TownSteel MSE Series ANSI Grad...
IN STOCK (leaves warehouse same day if ordered before 3pm ET)
$668.00
$663.91
TownSteel TownSteel MSE Series Entrance/Apartment Function - Heavy Duty Standard Escutcheon Mortise Lock, Single Cylinder TWS-MSE-20

TownSteel MSE Series ANSI Grade 1 Heavy Duty Mortise Lock with Escutcheon Trim, Single Cylinder Entrance/Apartment Function

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Model: MSE-R-T-20-606
$668.00
$663.91
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In Stock (leaves warehouse same day if ordered before 3pm ET)

$668.00
$663.91
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TownSteel MSE Series ANSI Grade 1 Heavy Duty Mortise Lock with Escutcheon Trim, Single Cylinder Entrance/Apartment Function

The TownSteel MSE Series is an ANSI Grade 1 heavy duty mortise lock engineered for single opening, stand-alone applications and designed for easy integration into sophisticated access control systems. This single cylinder configuration is built for Entrance/Apartment/Dormitory function, featuring durable escutcheon trim, a 2-3/4" backset, and a 3/4" projection stainless steel split anti-friction latch bolt for reliable, secure operation on commercial doors.

Key Features

  • Backset: 2-3/4" backset accommodates standard commercial door preparations.
  • Latch Bolt: 3/4" projection, stainless steel, split, anti-friction design for smooth, dependable latching.
  • Faceplate: 1-1/4" x 8" stainless steel faceplate for long-term corrosion resistance.
  • Escutcheon Trim: 10-9/16" x 2-3/8" x 9/32" brass escutcheon delivers a substantial, heavy duty commercial appearance.
  • Lever Construction: Forged brass/cast zinc lever parameters plated to match finish symbols for consistent, durable trim.
  • Thumb Turn: Brass, Classic Visible standard thumb turn for straightforward interior operation.
  • Stop Works: Stainless steel, rocker type stop works for reliable dogging function.
  • Guard Bolt & Strike: Stainless steel guard bolt paired with a plated/stainless steel ANSI strike for added security at the frame.
  • Access Control Ready: Optional status sensors including REX (request-to-exit), PRIV (privacy), DAJ (door ajar), and MKO (mechanical key override) support integration into sophisticated access control systems.

Certifications & Compliance

  • ANSI Grade 1 heavy duty mortise lock
  • 2-year manufacturer's warranty

Technical Specifications

  • Product Group: Mechanical Locks
  • Product Subgroup: Mortise Locks and Trim
  • Product Type: Mortise Locks
  • Subcategory: Mortise Locks
  • Keyed Function: Single Cylinder
  • Commercial/Residential: Commercial
  • Keyed: Yes
  • Lock Function: Single Cylinder
  • Product Attribute: Mortise Locks
  • Electronic: No
  • Product Function: Entrance/Apartment/Dormitory
  • Product Category: Mechanical Locks
  • Department: Door Hardware

Typical Applications

  • Multi-Tenant Residential Properties
  • Student Housing and Dormitories
  • Commercial Office Buildings
  • Hospitality Properties
  • Educational Facilities
  • Government and Municipal Buildings

Why TownSteel MSE?

TownSteel MSE Series mortise locks combine forged brass/cast zinc lever construction, a stainless steel split anti-friction latch bolt, and a stainless steel faceplate into an ANSI Grade 1 heavy duty package built for demanding commercial entrance and apartment applications. With stand-alone reliability and readiness for access control integration via REX, PRIV, DAJ, and MKO sensors, the MSE Series delivers professional-grade performance backed by TownSteel's engineering.

