BEST 8K Series Institutional F...
IN STOCK (leaves warehouse same day if ordered before 3pm ET)
$971.00
$539.44
BEST BEST 8K Series - Institutional Function (W) Double Cylinder Grade 1 Heavy Duty Knob Lock, SFIC Less Core BEST-8K-W

BEST 8K Series Institutional Function Double Cylinder Grade 1 Heavy Duty Knob Lock

(No reviews yet) Write a Review

Model: 8K37W4ASTK626
$971.00
$539.44
Selected Finish is
Selected Knob Style is
Selected Rose is
Selected Strike is

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

$971.00
$539.44
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 8K Series Institutional Function Double Cylinder Grade 1 Heavy Duty Knob Lock

Premium Grade 1 Cylindrical Knob Lock for Heavy-Duty Commercial Applications

The BEST 8K Series delivers dependable security for high-traffic institutional and commercial environments. This Grade 1 heavy-duty cylindrical knob lock features knobs machined from solid brass or bronze bar stock with a 9/16" throw deadlocking latch. Designed with a 2 1/16" diameter chassis to fit standard 2 1/8" door holes, the 8K Series accommodates door thicknesses from 1 3/8" to 2" with adjustable backset options of 2 3/4", 3 3/4", and 5". The institutional function (W) provides double cylinder operation for enhanced security control.

Professional Features & Benefits

  • Grade 1 Heavy-Duty Construction: Exceeds ANSI Grade 1 requirements with knobs machined from solid brass or bronze bar stock for exceptional durability in high-traffic applications.
  • Institutional Security Design: Double cylinder function with keyed knob removable only after core removal, plus snap-on inside rose with no exposed screws to deter attack attempts.
  • Precision Door Compatibility: 2 1/16" diameter chassis fits standard 2 1/8" door holes with adjustable door thickness accommodation from 1 3/8" to 2" standard.
  • Flexible Installation Options: Multiple backset configurations (2 3/4", 3 3/4", and 5") with rotating knob face for easy hand-of-door changes without knob removal.
  • Enhanced Latch Performance: 9/16" throw deadlocking latch with steel retractor and low-friction bearings for smooth, wear-resistant operation throughout the lock’s service life.
  • Interchangeable Core System: Quick, economical rekeying with BEST interchangeable cores for efficient key management in institutional environments.
  • Corrosion-Resistant Components: Internal parts are brass or corrosion-treated steel with brass or bronze roses reinforced with steel liners for long-term reliability.
  • Optional Security Features: Available with breakaway feature to prevent overpowering by wrench, knurled knob options for accessibility applications, and security head machine screws.

Technical Specifications

  • Commercial/Residential: Commercial
  • Department: Door Hardware
  • Door Hand Direction: Non-Handed
  • Duty Level: Heavy Duty
  • Electronic: No
  • Grade: Grade 1
  • Handle Type: Knob
  • Keyed: No
  • Keyed Function: Double Cylinder
  • Product Attribute: Cylindrical Locks
  • Product Category: Mechanical Locks
  • Product Function: Asylum/Institution/Utility
  • Product Group: Mechanical Locks
  • Product Subgroup: Bored Locksets
  • Product Type: Knobsets
  • Series: 8K Series
  • Subcategory: Bored Locksets

Installation & Operation

  1. Review manufacturer specifications and verify door preparation requirements including door thickness (1 3/8" to 2" standard), 2 1/8" bore hole, and 1" edge hole for latch housing.
  2. Use manufacturer-provided templates to mark mounting hole locations accurately on door surfaces, selecting appropriate backset (2 3/4", 3 3/4", or 5").
  3. Prepare door by drilling required 2 1/8" diameter hole for chassis and 1" hole in door edge for latch housing as specified in manufacturer instructions.
  4. Install latch assembly and secure the knob lock chassis to door per manufacturer torque specifications, ensuring proper alignment with strike preparation.
  5. Adjust knob operation and latch alignment for proper function, utilizing rotating knob face feature for hand-of-door changes if needed.
  6. Test lock operation with interchangeable core installed to verify proper function and make final adjustments as needed. Refer to manufacturer documentation for complete installation details and troubleshooting.

