-3/4 inch door thickness, which matches the standard door thickness the BEST 45H is configured for. The Hager 3850E is another office function mortise lock with a 2-3/4 inch backset, the same backset the 45H uses, with lever and escutcheon trim. The difference to weigh is the cylinder: the 45H comes with an SFIC prep less core, so it drops into a small format interchangeable core keying system already in the building, while the Cal-Royal NM8080 storeroom is the model in that line called out with an interchangeable core option.
6) Is a storeroom mortise lock a drop-in substitute for the BEST 45H office function?
It fits the same mortise pocket family but it does not behave the same way. A storeroom lock such as the Accentra 8805FL, a Grade 1 storeroom mortise lock with an Arcadia lever, or the Cal-Royal NM8080 Grade 1 storeroom mortise lockset for 1-3/4 inch doors keeps the outside lever locked at all times and requires a key on every entry. The BEST 45H is an office function with a visual thumbturn indicator, so the occupant sets the outside lever locked or unlocked from inside and reads the state off the indicator. Specify storeroom only where the opening should never be left unlocked by an occupant.
7) Is a Sargent 130KB thumbturn a replacement for the BEST 45H visual indicator thumbturn?
No. The Sargent 130KB is a standard duty mortise thumbturn in the 8200 Series and the 130W is a standard duty mortise thumbturn with a round backplate in the 7800 Series - both are trim pieces that mount to a lock, not locks themselves. The BEST 45H is a complete heavy duty mortise lock whose thumbturn carries the visual indicator, and the indicator is part of that lock assembly, so swapping a plain thumbturn onto the door does not add status indication and does not replace the lock body.
8) Will an Emtek or Baldwin mortise lock body work where a BEST 45H is specified?
Check the backset and the function before you assume it will. The Baldwin 6301 entry/apartment and 6310 entry/storeroom mortise lock bodies use a 2-1/2 inch backset, not the 2-3/4 inch backset of the BEST 45H, so the door prep is different. The Emtek mortise entrance locksets - 3019 Brisbane, 3102 Memphis, 3104 Hamilton and 3106 Manhattan - are dummy function, meaning no latching and no keying at all. The 45H is a keyed, single cylinder, commercial heavy duty lock.
9) What is the difference between office function and classroom or storeroom function on a mortise lock?
Office function means the lever can be locked and unlocked from inside by thumbturn, and the inside lever always retracts the latch for free egress. That suits an office, a conference room or a staff room where the occupant decides when to secure the door. Classroom function is locked and unlocked by key from the corridor side only, which is what many districts specify to keep control at the key. Storeroom function keeps the outside lever locked at all times and requires a key every time. If you need classroom instead, the Cal-Royal NM8070 and Corbin Russwin ML2003 are Grade 1 classroom mortise locks; for storeroom, the Cal-Royal NM8080 or Accentra 8805FL.
10) Which BEST 45H finish should I use in a hospital or school?
For healthcare, elderly care, education, transportation, food service and hospitality, BEST offers two UltraShield antimicrobial finishes: 626AM satin chrome and 630AM satin stainless steel. The UltraShield coating inhibits growth of bacteria and other microbes on the hardware surface. If antimicrobial is not a requirement, the standard commercial choices are 626 satin chrome and 630 satin stainless. The full range also runs 605, 606, 611, 612, 613, 618, 619, 622, 625, 629 and 690, with 613 intended to wear to an antique look over time and 690 holding a dark brown appearance.
11) What lever and trim options do I have to pick when ordering a BEST 45H?
Three things get specified besides finish and handing. Trim style: H rose, R rose, J wrought escutcheon, or M escutcheon. Lever style: 12 solid tube no return, 14 curved with return, 15 contour with angle return, 16 curved without return, 17 gull wing, 3 solid tube with return, or 4 round knob. If you are matching existing openings in a building, the lever number and trim letter are what you copy off the old hardware. One thing that ties back to security: escutcheon trims reach Grade 1 Security with a drill resistant core, while sectional trims need the 1EK7K4 high security cylinder to get there.
