BEST 45H Series Heavy Duty Mor...
IN STOCK (leaves warehouse same day if ordered before 3pm ET)
$1,502.00
$879.66
BEST 45H Series ( AB - Office Function) - Escutcheon Trim Heavy Duty Mortise Lock with Visual Keyed Indicator, SFIC Housing Less Core

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

(No reviews yet) Write a Review

Model: 45H7AB3J626VIN
$1,502.00
$879.66
Selected Finish is
Selected Lever Style is
Selected Trim Style is

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

$1,502.00
$879.66
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 Indicator - Office Function SFIC Prep

Professional Grade Mortise Lock with Visual Status Indication

The BEST 45H Series Heavy Duty Mortise Lock delivers commercial-grade security with advanced visual indicator technology and office function operation. Featuring a solid one-piece stainless steel anti-friction latch with 50% more surface contact, this mortise lock provides superior strength and security for demanding commercial applications. The lock includes a 2-3/4" backset, 1" throw deadbolt, and 3/4" throw latchbolt with SFIC housing preparation for interchangeable core systems.

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: Case, cover, and armored front manufactured from 0.095" cold rolled steel with zinc dichromate plating for exceptional durability and corrosion protection.
  • Visual Status Indicator: Clear indication of locked and unlocked states with padlock icon display - open for unlocked and closed with red paint for locked position.
  • Armored Front Protection: Completely surrounds latch and deadbolt providing increased lateral strength with staked assembly design for self-alignment during installation.
  • Roller Bearing Hub Mechanism: Provides smooth, wear-resistant operation with enhanced case integrity through four corner case cover screws and interlocking design.
  • Field Reversible Design: Non-handed cylinder retainer and reversible latch rotates 180 degrees for easy handing change without opening case.
  • ANSI Grade 1 Compliance: Meets ANSI A156.13 Series 1000 Grade 1 Operation and Strength, Grade 2 Security standards for commercial applications.
  • SFIC Compatibility: Prepared for Small Format Interchangeable Core systems with solid machined cylinder rings and security screw protection.

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 proper backset and faceplate positioning.
  3. Prepare door mortise pocket and frame strike pocket according to specifications, ensuring proper depth and alignment for 8" H x 1-1/4" W faceplate.
  4. Install mortise lock case into door pocket and secure armored front assembly, allowing self-alignment with door bevel during installation.
  5. Mount escutcheon trim and connect lever return spring mechanism, adjusting four position hub toggle for desired operation mode.
  6. Test lock operation including latchbolt, deadbolt, and visual indicator function to verify proper alignment 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
  • Multi-Tenant Residential Properties
  • Industrial and Warehouse Facilities
  • Retail Establishments

Visual Indicator Technology

The integrated visual indicator system provides clear status indication with padlock icon display that shows open position for unlocked state and closed position with red paint for locked state. This feature enhances security awareness and operational efficiency in commercial environments where lock status visibility is important for staff and security personnel.

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 anti-friction latch design provide enhanced cycle life with reduced wear, while ANSI Grade 1 compliance ensures dependable performance where security and durability are essential.

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 45H7AB3J626VIN – Frequently Asked Questions

