Much like ordering at The Cheesecake Factory, trying to find the perfect lock function for your facility can be overwhelming and leave you without a clue about what you need or want. Your options are numerous and if you don’t know exactly what you need, you could end up with a lock which is poorly suited for your needs (or doesn’t work at all).

When we meet with new clients, one of the first things the ask about is what type of lock function their facility needs.

Lock Function Types

Office Function

If the name itself didn’t give it away, the office function lock is designed specifically for office doors. The office function is also sometimes referred to as the “entrance function” but the term office function is far more common.

With an office function lock, the latch is operated by a rotation of the inside lever, rotation of the outside lever when the inside push button is out, or a turn of the key in the outside lever.

To put it simply, these locks can be locked with a push of a button from the inside and can be unlocked with a key from the outside.

Privacy Function

A lock with a privacy function is one that you’re probably familiar with and you might not know it. Think of your bathroom at home. Privacy function locks are typically used on bathroom doors and can be locked from the inside.

These can be unlocked from the outside but it’s usually with a special key or by a coin turn.

Storeroom Function

Storeroom function locks always stay locked on the entry side and always require key access.

If you’re inside the room, the door remains unlocked on the exit side and will only allow authorized personnel to enter with a key. These locks are perfect for (you guessed it!) storerooms. We’ve seen many clients use these to secure inventory, food, etc. and rarely do we have any complaints about this particular lock function.

Hotel Guest Room Function

(Whoever named these really got to the point.)

This lock is often used in hotels and if you’ve stayed in a hotel, you’re familiar with how these locks work. The lock remains locked from the outside and can be opened on the inside by turning the lever. To gain entry from the outside, a person will need to use a key or a card. This lock automatically locks when the door closes and this is in order to keep hotel guests safe.

Exit Function

The lock function where information can get a little sticky is with the exit function and this is because there are two types.

With the exit function, you have an option with a lever on both sides. These are perfect where free egress from both sides is needed, such as an entryway.

The other option only has a lever on one side and these are placed where re-entry from one side isn’t wanted. I’ve seen these in places such as large concert halls and arenas.

If you don’t find a lock function listed here that fits your needs, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we’ll be happy to find one that works for your facility.