12) I need an indicator mortise lock but not on a BEST keyway. What else is there?
The Marks USA LA318GJ is the closest cross-brand match we carry: a Grade 1 classroom security indicator mortise lockset supplied with an ANSI strike and a steel escutcheon measuring 8-1/2 x 2-3/4 x 7/16 inches, for 1-3/4 inch doors. Two differences matter. It is classroom security function, keyed from the inside to lock the outside lever, not office function with a thumbturn. And it is a conventional cylinder lock rather than an SFIC prep, so it does not drop into an existing BEST small format core system.
13) Is the BEST 45H an electronic or access control lock?
No, the 45H is a purely mechanical mortise lock, key and thumbturn operated, with no wiring, no reader and no power requirement. If you need credential-based access on a mortise door, we carry electronic mortise locks such as the Schlage CO-100 standalone keypad lock, the Schlage Electronics LEMD-GRW ENGAGE wireless lock with a 125kHz proximity reader, the Dormakaba E-Plex 2066 pushbutton lock, and the TownSteel FME-2000 Grade 1 RFID mortise lockset. For an electrified version of a conventional mortise lock, the Command Access ML190 is a motorized mortise lock with field selectable fail safe or fail secure operation on 24VDC.
14) Can I standardize a whole building on the 45H if some doors do not need to lock?
Yes, and that is the usual approach: keep one lock body, one trim family and one finish across the building, and vary only the function per opening. The 45H case, 2-3/4 inch backset, 8 inch faceplate and mortise pocket are common across the series, so the door and frame prep is identical from door to door. For the openings that never need to lock, the Falcon MA101 is a Grade 1 heavy duty mortise passage lock, the Schlage PM010 is a Grade 1 non-keyed passage mortise latch, and the Hager 3810E is a Grade 1 passage mortise lock with escutcheon on the same 2-3/4 inch backset.
15) Is a mortise lock like the BEST 45H worth it over a cylindrical lock?
On a high traffic commercial opening, the mortise body earns it. The 45H puts a 1 inch deadbolt and a 3/4 inch latch behind a single armored front that wraps both bolts for lateral strength, in a 0.095 inch cold rolled steel case, zinc dichromate plated. A cylindrical lock has no deadbolt and takes all its load through the two through-bolted roses. The catch is prep: a mortise pocket has to be routed into the door edge, so retrofitting one into a door bored for a cylindrical lock means a new door or a mortise conversion. If the door is already bored 161 for cylindrical, something like the Schlage PC10 Grade 1 passage cylindrical lock is the like-for-like replacement.
16) The opening does not need to be keyed - what is the simpler mortise lock to use?
Where the door only needs to latch and no key is wanted, the Schlage PM010 is a Grade 1 non-keyed passage latch mortise lock for 1-3/4 inch doors, and the Falcon MA101 is a Grade 1 heavy duty mortise passage lock that is field reversible and fire rated. For a passage opening in a 2-3/4 inch backset prep, the Hager 3810S carries rose trim and the 3810E carries escutcheon trim, both for doors 1-3/4 to 2-1/2 inches. All of these give up the keying and the visual thumbturn indicator that the keyed, single cylinder BEST 45H provides.
17) Which mortise lock should I use for a restroom or bedroom instead of an office function lock?
An office function lock is keyed from the outside, which is not what a bath or bedroom opening needs. 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 Grade 1 privacy mortise lock with a 2-3/4 inch backset for doors 1-3/4 to 2 inches, the same backset the BEST 45H uses so the door prep carries over.
18) Can I put an electronic mortise lock in the same opening as a BEST 45H?
Yes, if you want credential control rather than a mechanical key. The Schlage CO-100 is a Grade 1 heavy duty standalone electronic mortise lock with a keypad reader for 1-3/4 inch doors, the TownSteel FME-2000 is a Grade 1 heavy duty classroom mortise lockset with RFID at the same door thickness, and the Dormakaba E-Plex E5086 is a Grade 1 pushbutton and card entry/egress mortise lock. Note the door thickness limits before you commit: the Alarm Lock Trilogy DL3500CR is listed for 1-5/8 to 1-7/8 inch doors, while the BEST 45H is a non-electronic lock with a thick door configuration available for doors up to 5 inches.