1) Will the BEST 45H mortise lock fit a 1-3/4 inch door, and what about thicker doors?
Standard configuration of the 45H mortise lock is built for doors 1-3/4 inches thick, which is the usual commercial thickness. For anything heavier, a thick door configuration covers doors up to 5 inches, but the thickness has to be specified at the time of order, it is not field adjustable. Backset is 2-3/4 inches, so the mortise pocket and trim holes land where a standard commercial prep expects them.
2) Does the BEST 45H indicator lock come with a cylinder, or do I have to supply the core?
It ships as SFIC prep less core, so the housing is machined for a Small Format Interchangeable Core but no core is included. That is deliberate on a keyed job: you drop in your own SFIC core and the lock joins your existing keyway and masterkey system without rekeying anything. It is a single cylinder keyed function, so one core serves the lock. Plan to order cores separately.
3) What does office function mean on the BEST 45H, and is it the right function for a tenant office door?
Office function is the one people pick for a door that needs to be unlocked during business hours and secured after. The outside lever is controlled by the key, and it can be left in the unlocked state so traffic passes freely, then keyed back to locked at close. The 45H adds a visual indicator that shows which of those two states the lock is actually in, so nobody has to test the lever. If you want a door that is always locked outside and always free to exit, that is storeroom function instead, and the Cal-Royal NM8080 is a Grade 1 storeroom mortise lock. For a classroom door keyed from the outside, the Cal-Royal NM8070 is the classroom version.
4) Do I have to order the BEST 45H handed, or can I change the hand in the field?
Hand has to be selected when you order, left hand, right hand, left hand reverse, or right hand reverse. It is also field reversible after the fact: the latch rotates 180 degrees and the cylinder retainer is non-handed, so the hand can be changed without opening the case. The auxiliary bolt is non-handed as well. Useful if a door gets re-swung or a stocked lock has to go on the opposite opening.
5) Is the BEST 45H ANSI Grade 1, and what do I need to order to get Grade 1 security?
The 45H carries ANSI A156.13, Series 1000, Grade 1 Operation and Strength, with Grade 2 Security as supplied. Grade 1 Security is reachable, but it depends on the core you pair with it: with escutcheon trims you need a drill resistant core (1CD, 1CDP, 1CDF or 1CDX), and with sectional trims you need the 1EK7K4 high security cylinder. If your spec reads Grade 1 across operation, strength and security without those add-ons, that is the 47H series. The design also meets the intent of ANSI A117.1 section 404.2.6.
6) What is the closest Grade 1 mortise office-function alternative to the BEST 45H with visual indicator?
The Hager 3850E is a 3800 Series Grade 1 office-function mortise lock with lever and escutcheon trim and a 2-3/4 inch backset, the same backset the BEST 45H uses, and it fits doors 1-3/4 to 2-1/2 inches thick. The key operational difference is that the Hager 3850E office lock is non-keyed, while the 45H is keyed with a single cylinder and is prepped for a Small Format Interchangeable Core less core. If the opening needs key control on the office function, the 45H carries the cylinder prep; if the office door is controlled by thumbturn or inside trim only, the 3850E covers it. The Cal-Royal NM8050 is another Grade 1 heavy duty office/entrance mortise lockset with auxiliary deadlatch for doors 1-3/4 inches thick.
7) The door only needs to stay locked from the outside all the time. Is there a simpler mortise lock than an office indicator lock?
Storeroom function is the simpler specification for an outside face that stays locked at all times. The Accentra 8805FL is a Grade 1 storeroom mortise lock from the 8800 Series with an Arcadia lever, and the Cal-Royal NM8080 is a Grade 1 heavy duty storeroom mortise lockset for 1-3/4 inch doors with an interchangeable core option, which matters if the facility is already keyed on interchangeable cores like the BEST 45H, which ships prepped for a Small Format Interchangeable Core less core. The 45H office function and its visual indicator earn their place where staff need to change the lock state at the door and read that state at a glance; a storeroom lock has no indicator and no unlocked state to set.
8) Is a 2-1/2 inch backset Baldwin mortise lock body interchangeable with a 2-3/4 inch backset commercial mortise lock?