Product Specs

Series:
MSE Series
Product Group:
Mechanical Locks
Product Subgroup:
Mortise Locks and Trim
Product Type:
Mortise Locks
Subcategory:
Mortise Locks
Keyed Function:
Single Cylinder
Commercial/Residential:
Commercial
Lock Type:
Mortise
Keyed:
Yes
Lock Function:
Single Cylinder
Grade:
Grade 1
Duty Level:
Heavy Duty
Product Attribute:
Mortise Locks
Electronic:
No
Product Function:
Entrance/Apartment/Dormitory
Product Category:
Mechanical Locks
Department:
Door Hardware

TownSteel MSE-R-T-20-606 – Frequently Asked Questions

1) How does the entrance/apartment function on this TownSteel mortise lock actually work day to day?
Entrance/apartment function on the MSE Series means the outside lever is keyed and the inside has a thumb turn (brass, Classic Visible style) to lock or unlock the outside lever without a key. A tenant can leave the outside lever unlocked for the day and turn the thumb turn to secure it on the way out. It's a single cylinder lock, so there is one keyed side. Stop works are stainless steel, rocker type.
2) What do I have to specify when ordering the TownSteel MSE mortise lock?
Four things are required at order time plus the trim choices. Handing must be called out as LH, RH, LHR or RHR. Keying is either KD (key different, the standard), KA (keyed alike across multiple locks, which is what you want when you're doing a run of apartment doors), or a specific key code, and if you choose a key code you enter it in the text field. On the trim side you pick the escutcheon height (MSE Low or MSE Regular), one of eight lever styles (Artistic, Congr, Gala, Imperial, Quest, Regal, Sentinel, Tango), the finish, and the cylinder option.
3) Can I keep the TownSteel MSE lock on our existing small format interchangeable core keyway?
Yes, order it in the SFIC prep, less core configuration. That ships the lock prepped for a small format interchangeable core but without a core, so you install your own SFIC cores on your facility's existing keyway and keying system. If you don't already run SFIC, order the Standard cylinder version instead.
4) Can I order a batch of TownSteel MSE locks keyed alike for one building?
Yes. Select KA (key alike) at order time and the locks in that order are keyed to operate on the same key, which is what you want for a common corridor or a maintenance run. KD (key different) is the default and gives each lock its own key. If you are matching an existing system, you can enter your key code, or order SFIC prep less core and fit your own cores.
5) Is there another entrance/apartment mortise lock to consider besides the TownSteel MSE?
Yes. The Baldwin 6301 is an entry/apartment mortise lock body with a 2-1/2 inch backset, offered knob by knob or, as the 6301LS, lever by lever, for doors 1-3/4 inch and over. The TownSteel MSE Series carries the same entrance/apartment function but uses a 2-3/4 inch backset and heavy duty Grade 1 construction with escutcheon trim, so check the existing mortise pocket location before treating the two as interchangeable.
6) What is a comparable Grade 1 mortise lock to the TownSteel MSE if the opening needs a storeroom function instead of entrance/apartment?
The TownSteel MSE Series is a Grade 1 mortise lock built for entrance/apartment/dormitory duty, so the outside lever is unlocked or locked by key. For an always-locked outside lever with key access, the Accentra 8805FL is a Grade 1 storeroom mortise lock in the 8800 Series, and the Cal-Royal NM8080 is a Grade 1 storeroom mortise lockset with an interchangeable core option. Both change the function of the opening rather than the prep, so they suit corridors, mechanical rooms and storage where the door must never be left unlocked.
7) What should I use instead of the TownSteel MSE on a classroom door?
The TownSteel MSE Series is an entrance/apartment/dormitory function lock and does not provide classroom locking. For a classroom opening, the Cal-Royal NM8070 is a Grade 1 classroom mortise lockset with auxiliary deadlatch for 1-3/4 inch doors, and the Corbin Russwin ML2003 is a Grade 1 classroom mortise lockset in the ML2000 Series, also for 1-3/4 inch doors. If the classroom needs a visual status indicator, the Marks USA LA318GJ is a Grade 1 classroom security indicator mortise lockset with an ANSI strike.
8) I need keypad or credential access on an apartment corridor door - what takes the place of the TownSteel MSE?
