BEST 45H Series Heavy Duty Mor...
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$1,416.00
$1,184.51

BEST 45H Series Heavy Duty Mortise Lock with Classroom Holdback Function and Escutcheon Trim

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Model: 45H0RHB3J626
$1,416.00
$1,184.51
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In Stock (leaves warehouse same day if ordered before 3pm ET)

$1,416.00
$1,184.51
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BEST 45H Series Heavy Duty Mortise Lock with Classroom Holdback 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 classroom holdback functionality and escutcheon trim design. Featuring a 2-3/4" backset and ANSI A156.13 Grade 1 operational and strength ratings, this mortise lock incorporates solid stainless steel construction with 1" deadbolt throw and 3/4" latchbolt throw. The 8" H x 1-1/4" W x 1/16" T stainless steel faceplate and 0.095" cold rolled steel case provide exceptional durability for demanding commercial environments.

Professional Features & Benefits

  • Heavy-Duty Case Construction: 0.095" cold rolled steel case measuring 5-7/8" H x 7/8" D x 4-1/16" W with zinc dichromate plating for superior corrosion protection and structural integrity.
  • 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.
  • Reversible Operation: Non-handed design with reversible latch that rotates 180 degrees for easy handing change without opening case, plus four position hub toggle for flexible configuration.
  • Armored Front Protection: Completely surrounds latch and deadbolt providing increased lateral strength with staked assembly design for self-alignment during installation.
  • Grade 1 Performance: ANSI A156.13 Series 1000 Grade 1 Operation and Strength ratings with Grade 2 Security for reliable commercial performance.
  • Roller Bearing Mechanism: Smooth, wear-resistant operation with lever return spring mechanism located in trim for enhanced protection against lever droop.
  • Cylinder Security Features: Solid machined cylinder rings with wavy washer provides resistance to wrenching, plus cylinder security screw prevents removal without first removing interchangeable core.
  • Visual Lock Indicators: Clear indication of locked and unlocked states with optional padlock icon indicators for enhanced user awareness.

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 from 1-3/4" standard up to 5" thick door configuration, stile width, and handing as applicable to this mortise lock.
  2. Use manufacturer-provided templates to mark mounting hole locations accurately on door and frame surfaces for proper mortise preparation.
  3. Prepare door and frame by drilling required holes and routing mortise cavity as specified in manufacturer instructions for the 2-3/4" backset configuration.
  4. Install all mounting hardware and secure the lock case to door per manufacturer torque specifications, utilizing the self-aligning trim mechanism for accurate positioning.
  5. Adjust operational components including the four position hub toggle for proper alignment, latching, and smooth operation throughout the full range of motion with classroom holdback function.
  6. Test device operation to verify proper function of both latchbolt and deadbolt mechanisms and make final adjustments as needed. Refer to manufacturer documentation for complete installation details and troubleshooting.

Professional Applications

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

Antimicrobial Finish Options

Available with UltraShield antimicrobial protected coating in 626AM satin chrome plated and 630AM satin stainless steel finishes. The BEST UltraShield finish inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microbes on the surface of the hardware, recommended for healthcare, elderly care, education, transportation, food-service, and hospitality applications where product cleanliness is a high priority.

Why Choose BEST Quality?

BEST 45H Series mortise locks deliver professional-grade reliability with 0.095" cold rolled steel construction and solid stainless steel latch and deadbolt components engineered for enhanced cycle life. The armored front design and roller bearing hub mechanism provide superior durability rated for demanding commercial applications. Multiple finish options including antimicrobial coatings ensure long-term performance where dependable security and cleanliness 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:
Mortise 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