No. The Baldwin 6301 entry/apartment mortise lock body, in both knob by knob and lever by lever versions, and the Baldwin 6310 entry/storeroom body use a 2-1/2 inch backset, while the BEST 45H uses a 2-3/4 inch backset. Backset sets the distance from the door edge to the cylinder and spindle centerline, so the mortise pocket and the cross bores are not in the same place and the two will not swap into one prep. The Baldwin 6310 fits doors 1-3/8 inches and over and the 6301 fits 1-3/4 inches and over; the 6310190RRLS is the right hand reverse lever by lever version of the 6310 storeroom body.
9) The opening needs to lock and unlock from the access control system. What mortise lock covers that instead of a mechanical office lock?
An electrified mortise lock does. The Command Access ML190 Series is a heavy duty motorized mortise lock in storeroom function with field selectable electrically locked or electrically unlocked operation on 24VDC, so one part number covers either fail mode. The Schlage L9092EU with 03A trim is a heavy duty electric lock/unlock outside lever mortise lock, keyed outside, with request to exit switching, on 12 or 24VDC, for doors 1-3/4 inches thick, in corridor function. The BEST 45H is a non-electronic mechanical lockset, keyed with a single cylinder and an SFIC prep, so it takes no wiring and no power transfer hinge.
10) Our doors are thinner than 1-3/4 inches. Which mortise locks fit, and does a BEST 45H?
The BEST 45H standard configuration is designed for doors 1-3/4 inches thick, with a thick door configuration available up to 5 inches when the thickness is specified at order. For thinner doors, the Alarm Lock DL2700CR Trilogy T2 electronic classroom mortise lock and the DL3500CR Trilogy Grade 1 classroom mortise lock both cover 1-5/8 to 1-7/8 inches, as does the DL4500 Series Grade 1 electronic mortise deadbolt. On ornamental iron or narrow applications, the Marks USA 21AC and 22AC entrance double cylinder mortise locks with round knob are built for 1 inch doors, a thickness far below what a standard commercial mortise case takes.
11) How do I read the indicator on a BEST 45H visual indicator lock?
The indicator uses a padlock icon. Open padlock means unlocked, closed padlock with red paint showing means locked. A staff member or security walk can read the door status from the corridor without touching the lever, which is the whole reason these go on offices and shared rooms. If you want an indicator on a classroom security function rather than office, the Marks USA LA318GJ is a classroom security indicator mortise lockset.
12) What trim and lever choices do I have to specify on a BEST 45H mortise lock?
Three decisions on the order form beyond hand and finish. Trim comes as H rose, R rose, or J wrought escutcheon. Lever style has seven options: 3 solid tube with return, 12 solid tube with no return, 14 curved with return, 15 contour with angle return, 16 curved without return, 17 gull wing, and 4 round knob. Note that the trim choice interacts with the security rating, since drill resistant cores apply to escutcheon trims and the high security cylinder applies to sectional trims.
13) I need the BEST 45H to match the finishes on the rest of my doors. What finishes are available?
Fourteen finishes, which covers most existing hardware sets: 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 bright or satin stainless, 690 statuary dark bronze, plus 626AM and 630AM with the UltraShield antimicrobial coating. Two of those change appearance on purpose: 613 is meant to wear to an antique look, and 690 stays a dark brown over time. 626 and 630 are the two that most commercial buildings standardize on.
14) Which BEST 45H finish should I spec for a hospital or a school?
The antimicrobial options, 626AM satin chrome or 630AM satin stainless, both with BEST UltraShield coating that inhibits growth of bacteria and other microbes on the hardware surface. BEST names hospital and healthcare, elderly care, education, transportation, food service and hospitality as the applications for it. It is a coating choice on top of the same lock, so the mechanical specs do not change, and the indicator is a practical extra in a facility where staff need to read door status down a corridor.
15) Is the BEST 45H wired or does it need power?