The TownSteel MSE Series is a mechanical, non-electronic keyed mortise lock. For electronic access on the same style of opening, the Dormakaba E-Plex E5086 is a Grade 1 entry/egress pushbutton and card mortise lock, the Alarm Lock DL3500CR is a Grade 1 Trilogy electronic mortise lock holding 300 user codes, and the Schlage Electronics LEMD-GRW is a Grade 1 ENGAGE wireless mortise lock with a 125 kHz proximity reader. The Accentra NTM623-NR nexTouch Generation 3 mortise lock adds a capacitive touchscreen keypad with cylinder override.
9) Can the TownSteel MSE be used where the opening needs an electrified mortise lock tied to access control?
The TownSteel MSE Series is a mechanical lock, though it is built to be integrated into access control systems and offers optional REX, privacy, door ajar and mechanical key override status sensors. If the lever itself must be electrically controlled, 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 Command Access ML190 is a heavy duty motorized storeroom mortise lock with field selectable EL/EU operation at 24VDC; and the BEST 45HW is a heavy duty wired electromechanical mortise lock with 12V/24V operation.
10) Is this TownSteel mortise lock heavy enough for a multi-family building corridor door?
It's built for that kind of traffic. The MSE Series is an ANSI Grade 1 heavy duty commercial mortise lock, which is the top grade for strength and cycle life, with a stainless steel latch bolt, guard bolt, faceplate and stop works, and forged brass or cast zinc levers. Grade 1 is what most institutional and multi-family specs call for on entrance and apartment openings.
11) Is the TownSteel MSE mortise lock electronic or does it need wiring?
It's mechanical, no power and no wiring. The MSE Series here is a keyed mechanical mortise lock with escutcheon trim. If you need credential access or audit trail on the same mortise prep, look at an electronic mortise lock instead, such as the Schlage CO-100 standalone keypad mortise lock or the Dormakaba E-Plex 2066 pushbutton mortise lock.
12) What are the alternatives to the TownSteel MSE if I need a different mortise function on the same doors?
Entrance/apartment is one function in a family. If the opening needs to stay locked outside with free egress, the Cal-Royal NM8080 is a Grade 1 storeroom mortise lockset or the Accentra 8805FL is a Grade 1 storeroom lock with Arcadia lever. For a classroom opening, the Corbin Russwin ML2003 and the Cal-Royal NM8070 are both Grade 1 classroom mortise locks. For bath or bed privacy, the Cal-Royal NM8440 is Grade 1 privacy with a deadbolt, and the Hager 3840S is a Grade 1 privacy mortise on a 2-3/4 inch backset. The Cal-Royal and Corbin bodies are listed for 1-3/4 inch doors.
13) What is the difference between the MSE Low and MSE Regular escutcheon on the TownSteel mortise lock?
They are two heights of the same brass escutcheon plate on the MSE Series. Regular is the full standard plate; Low is the shorter version, which is the one to choose where a narrow rail, a vision light, or an existing glass cutout leaves you less vertical room above and below the lever. Both use the same 2-3/4 inch backset lock body and the same 1-1/4 by 8 inch faceplate, so the choice is trim only.
14) Should I use an escutcheon mortise lock or a rose trim mortise lock on apartment entry doors?
Escutcheon trim like the MSE Series covers a tall plate over the lever and cylinder, which hides old trim holes from a previous lock and gives more coverage on a repaint or retrofit. Rose trim uses separate small round plates and looks lighter but exposes more of the door face. If you want rose on a similar opening, Sargent's 7925 dormitory exit function mortise lock is a Grade 1 heavy duty lock with rose trim and a single cylinder deadbolt, and Hager offers the 3810S passage mortise with rose against the 3810E with escutcheon.
15) What looks like a substitute for the TownSteel MSE mortise lock but is not?
Several mortise-family parts are not complete keyed locksets. The Sargent 130KB and 130W are mortise thumbturns only. The Sargent 4874 is a double cylinder mortise deadbolt with a 2-3/4 inch backset and no latch or lever. The Schlage L0170 is half dummy trim with no locking function, and the Emtek 3102 Memphis and 3104 Hamilton are dummy mortise entrance locksets. The TownSteel MSE Series is a complete single cylinder keyed mortise lock with escutcheon trim, levers, and a 3/4 inch anti-friction latch bolt.