BEST 45H0RHB3J626 – Frequently Asked Questions

1) What does the classroom holdback function on the BEST 45H RHB mortise lock actually do?
RHB is the classroom holdback function in the BEST 45H mortise lock line. It is a keyed single-cylinder lock, so the outside lever is locked and unlocked by key from the outside, with the holdback letting staff hold the outside trim in the retracted (unlocked) state for normal class hours instead of rekeying every period. The inside lever always retracts the latch for egress. Latchbolt throw is 3/4 inch and there is a 1 inch stainless steel deadbolt throw in the case.
2) What backset and door prep does the BEST 45H mortise lock need?
The 45H uses a 2-3/4 inch backset, which is the standard commercial mortise backset. The case is 0.095 inch cold rolled steel measuring 5-7/8 inch H x 7/8 inch D x 4-1/16 inch W, so the mortise pocket has to be routed to take that. The stainless faceplate is 8 inch H x 1-1/4 inch W x 1/16 inch T and the lock face self-adjusts to the door bevel during installation.
3) Do I have to order the BEST 45H handed, or can I flip it in the field?
Order it without worrying about hand. The 45H case is non-handed and the latch is reversible, rotating 180 degrees without opening the case, and there is a four position hub toggle for configuring the lock. The auxiliary bolt is non-handed as well. That matters for a property manager stocking spares across a mixed building.
4) Does the BEST 45H mortise lock come with a cylinder or core?
No core is included. The 45H ships prepped for a BEST small format interchangeable core, less core, so you supply the SFIC to match your existing keying system. A cylinder security screw keeps the cylinder from being removed until the core is pulled first, and solid machined cylinder rings with a wavy washer resist wrenching.
5) What ANSI grade is the BEST 45H mortise lock, and how do I get Grade 1 security out of it?
The 45H carries ANSI A156.13, Series 1000, Grade 1 Operation and Strength with Grade 2 Security. To reach Grade 1 Security with escutcheon trim you have to specify a drill resistant core (1CD, 1CDP, 1CDF or 1CDX); with sectional trims it takes the 1EK7K4 high security cylinder. The design also meets the intent of ANSI A117.1 section 404.2.6 for operable hardware.
6) Will the 45H latch into the strike that is already in my frame?
The 45H uses a 3/4 inch latchbolt throw on a 2-3/4 inch backset with a stainless auxiliary deadlatch bolt, plus a 1 inch deadbolt, so the frame has to be prepped for both a latch and a deadbolt opening. A strike cut only for a latch will not accept the deadbolt. If you are replacing another brand's mortise lock, check that the existing strike box is deep enough for a 1 inch deadbolt throw before you reuse it.
7) If I need classroom security with access control instead of a key, what mortise lock should I use?
For electronic classroom function, the Alarm Lock DL3500CR Trilogy is a Grade 1 electronic mortise lock with classroom function and 300 user codes for doors 1-5/8 to 1-7/8 inch thick, and the DL2700CR Trilogy T2 offers classroom function in a weatherproof design over the same door thickness range. TownSteel also lists the FME-2000 Series, a Grade 1 heavy duty classroom mortise lockset with RFID, and the FME-4000 Series electronic intruder classroom mortise lock with RFID, both for 1-3/4 inch doors. The BEST 45H is a non-electronic keyed mortise lock.
8) What is a mechanical Grade 1 alternative to the BEST 45H classroom holdback mortise lock from another manufacturer?
The Cal-Royal NM8070 is a heavy duty Grade 1 classroom mortise lockset with an auxiliary deadlatch, listed for 1-3/4 inch doors. The Corbin Russwin ML2003 in the ML2000 Series is also a Grade 1 mortise classroom lockset for 1-3/4 inch doors. Both are mechanical classroom-function mortise locks like the BEST 45H, which uses a 2-3/4 inch backset and ships with SFIC prep less core so you can install your own small format interchangeable core.
9) What mortise lock should I order for an office or entrance door instead of the classroom holdback version?
The BEST 45H RHB is specifically classroom holdback function. For an office or entrance opening, the Cal-Royal NM8050 is a heavy duty Grade 1 office/entrance mortise lockset with auxiliary deadlatch for 1-3/4 inch doors, and the Hager 3850E is a Grade 1 office mortise lock with lever and escutcheon on a 2-3/4 inch backset, non-keyed, for doors 1-3/4 to 2-1/2 inch. Baldwin's 6301LS is an entry/apartment mortise lock body on a 2-1/2 inch backset for doors 1-3/4 inch and over.
10) Which mortise locks fit doors thicker than 1-3/4 inch?
The BEST 45H standard configuration is for 1-3/4 inch doors, with a thick door configuration available up to 5 inch when thickness is specified at order. Among alternatives, the Hager 3810E passage mortise lock with escutcheon covers 1-3/4 to 2-1/2 inch, and Baldwin's 6301 knob by knob mortise lock body is listed for 1-3/4 inch and over on a 2-1/2 inch backset. Many electronic mortise locks are narrower in range - the Alarm Lock DL4500 deadbolt, for example, is listed at 1-5/8 to 1-7/8 inch.
