If you have facilities in urban locations, you likely deal with restroom vandalism on a somewhat regular basis. The obvious solution is to install commercial bathroom locks, but the type of lock is not always so easy to select.

This is why many restaurant and retail chains come to us with the question:

What type of commercial bathroom locks should I install to restrict access to my restrooms?

Code Compliance: First Things First

Before we dive into lock recommendations, it’s important to address ADA code.

First and foremost, your commercial bathroom lock should be a lever set rather than a knob. There are two current versions of ADA code: 2003 and 2010.  While 2010 is the most recent, your jurisdiction may still operate under 2003.  The reason I make this distinction is because the 2003 ADA code bans the use of knob sets, and the 2010 code strongly dissuades their use.

Deadbolts present a challenge with ADA code. Many deadbolts require the very “tight grasping, pinching, and turning of the wrist to operate” that 2003 ADA code bans.

Should you choose to use a deadbolt, be sure to select one that is ADA compliant. ADA compliant deadbolts have longer thumb turns and are easier to operate.

Lock Credentials: The Deciding Factor

The type of lock you select should be driven by the type of credential, or method of unlocking, that you want. There are a few different types of credentials that can be used for commercial bathroom locks. Let’s review the pros and cons of each credential.

Physical Keys

Physical keys have two main benefits: They are easy to use and low maintenance.

On the flip side, keys get lost and/or stolen on a regular basis—this is why people often attach the key to a large object such as a ruler. I don’t know about you, but when I get handed a key on a ruler/spatula/etc., a number of things runs through my mind: “Did the prior person wash their hands before handling this key?” and, “Great, now everyone knows I’m going to use the restroom.”

Needless to say, despite these creative attempts to dissuade individuals from walking out of the store with the key, it still happens on a regular basis. As a result, you will constantly have to order replacement keys.

Worse yet, if the keys have a tendency to get into the wrong hands, you may need to rekey your commercial bathroom locks regularly, which can cost upwards of $100 per rekey.

Buzzers

Buzzers are simple systems where a store clerk presses a button to unlock the door that is either hardwired at the counter or wireless on a remote.

Buzzers typically require additional deadbolts so that the door cannot be unlocked while the restroom is occupied. An ADA compliant indicator deadbolt will generally cost around $50.

The benefit of buzzers? It is easy to give someone access to the bathroom. Likewise, you don’t have the issue of lost keys or codes that can easily be shared.

The two main downsides are that buzzers are more prone to electronic failure and the patron has a limited amount of time to open the door before it relocks.

Codes

Many commercial bathroom locks have keypads that require a code to unlock.

Keypad locks are generally less prone to mechanical failure. Unlike physical keys, if the code is shared and/or falls into the wrong hands, you can simply change the code.

However, it is not always easy and/or intuitive to change the code. As a result, depending on the type of lock you choose, you may need a technician to change the code.

Another downside: You will need to change the batteries on the locks. The frequency with which you will need to change them depends on how often the lock is used.  If you have high-traffic, you will need to change batteries two or three times a year.  For moderate traffic, you may only need to change them once a year.  Most locks take standard AA or AAA batteries; however, some do require special battery packs.

Coins

Coins are quick and easy for store personnel to hand out, and they are incredibly intuitive for the user. Coins can range from special tokens to pocket change depending on the type of lock used.

The main downside to coin locks is that they are relatively uncommon in the market, so repair parts and knowledgeable technicians may be hard to come by. Coin locks also require that the coins be emptied on a regular basis.

Commercial Bathroom Locks: The Options

Now that we have reviewed the different credential types, let’s dive into some of our favorite commercial bathroom locks, broken down by credential.

Physical Key Lock Options

There are endless keyed lever sets available in the market. Should you select a standard lever set, be sure to look for a grade 1 lockset. Due to the amount of use that restrooms receive, your lever will break quickly if you install anything less than grade 1.

Buzzer Lock Options

Buzzer locks are really a combination of a remote entry system, a mechanical lock, an electronic latch, and an indicator deadbolt. LockNet sells the Restroom Strike Kit, which uses a remote to buzz patrons into the restroom.

Code Locks

There are a few different code locks we recommend for restroom use:

• Alarm Lock DL4100
• KABA EPlex 2000
• MARKS iQwik

These locks offer similar functionality. Their main differences are in appearance and the method of changing the code. We do not generally recommend one over the other.

LockNet‘s founder, Benson Miller, is currently developing commercial bathroom locks made specifically to restrict access to bathrooms. They will be ready to test within the next year. If you want to learn more about the lock, please let us know!

Coin Locks

There is only one coin-operated lock on today’s market that we recommend: the Nik-O-Lock. Patrons must use a coin provided by store personnel, or a quarter, to gain access to the restroom. The change box must be regularly emptied.

Any of the lock solutions outlined above will greatly reduce vagrancy in your restrooms. Our customers have told us they’ve gotten very few complaints after installing the commercial bathroom locks.

Are you looking for commercial bathroom locks? If you need any help deciding which product is best, let us know. We’re happy to help!