Purely mechanical, no power and no wiring. Key and lever operation only, with a roller bearing hub and an oil-impregnated stainless latch doing the work. If the job actually calls for electrified access control on a mortise prep, the options run from a Command Access ML190 motorized mortise lock with field selectable EL/EU operation on 24VDC, to a Schlage L9092EU electric lock/unlock outside lever with request to exit on 12/24VDC, to credential readers like the Schlage LEMD-GRW ENGAGE wireless mortise lock with a 125kHz proximity reader or the TownSteel FME-2000 Grade 1 RFID mortise lockset.
16) What else could I use instead of the BEST 45H for an office function mortise lock?
Two close peers. The Hager 3850E is a Grade 1 office mortise lock with lever and escutcheon on a matching 2-3/4 inch backset, but it is non-keyed, so it will not take a core and will not join a keyed system. The Cal-Royal NM8050 is a Grade 1 office/entrance mortise lockset with an auxiliary deadlatch, listed for 1-3/4 inch doors. The 45H is the one to stay with if you need SFIC keying or the visual indicator, since neither peer is listed with those.
17) Does the BEST 45H mortise lock come with a strike, and what else do I need to finish the install?
Beyond the lock body you are specifying hand, finish, lever style and trim style, and on a keyed opening you add the SFIC core, since the lock arrives prepped less core. Strike packages are specified separately on the BEST 45H strike spec. Installation runs off manufacturer templates for the mounting holes, and the lever return spring connects when the trim goes on, with a four position hub toggle set for the operation mode you want. The full sequence is in the 45H/47H installation instructions and the 40H series catalog BEST publishes.
18) Restrooms and single-occupancy rooms need an occupied indicator. Does an office indicator mortise lock cover that?
No. The BEST 45H is an office function keyed lock with a single cylinder, and its indicator reads locked or unlocked for a keyed office opening. A restroom or single-occupancy room wants privacy function: the Cal-Royal NM8440 is a Grade 1 heavy duty privacy mortise lockset with deadbolt for doors 1-3/4 inches thick, and the Hager 3840S is a 3800 Series Grade 1 privacy mortise lock with a 2-3/4 inch backset for doors 1-3/4 to 2 inches thick, the same backset dimension as the 45H. Specify privacy, not office, when the person inside controls the lock.
19) We want audit trail and credentials instead of keys on the same mortise prep. What replaces a mechanical indicator lock?
An electronic mortise lockset takes that opening. The TownSteel FME-2000 Series is a Grade 1 heavy duty mortise lockset with RFID technology in classroom function for 1-3/4 inch doors, the Schlage Electronics LEMD-GRW is a Grade 1 ENGAGE Series wireless mortise lock with a 125kHz proximity reader and Greenwich trim, right hand, with a 3 hour fire rating, and the Dormakaba E-Plex E5086 is a Grade 1 back to back electronic pushbutton and card entry/egress mortise lock. The BEST 45H is a non-electronic mechanical lock, keyed with a single cylinder and prepped for a Small Format Interchangeable Core; it needs no power, wiring, or credential management, and its lock state is read from the visual indicator at the door rather than from software.
20) Which mortise locks look like a substitute for a BEST 45H office lock but will not work on a commercial opening?
Several mortise-labeled items are not keyed commercial locksets. The Emtek 3019 Brisbane, 3102 Memphis, 3104 Hamilton, and 3106 Manhattan mortise entrance locksets are dummy function, meaning trim with no latching operation. The Schlage L0170 is a Grade 1 heavy duty L Series half dummy trim, non-keyed. The Schlage PM010 is a Grade 1 passage latch mortise lock, non-keyed, for 1-3/4 inch doors, and the Falcon MA101 is a Grade 1 heavy duty MA Series mortise passage lock, fire rated, with field reversible operation. None of these are keyed. The BEST 45H is keyed with a single cylinder and a Small Format Interchangeable Core prep, in heavy duty commercial construction.
21) Can a mortise deadbolt replace a keyed office mortise lockset?
Not on its own. The Sargent 4874 is a double cylinder mortise deadbolt with a 2-3/4 inch backset, matching the BEST 45H backset, and the Kaba Ilco 185 Series is a non-handed mortise deadbolt sold in a single pack. Both are deadbolt only, with no latchbolt and no lever operation, so an opening using one still needs separate trim or a latch to close and open the door. The 45H is a single lockset carrying latch, deadbolt, and lever or knob trim in one mortise case, with the visual indicator showing locked or unlocked at the door.
