In the world of doors and locks, there is a dizzying amount of options when it comes to lock functions. It can be hard to figure out exactly which would work best on a particular door within your facility, especially if your level of experience with doors and locks is limited. (There are a lot of pieces that make up a lock, so it’s understandable if you don’t know them all by heart.)

“What kind of lock functions do I need for my facility?” sounds like a simple enough question, but there are several factors that need to be reviewed. And, there are at least five different types of lock functions to consider. Where you will use it is a big indicator of the kind to install.

Lock Functions

Storeroom Function

If you need lock functions that always stays locked on the entry side and require key access, the storeroom function is a good choice. Once you’re inside the room, the door remains unlocked on the exit side. This allows only authorized personnel to enter with a key. If the name didn’t give it away, this is a perfect lock for (you guessed it!) storerooms, which allows you to keep your inventory secure.

Office Function

The office function lock is designed specifically for office doors. It’s also called an “entrance function” at times, but “office function” is used more often. The latch in these lock  functions are operated by a rotation of the inside lever, a rotation of the outside lever when the inside push button is out, or a turn of the key in the outside lever.

In layman’s terms: This door can be locked on the inside with the push of a button and can be unlocked from the outside with a key.

Hotel Guest Room Function

The “hotel guest room function” is often used in hotels. The door stays locked on the outside and can be opened on the inside by turning a lever. It also can be unlocked on the outside by a key or a card swipe. These lock functions also automatically lock a door when it is closed, which keeps hotel guests safe.

Privacy Function

The “privacy function” is generally used on bathroom doors. It can be locked from the inside and while it can be unlocked from the outside, it’s typically either by a coin turn or a specially-designated key. Think of your bathroom at home. That’s a lock with the “privacy function.”

Exit Function

A lock with the “exit function” can never be locked from either side. There are two types, so it’s important to determine which one would be right for you.

One option features a lever on both sides; these work well in entryways where free egress from both sides is needed.

The other type only has a lever set on one side; usually, these are placed on exits where re-entry isn’t desired.

All that being said, these are only a handful of options available when it comes to lock functions. There are many additional choices not listed here, so if you don’t see a type you think would work at your facility, give us a call . We can go review additional options and help you figure out what’s best for your needs.