19) What do I order if the opening only needs a mortise deadbolt and not a latching lockset?
The Sargent 4874 is a double cylinder mortise deadbolt with a 2-3/4 inch backset, matching the 2-3/4 inch backset the BEST 45H uses, and the Kaba Ilco 185 Series is a non-handed mortise deadbolt supplied in a single pack. Those are deadbolt only - no latchbolt, no lever. The BEST 45H carries both a 3/4 inch throw stainless latchbolt and a 1 inch throw deadbolt in one case, so it latches the door as well as bolts it.
20) What mortise lock do I use for a dormitory or corridor opening instead of an office function?
The Sargent 7925 is a Grade 1 heavy duty dormitory exit function mortise lock with rose trim and a single cylinder deadbolt. Like the BEST 45H it is a single cylinder keyed mortise lock, but the dormitory exit function is written for a corridor opening where the deadbolt throws from inside and retracts on egress, rather than the office function the 45H provides.
21) What mortise lock should be used in a behavioral health room where the BEST 45H lever is a ligature concern?
For anti-ligature openings, the TownSteel MRX-L-01 is a Grade 1 heavy duty stainless steel anti-ligature lever mortise lockset in passage function for 1-3/4 inch doors, the MRX-A-01 is the same passage function with ligature resistant arch trim, and the Marks USA 5PDN is a Grade 1 hospital passage mortise push/pull paddleset that is ligature resistant and ADA compliant in satin stainless steel. All three are passage function, so they do not key or indicate status the way the keyed BEST 45H with its visual thumbturn indicator does - use them where the room must not lock.
22) I need the outside lever to lock and unlock from the access control system - what replaces the BEST 45H?
That calls for an electrified mortise lock. The Schlage L9092EU with 03A trim is a heavy duty mortise lock with an electric lock/unlock outside lever, keyed outside, request to exit, on 12/24VDC for 1-3/4 inch doors, and the Command Access ML190 Series is a heavy duty motorized storeroom mortise lock with field selectable fail safe or fail secure operation on 24VDC. The BEST 45H is non-electronic - its outside lever state is set at the thumbturn, not by a panel.
23) For a healthcare facility, is there an alternative to the BEST 45H that addresses surface hygiene?
The BEST 45H itself is offered in 626AM satin chrome antimicrobial and 630AM satin stainless steel antimicrobial finishes, which is the direct answer for a keyed office opening. If the opening needs to be touch-free rather than lever operated, the Marks USA 5PDN is a Grade 1 hospital passage mortise push/pull paddleset in satin stainless steel that is ligature resistant and ADA compliant, though it is passage only and carries no keying.
24) Does the BEST 45H need a separate strike, and what kind ships with it?
The 45H uses a curved lip strike with a strike box in the frame, and the strike is non-handed so the same one works either hand. Set it so the box clears both the 3/4 inch latch and the 1 inch deadbolt. On installation the lock face self-adjusts to the door bevel and the armored front is a staked assembly that self-aligns, so you are not shimming the faceplate to sit flush on a beveled edge.
How fast can I get the BEST 45H7AB3M626VIT delivered?
Most orders ship the same day from our distribution partners, with quick delivery throughout the continental U.S. Need it urgently? Contact Us for expedited shipping options.
Can I return it if it doesn’t work for me?
Yes—ZenSupply offers a hassle-free return policy. If the product isn’t the right fit, reach out to our support team for a return authorization or setup a return by following our return instructions.
Does the BEST 45H7AB3M626VIT come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The BEST 45H7AB3M626VIT 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 45H7AB3M626VIT?
You can call, text, or email our expert support team for fast answers. We’re here to help with product selection, installation tips, and troubleshooting. Contact Us
Why buy the BEST 45H7AB3M626VIT from ZenSupply?
ZenSupply makes it easy to get the commercial door hardware you need—fast shipping, expert support, and rewards on every order. Our team is always ready to help you choose the right product for your project.
!