Professional Applications

  • Government and Military Facilities
  • Institutional Buildings and Dormitories
  • Healthcare Facility Utility Areas
  • Educational Institution Service Areas
  • Commercial Building Mechanical Rooms
  • Multi-Tenant Residential Properties
  • Industrial Facility Access Points

Why Choose BEST Quality?

BEST 8K Series knob locks deliver professional-grade reliability with solid brass or bronze construction machined from bar stock and Grade 1 certification that exceeds ANSI requirements. The heavy-duty design features corrosion-treated internal components and steel-reinforced roses engineered for demanding institutional applications where dependable security and long-term performance are essential. Quick interchangeable core rekeying and proven institutional function design make the 8K Series the leading choice for high-security commercial environments.

Product Specs

Series:
8K Series
Grade:
Grade 1
Duty Level:
Heavy Duty
Keyed Function:
Double Cylinder
Product Group:
Mechanical Locks
Product Subgroup:
Bored Locksets
Product Type:
Knobsets
Subcategory:
Bored Locksets
Keyed:
No
Electronic:
No
Commercial/Residential:
Commercial
Handle Type:
Knob
Product Attribute:
Cylindrical Locks
Product Function:
Asylum/Institution/Utility
Door Hand Direction:
Non-Handed
Product Category:
Mechanical Locks
Department:
Door Hardware