11) I need an electrified mortise lock for an access control system. What replaces the BEST 45H there?
The Command Access ML190 Series is a heavy duty motorized mortise lock with field selectable electrically locked or electrically unlocked operation on 24VDC in storeroom function. The Schlage L9092EU with 03A trim is a heavy duty electric lock/unlock outside lever mortise lock, keyed outside, with request to exit, at 12/24VDC for 1-3/4 inch doors. The BEST 45H is a mechanical, non-electronic lock.
12) What trim and lever choices do I have to specify when ordering a BEST 45H escutcheon lock?
Three escutcheon trims are offered: J wrought escutcheon, M forged escutcheon, and N forged escutcheon with concealed cylinder. Lever and knob designs include 12 solid tube with no return, 3 solid tube with return, 4 round knob, contour with angle return, curved with return, curved without return, and gull wing. The lever return spring sits in the trim rather than the case, which is what keeps levers from drooping over time.
13) Which BEST 45H finish should I use in a hospital or school where surfaces get wiped constantly?
Two antimicrobial options are offered: 626AM satin chrome and 630AM satin stainless steel, both with the BEST UltraShield coating that inhibits growth of bacteria and other microbes on the hardware surface. BEST recommends it for healthcare, elderly care, education, transportation, food service and hospitality. Standard finishes run 605 bright brass, 606 satin brass, 611 bright bronze, 612 satin bronze, 613 oil rubbed, 618 bright nickel, 619 satin nickel, 622 flat black, 625 bright chrome, 626 satin chrome, 629 bright stainless, 630 satin stainless and 690 dark bronze. Note that 613 is meant to wear to an antique look over time.
14) What is the difference between the BEST 45H and the 47H series?
Both are Series 1000 mortise locks, but the grading differs. The 45H is ANSI A156.13 Grade 1 for Operation and Strength with Grade 2 Security unless you add a drill resistant core or high security cylinder. The 47H is Grade 1 for Operational, Strength and Security as supplied. If a spec calls for Grade 1 security outright, that is the 47H route.
15) I need the same look on doors that are not classrooms. What else is in the same family of mortise functions?
For non-classroom openings in a building being standardized, the comparable Grade 1 mortise functions include storeroom (Cal-Royal NM8080, which has an interchangeable core option, or the Accentra 8805FL), office or entrance (Cal-Royal NM8050 with auxiliary deadlatch), privacy for restrooms (Cal-Royal NM8440 with deadbolt), and passage (Schlage PM010 or Falcon MA101, a field reversible heavy duty passage mortise lock). Hager's 3800 Series also covers passage and office in escutcheon trim on a 2-3/4 inch backset for doors 1-3/4 to 2-1/2 inches.
16) Why choose a mortise lock like the BEST 45H over a cylindrical lockset?
A mortise lock puts the whole mechanism inside a routed pocket in the door edge, which gives you a latch and a separate 1 inch deadbolt in one case, heavier internal parts, and trim that carries the lever return spring. It takes more prep: a routed mortise for a 5-7/8 x 7/8 x 4-1/16 inch case rather than a simple bored hole. A cylindrical lock such as the Schlage PC10 Grade 1 passage is far quicker to install but does not give you the deadbolt or the case strength. For classroom and high-traffic institutional doors, the mortise route is the usual specification.
17) I need a storeroom function mortise lock, not classroom. What are my options?
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 with an interchangeable core option for 1-3/4 inch doors. Both keep the door locked at all times with key access, where the BEST 45H RHB classroom holdback lets the outside lever be held in a retracted state by key.
18) Is a Sargent 130KB thumbturn or Sargent 4874 deadbolt a substitute for the BEST 45H mortise lock?
No. The Sargent 130KB is a mortise thumbturn in the 8200 Series and the 130W is a mortise thumbturn with a round backplate in the 7800 Series - both are trim pieces, not lock bodies. The Sargent 4874 is a double cylinder mortise deadbolt on a 2-3/4 inch backset with no latch or lever function. The BEST 45H is a complete keyed mortise lock with both a 1 inch deadbolt throw and a 3/4 inch latchbolt throw.
19) What mortise lock has a visible classroom security indicator like the BEST 45H indicator option?
The Marks USA LA318GJ is a Grade 1 classroom security indicator mortise lockset supplied with an ANSI strike and a steel escutcheon measuring 8-1/2 inch H x 2-3/4 inch W x 7/16 inch, for 1-3/4 inch doors. The BEST 45H provides clear indication of locked and unlocked states with optional padlock icon indicators and uses an 8 inch H x 1-1/4 inch W x 1/16 inch faceplate.
