Serving the United States and Northeast Indiana Since 1986Serving since 1986
Lin’s Lock and Key

The Lin’s guide
to the whole opening.

Plain-language help for locks, keys, doors, access control and the hardware that makes them work together.

Front view of a blue commercial door with lock, exit device, closer, access reader and cameraLockCoreCloserExitAccessCamera
Exploded view of the parts around a complete commercial door opening

Start with the opening,
not just the lock.

Lockset

The operating hardware that latches—and, when selected, locks—the door.

IC core

A removable cylinder core that can simplify authorized rekeying and system changes.

Exit device

A push bar that releases the door from the egress side.

Door closer

Controls how the door closes and helps the latch engage reliably.

Protection + seals

Kick plates, thresholds and gasketing protect the opening and manage air, weather, smoke or sound.

Access + video

Electronic permissions and visibility can be added without forgetting the mechanical opening.

What does the grade really mean?

Grade 1 is the highest of the three common ANSI/BHMA performance levels. The right choice still depends on traffic, use and the complete opening.

Grade 1 commercial lever example

Grade 1

Highest tested performance

Demanding, high-use commercial and institutional openings.

Grade 2 commercial lever example

Grade 2

Strong commercial performance

Moderate-traffic commercial openings and lighter-duty facilities.

Grade 3 commercial lever example

Grade 3

Basic performance

Commonly residential or other light-duty openings.

Grade is a performance level—not a complete security plan. How BHMA defines grades

How should the door behave?

Passage

No locking function. The door opens freely from either side.

These are simplified descriptions. Lin’s confirms the manufacturer’s exact function and the behavior of the complete opening.

Finishes that fit the space.

Finish names describe a family of appearances. Product, base material, manufacturer and environment still affect the final match.

Satin chrome / stainless

Cool silver and widely used on commercial openings.

Satin nickel

A warmer, softer silver family.

Bright brass

Traditional polished gold tone.

Dark bronze

Deep brown-black architectural finish.

Lin’s coordinates compatible finishes across the lock, trim, closer and other visible hardware.

Different businesses. Different openings.

Commercial work is Lin’s specialty, and residential customers receive the same complete-opening review when the project calls for it.

Retail

Customer entry, employee-only areas, stock rooms and after-hours key control.

Office

Easy daily operation, staff access groups and a master key for responsible management.

Industrial

High-use exterior openings, shipping doors, durable hardware and controlled areas.

Healthcare

Accessible operation, controlled rooms, audit needs and reliable free egress.

Education

Classroom functions, staff key control, high traffic and safe exit behavior.

Residential

Front, side and garage entries; rekeying; deadbolts; Grade 2 or 3 hardware; and compatible smart-lock planning.

Code, fire-rated openings, accessibility and life safety always receive project-specific professional review.

When mechanical meets electronic.

Access control

Readers, credentials, controllers, power and electric locking must work together.

  • Who should enter?
  • Which doors and schedules?
  • What happens during power loss?

Surveillance

Placement, lighting, resolution and retention determine whether recorded video is useful.

  • What must be identified?
  • How long should video remain?
  • Who should retrieve it?

Complete opening

Electronics never replace the door, frame, hinges, closer, lock or free egress.

  • Mechanical compatibility
  • Reliable latching
  • Safe, understandable exit

Not sure what fits? That’s the easy part.

Tell Lin’s what the door needs to do. We’ll help with the hardware.

Build your system Request a quote

A friendly guide—not a final specification. Door construction, preparation, occupancy, fire rating, local requirements and compatible product listings can change the correct selection. Lin’s personally reviews configured systems before pinning or shipment.

BHMA product grade levels2010 ADA Standards for Accessible DesignNIST physical access control definitionBHMA guide to smart and electrified hardwareSchlage key systems and cylinders guide
Machine-readable Markdown version