BEST 8K37W4ASTK626 – Frequently Asked Questions

1) Will the BEST 8K knob lock fit a 2-1/8 inch bore in a 1-3/4 inch door?
Yes. The 8K Series chassis measures 2-1/16 inches in diameter and drops into the standard 2-1/8 inch cross bore, with a 1 inch edge bore for the latch housing. Door thickness range is 1-3/8 to 2 inches standard, so a 1-3/4 inch commercial door is right in the middle of the range. If you are going thicker than about 1-3/4, order the 3-3/8 inch Concave-Thick Door rose.
2) What does the institutional function (W) on a BEST 8K knob lock actually do?
It is a double cylinder lock: keyed on both sides, with no free egress and no inside button or turn. Both knobs stay locked at all times and a key is required from either side. That is why it lands on utility rooms, mechanical spaces and secure institutional openings, and it is also why you do not put it on a required exit door. If you need key outside and always-free inside, you want a storeroom function instead, like the Sargent 8XG04 Grade 1 storeroom knob lock.
3) Does the BEST 8K knob lock come with a core, or do I have to order cores separately?
It ships less core. The 8K takes a BEST small format interchangeable core, and you supply the core keyed to your existing system, which is the whole point of buying it into a BEST facility. Rekeying later is a core swap, not a lock teardown. On the institutional function the keyed knob only comes off after the core is pulled, so nobody removes the lock without a control key.
4) Which backset do I order for the 8K Series, and does it matter for a wide stile or fire door frame?
Two backsets are orderable: 2-3/4 inches, which is the commercial standard, and 5 inches for deep-stile or wide-rail doors where the knob needs to clear the frame or a push plate. Measure from the door edge to the center of the bore and match it. The chassis also supports 3-3/4 inch backset preparation. Get this wrong and the existing bore will not line up, so confirm it off the door before ordering.
5) Will the BEST 8K latch throw into my existing strike?
The 8K uses a 9/16 inch throw deadlocking latch, which is the normal cylindrical bored-lock throw, so it will engage an existing ANSI strike pocket cut for a bored lockset. You can order it with either an ANSI strike (the 1-1/4 by 4-7/8 inch style frame prep) or a standard strike, so match whichever is already in the frame rather than recutting it.
6) What is the closest Grade 1 heavy-duty knob lock to the BEST 8K Series for a keyed institutional opening?
The Sargent 8XG04 is the nearest peer for a keyed Grade 1 knob opening. It is a Grade 1, heavy duty storeroom/closet knob lock with a single cylinder and a 2-3/4 inch backset. The BEST 8K Series in the institutional (W) function is Grade 1, heavy duty, and double cylinder, so it is keyed on both sides of the door rather than one. Choose the 8XG04 where the inside must always allow free egress by turning the knob, and the 8K W where the opening is meant to be key-controlled from both faces, as in a utility, mechanical, or secure institutional room.
7) Which Grade 1 knob lock should be used on the non-secure doors in the same corridor as BEST 8K institutional locks?
For doors in the same run that need no key control, the Falcon X101 is a heavy duty Grade 1 cylindrical passage knobset with an interchangeable core and a fire rating, covering door thicknesses from 1-3/8 inch to 2-1/4 inch. The Schlage D10S is another Grade 1 heavy duty passage latch knob lock in the D Series with an orbit knob, and the Corbin Russwin CK4310 is a Grade 1 passage/closet cylindrical lock with a global knob for 1-3/8 inch to 2 inch doors. All three latch only, with no cylinder, so they pair with the keyed BEST 8K institutional function at the same Grade 1 level down the hall.
8) Can a Grade 2 or Grade 3 knob lock be used where a BEST 8K institutional knob lock is specified?
Not if the spec calls Grade 1. The BEST 8K Series is Grade 1 heavy duty. The common commercial knob locks below it sit lower on the ANSI/BHMA scale: the Dexter C2000 entry/office and classroom knob locks are Grade 2 for 1-3/8 inch to 1-3/4 inch doors, the Falcon W101 is Grade 2 medium duty in the passage/closet function, and the Cal-Royal BER00 entrance/office is Grade 3. Those grades serve lighter traffic, and none of them is a double cylinder institutional function. For a facility standardizing on Grade 1 key-controlled openings, they are not equivalents.
9) What should be used instead of a BEST 8K knob lock on a classroom or student-occupied door?
The BEST 8K in the institutional function is double cylinder, keyed on both faces, which is intended for utility and secure service openings rather than rooms people occupy. The Dexter C2000 classroom cylindrical ball knob lock is a Grade 2 keyed classroom function for 1-3/8 inch to 1-3/4 inch doors, where the outside is keyed and the inside always releases. For a bed or bath opening, the Dexter C2000 privacy knob lock is the Grade 2 privacy/bed/bath version of the same series. Match the function to who is inside the room and how they must get out.