22) What mortise lockset should go on a behavioral health or patient room instead of a standard indicator lock?
Ligature resistant trim is the requirement there. The TownSteel MRX-A-01 is a Grade 1 heavy duty passage function mortise lockset in satin stainless steel with ligature resistant arch trim for 1-3/4 inch doors, and the MRX-L-01 is the Grade 1 heavy duty stainless steel anti-ligature lever version in passage function. The Marks USA 5PDN is a Grade 1 hospital passage mortise push/pull paddleset in satin stainless steel, ligature resistant and ADA compliant. All three are passage function rather than keyed. The BEST 45H offers levers and a round knob in 14 finishes including 626AM satin chrome and 630AM satin stainless steel with UltraShield antimicrobial coating, which BEST recommends for hospital and elderly care applications.
23) Is a dormitory or corridor function mortise lock a better fit than an office function lock for a resident room?
The Sargent 7925 is a Grade 1 heavy duty 7900 Series dormitory exit function mortise lock with rose trim and a single cylinder deadbolt, built so the resident throws the deadbolt from inside and the outside lever is controlled by key. The BEST 45H is office function, keyed single cylinder, with a 1 inch throw deadbolt and 3/4 inch throw latchbolt and a padlock icon indicator that reads open for unlocked and closed with red paint for locked. Office function suits a room where an occupant sets the outside lever locked or unlocked for the day and staff read that state from the corridor; dormitory exit function suits a resident room keyed for a single tenant.
24) Which mortise locks in this class publish a fire rating for a rated opening?
The Schlage Electronics LEMD-GRW ENGAGE Series wireless mortise lock and the LEBMB-ADD mobile-enabled mortise lock both carry a 3 hour fire rating, the LEMD-GRW at Grade 1 and the LEBMB-ADD at Grade 2 with privacy, office, and apartment functions for 1-3/4 inch doors. The Falcon MA101 Grade 1 heavy duty mortise passage lock is also fire rated. The BEST 45H meets ANSI A156.13 Series 1000 Grade 1 Operation and Strength and Grade 2 Security; Grade 1 Security requires a drill resistant core, part number 1CD, 1CDP, 1CDF, or 1CDX, with escutcheon trims, or the 1EK7K4 high security cylinder with sectional trims.
25) Will the BEST 45H hold up on a high traffic door?
It is built as heavy duty commercial hardware. Case, cover and armored front are 0.095 inch cold rolled steel with zinc dichromate plating for corrosion protection, the latchbolt is solid one piece stainless with 50 percent more surface contact on the strike, and the hub runs on roller bearings for wear resistance. The armored front wraps both the latch and the deadbolt for lateral strength, and the case is held with four corner screws plus an interlocking design. That is the construction behind the Grade 1 operation and strength rating.
26) What is the difference between a 45H mortise lock and a mortise thumbturn like the Sargent 130KB?
They are different parts, not alternatives. The Sargent 130KB is a standard duty mortise thumbturn from the 8200 Series and the Sargent 130W is a standard duty mortise thumbturn with a round backplate from the 7800 Series; a thumbturn is the inside piece that retracts a deadbolt in a lock case already installed in the door. The BEST 45H is the complete heavy duty mortise lock case with latchbolt, deadbolt, armored front, and trim, keyed single cylinder with SFIC prep. Ordering a thumbturn expecting a lockset leaves the opening without a lock case.
27) Does a medium duty electronic tubular mortise latch substitute for a Grade 1 heavy duty mortise lock?
The Codelocks CL2255 in brushed steel is a medium duty electronic tubular mortise latch from the CL2000 Series. The BEST 45H is heavy duty commercial with a 0.095 inch cold rolled steel case, cover, and armored front, zinc dichromate plated, a solid stainless steel 3/4 inch throw latchbolt, a 1 inch throw stainless deadbolt, and a roller bearing hub, meeting ANSI A156.13 Series 1000 Grade 1 Operation and Strength. On a high traffic commercial door, the duty level is the deciding difference between the two.
How fast can I get the BEST 45H7AB3J626VIN 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 45H7AB3J626VIN come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The BEST 45H7AB3J626VIN 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 45H7AB3J626VIN?
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 45H7AB3J626VIN 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.
!