20) What should I use on a behavioral health or ligature-resistant opening instead of a lever mortise lock?
The TownSteel MRX-L-01 is a Grade 1 heavy duty anti-ligature lever mortise lockset in stainless steel with passage function, and the MRX-A-01 uses ligature resistant arch trim in satin stainless steel, both for 1-3/4 inch doors. 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, while the BEST 45H is keyed.
21) Is a non-keyed passage mortise lock a cheaper way to do the same job as the 45H?
It is a different function, not an equivalent. The Schlage PM010 is a Grade 1 non-keyed passage latch mortise lock and the Falcon MA101 is a Grade 1 heavy-duty field reversible mortise passage lock, both for passage/hall/closet use with no key control. The Hager 3810S is a Grade 1 passage mortise lock with rose trim on a 2-3/4 inch backset. The BEST 45H is a keyed single cylinder lock, which is what a classroom opening requires.
22) What mortise lock covers a dormitory or privacy opening rather than a classroom one?
For dormitory function, 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. For privacy, the Cal-Royal NM8440 is a Grade 1 privacy mortise lockset with deadbolt for 1-3/4 inch doors, and the Hager 3840S is a Grade 1 privacy mortise lock on a 2-3/4 inch backset for doors 1-3/4 to 2 inch. The BEST 45H RHB is classroom holdback.
23) What is the difference between the BEST 45H escutcheon trim and rose trim mortise locks like the Hager 3810S?
The BEST 45H is offered with escutcheon trim in wrought, forged, and forged concealed cylinder styles, which covers a taller area of the door face. The Hager 3810S is a Grade 1 passage mortise lock with rose trim on a 2-3/4 inch backset, and the Sargent 7925 dormitory mortise lock also uses rose trim. Hager offers the same 3800 Series passage function with escutcheon as the 3810E for doors 1-3/4 to 2-1/2 inch, so trim style and function can be chosen separately.
24) Can I use a Kaba Ilco 185 or a Codelocks CL2255 in place of the BEST 45H on a commercial classroom door?
Neither matches the application. The Kaba Ilco 185 Series is a non-handed mortise deadbolt, so it provides no lever operation. The Codelocks CL2255 is an electronic tubular mortise latch rated medium duty in the CL2000 Series. The BEST 45H is a heavy duty keyed mortise lock with classroom holdback function and both latchbolt and deadbolt.
25) For a healthcare facility, how does the BEST 45H antimicrobial option compare to credential-based mortise locks?
The BEST 45H is available with UltraShield antimicrobial coating in 626AM satin chrome and 630AM satin stainless steel, recommended where cleanliness is a priority. If you also need credential access on those doors, the Dormakaba Saffire LX-I-M002 is an electronic RFID mortise lockset with BLE mobile access at BHMA Grade 2, and the Schlage LEMD-GRW is a Grade 1 ENGAGE Series wireless mortise lock with a 125kHz proximity reader and a 3 hour fire rating.
26) Which keyless pushbutton mortise locks are an alternative to a keyed BEST 45H?
The Dormakaba E-Plex 2066 is an electronic pushbutton keyless mortise lock for wide stile applications, the E-Plex E5086 is a Grade 1 entry/egress electronic pushbutton and card lock in a back to back mortise configuration, and the PowerPlex P2066 is a mortise lock in the PowerPlex 2000 Series. The Accentra nexTouch NTM623-NR is a Grade 1 mortise lock with a capacitive touchscreen keypad, no deadbolt, with cylinder override. The BEST 45H instead ships with SFIC prep less core for mechanical key control.
27) Is the BEST 45H an electronic or access-controlled lock?
No. The 45H is a purely mechanical heavy duty mortise lock, keyed by cylinder with no electronics, no wiring and no credential reader. If the opening needs card or mobile credentials, that is a different product entirely, such as the Schlage LEMD ENGAGE wireless mortise lock or the Dormakaba E-Plex 2066 pushbutton keyless mortise lock.
28) Are the Emtek mortise entrance locksets an alternative to the BEST 45H?
No. The Emtek 3019 Brisbane, 3102 Memphis, 3104 Hamilton, and 3106 Manhattan mortise entrance locksets are all dummy function, meaning they have no operating latch or key. The BEST 45H is a heavy duty commercial keyed mortise lock. For non-operating trim in a commercial line, the Schlage L0170 is a Grade 1 half dummy mortise lever trim for 1-3/4 inch doors.
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Can I return it if it doesn’t work for me?
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Does the BEST 45H0RHB3J626 come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The BEST 45H0RHB3J626 is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty. For full warranty terms, check the product documentation or Contact Us.
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