16) If the door does not need to be keyed, what is a simpler alternative to the TownSteel MSE?
The TownSteel MSE Series is a keyed single cylinder mortise lock. Where no key is required, the Hager 3810E is a Grade 1 passage mortise lock with escutcheon trim and a 2-3/4 inch backset for doors 1-3/4 to 2-1/2 inch, matching the MSE backset and escutcheon style. The Hager 3810S is the same passage function with rose trim, the Hager 3850E is a non-keyed office function with lever and escutcheon, and the Falcon MA101 is a Grade 1 heavy duty mortise passage lock with field reversible operation.
17) For a bathroom or bedroom door in the same building, what privacy mortise lock pairs with the TownSteel MSE?
The TownSteel MSE Series covers the entrance/apartment/dormitory openings. For privacy openings in the same facility, 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 with a 2-3/4 inch backset for doors 1-3/4 to 2 inch, which is the same backset the MSE uses.
18) How does the TownSteel MSE compare with a dormitory function mortise lock like the Sargent 7925?
Both are heavy duty Grade 1 mortise locks. The Sargent 7925 is a dormitory exit function lock in the 7900 Series with rose trim and a single cylinder deadbolt. The TownSteel MSE Series is an entrance/apartment/dormitory function lock supplied with escutcheon trim in low or regular height, single cylinder keying, and a choice of eight lever styles. The trim format is the main visible difference: rose on the Sargent, escutcheon plate on the MSE.
19) I need an office or entrance function with an auxiliary deadlatch rather than the TownSteel MSE - what is close?
The Cal-Royal NM8050 is a heavy duty Grade 1 office/entrance mortise lockset with an auxiliary deadlatch for 1-3/4 inch doors. The TownSteel MSE Series is also Grade 1 heavy duty and includes a stainless steel guard bolt alongside its 3/4 inch split anti-friction latch bolt, with a 1-1/4 by 8 inch stainless faceplate and an ANSI strike.
20) What is the difference between ordering the TownSteel MSE and a BEST 45H mortise lock body?
The BEST 45HCAC is a heavy duty mortise lock body with public entrance function and field reversible operation, and the 45HCAINL is a heavy duty mortise lockbody with intruder function - both are lock bodies, with trim selected separately. The TownSteel MSE Series is ordered as a complete lockset: handing chosen as LH, RH, LHR or RHR, keying as KD, KA or a key code, escutcheon in low or regular, and a finish from bright brass through satin stainless steel.
21) Is the TownSteel MSE a substitute for an ornamental iron gate lock like the Marks USA 21AC?
No. The Marks USA 21AC and 22AC are entrance double cylinder ornamental iron mortise locks with round knobs sized for 1 inch doors. The TownSteel MSE Series is a single cylinder heavy duty commercial mortise lock with a 2-3/4 inch backset, a 10-9/16 by 2-3/8 inch brass escutcheon and a 1-1/4 by 8 inch faceplate, which will not fit a narrow iron stile.
22) For a facility standardizing on small format interchangeable core, how does the TownSteel MSE compare to other options?
The TownSteel MSE Series can be ordered with SFIC prep less core, or with a standard cylinder, so a facility running its own core system can key it into an existing program. Among comparable mechanical mortise locksets, the Cal-Royal NM8080 Grade 1 storeroom lockset also offers an interchangeable core option, though it is a storeroom function rather than the entrance/apartment function the MSE provides.
23) Does the TownSteel MSE escutcheon trim come in a finish that will match the rest of our brass or stainless hardware?
Seven BHMA finishes are offered: 605 bright brass, 606 satin brass, 622 matte black, 625 bright chrome, 626 satin chrome, 629 bright stainless steel and 630 satin stainless steel. The levers are plated to match the finish symbol, so lever and escutcheon come out consistent. 626 satin chrome and 630 satin stainless are the two that usually match existing commercial openings.
How fast can I get the TownSteel MSE-R-T-20-606 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 TownSteel MSE-R-T-20-606 come with a warranty?
Absolutely. The TownSteel MSE-R-T-20-606 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 TownSteel MSE-R-T-20-606?
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