10) Which knob lock fits a door thicker than 1-3/4 inch when the BEST 8K is not the choice?
The BEST 8K Series covers 1-3/8 inch to 2 inch as standard and offers a 3-3/8 inch concave thick-door rose. Among comparable knob locks, the Falcon X101 covers 1-3/8 inch to 2-1/4 inch, the Corbin Russwin CK4310 passage lock and the CK4851 entrance/office lock both cover 1-3/8 inch to 2 inch, and the Deltana 6171 round knob entry covers 1-3/8 inch to 2 inch. The Dexter C2000 knob locks and the Corbin Russwin CK4410 stop at 1-3/4 inch, so they will not carry a thick door.
11) Is the BEST 8K knob lock handed, or can one part number work on left and right hand doors?
Non-handed. The knob face rotates so you can change hand of door without pulling the knob off, which means a property manager can stock one part number for the whole building instead of splitting inventory by handing. Field reversal is done during install, no extra parts.
12) Is a Grade 1 knob lock like the BEST 8K worth it over a Grade 2 for a high traffic building?
For dorms, schools, healthcare and government corridors, yes. The 8K is Grade 1 heavy duty with knobs machined from solid brass or bronze bar stock, brass or corrosion-treated steel internals, and roses reinforced with steel liners. Grade 2 cylindrical knobs like the Dexter C2000 Series or the Corbin Russwin CK4410 are built for lighter commercial traffic. If you want Grade 1 in a knob but a different function, the Schlage D Series D10S passage and the Falcon X101 heavy duty passage knobset are Grade 1 as well.
13) What rose and knob style do I need to specify on a BEST 8K order?
Four roses: 2-9/16 inch concave, 3-3/8 inch concave, 3-3/8 inch concave for thick doors, and 3-3/8 inch convex. The larger 3-3/8 inch roses cover more of the door face, which matters when you are replacing an older lock and want to hide the previous prep. Knob style is round or tulip. The inside rose snaps on with no exposed screws, so there is nothing on the secure side for someone to back out.
14) Can the 8K knob be forced open with a pipe wrench, and is there a knurled knob option?
There is a breakaway option specifically to stop a knob being overpowered by a wrench, which is a real concern on utility and mechanical room doors in public buildings. Knurled knobs are also available, the tactile warning surface used on doors leading to hazardous areas. Security head machine screws are an option too. All three are specified at order time, not added later.
15) Can I standardize a whole institutional building on the 8K Series across locked and unlocked doors?
The 8K covers the keyed institutional openings, but you still need matching non-keyed trim for corridors and closets. Grade 1 cylindrical knobs of the same duty class include the Falcon X101 heavy duty passage knobset, which takes an interchangeable core and covers 1-3/8 to 2-1/4 inch doors, the Corbin Russwin CK4310 Grade 1 passage at 1-3/8 to 2 inches, and the Schlage D10S Grade 1 passage latch. Keeping everything Grade 1 and interchangeable-core means one key system and one spare parts bin.
16) Is the Sargent 6G04 an acceptable substitute for a BEST 8K knob lock on a mechanical room door?
The Sargent 6G04 is a Grade 2, standard duty storeroom/closet knob lock with a single cylinder. The BEST 8K Series is Grade 1 and heavy duty with a double cylinder keyed function. If the specification on the door calls for Grade 1 or key control from both faces, the 6G04 does not meet it. Where the door is lower traffic and a Grade 2 single cylinder storeroom function satisfies the spec, the 6G04 covers the same basic behavior: knob locked outside, key to enter.
17) What is the difference between the BEST 8K institutional knob lock and the Corbin Russwin CK4851 entrance/office knob lock?
The Corbin Russwin CK4851 is an entrance/office cylindrical lock with a global knob and a conventional cylinder, rated Grade 1 for doors 1-3/8 inch to 2 inch thick. The BEST 8K Series is an asylum/institution/utility function knob lock with a double cylinder and takes a BEST interchangeable core, with the keyed knob removable only after the core is pulled. The CK4851 uses a conventional cylinder, so rekeying means servicing the cylinder rather than swapping a core, and the entrance/office function allows the inside to be set for free passage. The 8K institutional function keys both sides.
18) Will a Schlage A170 or a dummy knob work as a replacement for a BEST 8K knob lock?
No. The Schlage A170 is single dummy trim, a Grade 2 non-keyed knob with no latch and no cylinder, and the same is true of the Bravura Biloxi dummy knobset and the Omnia 442/00 single dummy latchset. Dummy trim is a fixed knob for a door held closed some other way. The BEST 8K Series is a keyed Grade 1 lock with a 9/16 inch throw deadlocking latch and a double cylinder. A dummy knob will look similar on the door face and do none of the securing.
19) Is there a residential-grade knob lock equivalent to the BEST 8K Series for a rental unit door?
