Commercial Double Cylinder Deadbolts

Choosing Commercial Double Cylinder Deadbolts

Commercial double cylinder deadbolts use keyed cylinders on both sides of the door. That operating arrangement is different from a single cylinder deadbolt, which normally uses a key outside and a thumbturn inside. Double cylinder hardware can be appropriate only where the opening and applicable requirements permit keyed operation from the egress side.

Egress requirements should be checked before product selection. A key-required interior operation can delay emergency exit, and building, fire, life-safety or local codes may restrict or prohibit double cylinder deadbolts on certain doors. Do not assume that a commercial grade or security description makes the function acceptable for a particular opening. Verify the complete door application and applicable requirements first.

The collection includes Grade 1 and Grade 2 deadbolts along with conventional-cylinder and small-format interchangeable-core preparations. If the deadbolt needs to join an existing facility keying system, confirm the keyway, cylinder or core format and whether the product is supplied with the required core. Less-core configurations need the correct compatible core to complete the lock.

Mechanical fit is equally important. Compare backset, cross-bore and edge-bore preparation, door thickness, bolt dimensions, strike preparation and trim size. Replacement projects are easiest when the existing manufacturer and series can be identified, because similar-looking deadbolts can differ in chassis, bolt or mounting details.

After confirming that the function is permitted and that the door preparation and keying system are compatible, compare grade, trim design and finish. Product-level specifications should be used for final selection, particularly when the opening has security, fire-rating or institutional requirements.