# 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. - Canonical guide: https://linslock.com/education - Lin's Lock & Key: https://linslock.com/ - Phone: +1-260-824-3533 - Hardware shipping: United States - Field service: Northeast Indiana, with travel considered by custom quote - Updated: 2026-08-26 ## Important use note This guide explains common options; it is not a final specification or a guarantee of code compliance. Door construction, preparation, traffic, occupancy, fire rating, local requirements and compatible product listings can change the correct selection. Lin's personally reviews configured systems before pinning or shipment. Customers are not expected to choose internal core, keyway or pinning details. Lin's selects compatible components and prepares the controlled key-system design. ## Start with the complete opening ### Lockset The operating hardware that latches—and, when selected, locks—the door. Levers, knobs and mortise or cylindrical locksets are chosen around traffic, door preparation, function and the people using the opening. ### IC core A removable cylinder core that can simplify authorized rekeying and system changes. A control key is used to remove a compatible core. Lin’s selects the appropriate core format and keyway for the hardware and key system. ### Master-key system A planned key hierarchy that determines which authorized keys operate which openings. Lin’s works from the customer’s door and access needs, prepares the keying design, and reviews key quantities without exposing internal system details online. ### Exit device A push bar that releases the door from the egress side. Panic and fire-exit hardware must be coordinated with the actual occupancy, door, frame, fire rating, outside trim and local requirements. ### Door closer Controls how the door closes and helps the latch engage reliably. Closer strength and adjustment must suit the door size, wind, traffic, latch and accessibility needs of the opening. ### Protection + seals Kick plates, thresholds and gasketing protect the opening and manage air, weather, smoke or sound. These pieces are fitted to the door and frame rather than treated as universal accessories. ### Access + video Electronic permissions and visibility can be added without forgetting the mechanical opening. Readers, credentials, electric locking, request-to-exit, door position, cameras, power and network needs are designed as one system. ## Hardware grades ANSI/BHMA grades are progressive tested performance levels within the standard that applies to a hardware category. Grade 1 is the highest of the three common levels. Grade alone is not a complete security plan. - **Grade 1 — Highest tested performance:** Demanding, high-use commercial and institutional openings. - **Grade 2 — Strong commercial performance:** Moderate-traffic commercial openings and lighter-duty facilities. - **Grade 3 — Basic performance:** Commonly residential or other light-duty openings. ## Lock functions - **Passage:** No locking function. The door opens freely from either side. - **Privacy:** An inside button provides privacy; the outside has an emergency release rather than a keyed lock. Exit remains free. - **Entry / office:** A key operates the outside. An inside button can lock the outside, while exit remains free. - **Storeroom:** The outside remains locked and requires a key to enter. The inside always permits exit. - **Classroom:** A key controls the outside lever. The inside remains free for exit. These are simplified descriptions. Lin's confirms the exact manufacturer function and opening behavior. ## Common finishes - **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. Finish availability and appearance vary by manufacturer, base material, product and environment. Lin's coordinates compatible components rather than assuming that similar names will match exactly. ## Business needs - **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. Lin's is commercial-heavy, but residential projects are welcome. Homeowners may need a coordinated rekey, new deadbolts or levers, a single key for compatible exterior doors, reinforced strike hardware, or help determining whether a smart lock fits the existing door. Grade 3 hardware is commonly residential and light-duty; Grade 2 can be a useful step up for busy household entries. Product grade, door condition, strike attachment and installation all matter more than a marketing label by itself. ## IC cores and master-key systems An interchangeable core is a removable cylinder core used in compatible hardware. A properly authorized control key allows the core to be removed without taking the entire lock off the door. A master-key system controls which keys operate which openings. The core format, keyway, pinning and design records are selected and maintained by Lin's rather than exposed as customer configuration choices. Existing keys or an existing master-key system require a custom review so Lin's can confirm whether the system can be matched safely and compatibly. ## Access control A physical access control system electronically authenticates and authorizes people at controlled openings. A complete design can include readers, credentials, controllers, power, electric locking, door-position monitoring, request-to-exit devices, schedules and audit history. Electronic access must be coordinated with the mechanical lock, closer, hinges, exit device, door and frame. Free egress and life-safety requirements receive professional review. For homes, a connected or keypad lock may be useful, but it is not the same thing as a commercial access-control system. Lin's can help a residential customer think through door compatibility, key override, battery access, household users and what should happen if connectivity is unavailable. ## Surveillance Useful camera design considers the scene that must be identified, camera placement, field of view, lighting, resolution, network capacity, power, storage retention, privacy and who may retrieve recordings. A higher resolution label alone does not guarantee a useful image. Lin's can quote equipment-only systems or installation and commissioning. ## Accessibility and life safety Accessible door hardware must be operable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist under the applicable ADA requirements. Levers are commonly used because they can support that style of operation, but the complete opening—including height, clearances, opening force and closer adjustment—matters. Exit devices, electrified locks, delayed egress, fire-rated openings and other life-safety conditions require project-specific review. This guide does not replace the applicable code, listing, authority having jurisdiction or qualified professional. ## When Lin's should review before pricing - Existing keys or an existing master-key system - More than 50 openings - Different equipment on different openings - Aluminum storefront, unusual or unknown door preparation - Panic or fire-exit hardware - Access control or electrified locking - Surveillance design or installation - Atypical finishes, special environments or uncertain compatibility ## Human review promise Any online or AI-assisted design is preliminary. Before anything is ordered, pinned or shipped, Lin's will personally review the openings and contact the customer to make sure the system matches what they need. ## References - [BHMA product grade levels](https://buildershardware.com/ANSI-BHMA-Standards/Product-Grade-Levels) - [2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design](https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/design-standards/2010-stds/) - [NIST physical access control definition](https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/Physical_Access_Control_System) - [BHMA guide to smart and electrified hardware](https://buildershardware.com/News/News-from-BHMA/the-rise-of-smart-and-electrified-door-hardware) - [Schlage key systems and cylinders guide](https://us.allegion.com/content/dam/allegion-us-2/web-documents-2/Catalog/Schlage_Key_Systems_Cylinders_and_Keys_Catalog_109487.pdf)