The residential keyed-entry knob locks are a different class of hardware. The Kwikset 400P-CP Polo keyed entry knob is Grade 3 for 1-3/8 inch to 1-3/4 inch doors, the Master Lock BC01 biscuit knob is a Grade 3 keyed entry, and the Schlage Residential F500 Plymouth with Georgian knob is a combo pack with adjustable backsets and dual strikes for 1-3/8 inch to 1-3/4 inch doors. The BEST 8K is a Grade 1 commercial lock with a double cylinder and BEST interchangeable cores for key management across a building. For a single unit door the residential knobs perform the entry function. For a portfolio keyed to one system, the interchangeable core is the reason to stay with the 8K.
20) Does a knob lock with an interchangeable core, like the Falcon X101, key the same as the BEST 8K Series?
Both accept an interchangeable core, but that does not make the cores or keys shared. The Falcon X101 is a Grade 1 heavy duty cylindrical passage knobset with an interchangeable core, and it is a passage function, so it has no keyed operation on the door at all. The BEST 8K Series takes BEST interchangeable cores and is a double cylinder function keyed on both faces. If a facility is keyed to a BEST core system, verify the core format before ordering another brand's interchangeable-core knob, and note that a passage knobset will not join a key system regardless.
21) What replaces a BEST 8K knob lock on an opening that needs keyless code entry?
The Lockey 3830 is a mechanical keyless combination knob lock with an auto-locking passage function for doors 1-3/16 inch to 2 inch thick. It is operated by a code rather than a key, so no cylinder or core is involved. The BEST 8K Series is a Grade 1 heavy duty double cylinder lock built around a BEST interchangeable core. Choose the 3830 where the goal is to stop issuing keys entirely, and the 8K where the opening must stay inside a keyed system with core-level rekeying.
22) Which knob lock covers a 5 inch backset if the BEST 8K is not used?
The BEST 8K Series is offered in a 2-3/4 inch standard backset and a 5 inch backset for wide-stile and offset preparations. Among the comparable knob locks, the Sargent 8XG04 Grade 1 storeroom knob lock is a 2-3/4 inch backset and the Falcon W101 Grade 2 passage knob lock is a 2-3/4 inch backset, while the Baldwin Estate 5000 knobs are 2-3/8 inch. For a door already bored at 5 inches, the 8K backset option is what matches the existing prep.
23) Is the Sargent 28C-KNOB or 78-2875 a substitute for a BEST 8K knob lock?
No, those are exit device trim, not standalone locks. The Sargent 28C-KNOB is exit device trim with a knob and rose in an entrance function for 1-3/4 inch doors, and the Sargent 78-2875 is an outside knob only with B design in the 7800 Series. Both mount to an exit device already on the door and have no chassis or latch of their own. The BEST 8K Series is a complete cylindrical lock with a 2-1/16 inch chassis for a 2-1/8 inch bore and its own deadlocking latch. Order exit trim only when there is a device to trim.
24) What finishes does the BEST 8K knob lock come in, and is there one for a healthcare facility?
Ten finishes: 605 bright brass, 606 satin brass, 611 bright bronze, 612 satin bronze, 613 satin bronze oil-rubbed, 619 satin nickel, 625 bright chrome, 626 satin chrome, 626AM satin chrome antimicrobial, and 690 statuary dark bronze. For patient areas and clinical corridors, 626AM is the antimicrobial version of the standard 626 satin chrome, so it matches the rest of a 626 building visually while carrying the antimicrobial coating.
25) Is the BEST 8K an electronic or access control lock?
No, it is purely mechanical: a cylindrical bored knob lock keyed on both sides with an interchangeable core. There is no power, no wiring and no credential reader, so nothing to run for it and nothing to fail when the building loses power. Key control comes from the BEST SFIC system rather than software.
26) Are decorative brass knob sets like Baldwin, Emtek, or Omnia an alternative to the BEST 8K on a commercial opening?
They serve a different opening. The Baldwin Estate 5000 Baltimore knob is a passage lock with a 2-3/8 inch backset and full lip strike, the Emtek porcelain knobs ship as two knobs per set with a threaded rod, and the Omnia 434/PA egg-shaped knob latchset is a passage function in solid brass. Those are non-keyed passage and dummy trim in decorative finishes. The BEST 8K Series is a Grade 1 heavy duty commercial lock with a double cylinder and backsets of 2-3/4 inch and 5 inch. Where a drawing calls a Grade 1 keyed institutional opening, decorative passage trim does not fill it.
How fast can I get the BEST 8K37W4ASTK626 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 8K37W4ASTK626 come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The BEST 8K37W4ASTK626 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 8K37W4ASTK626?
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 8K37W4ASTK626 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.
!