Lock hardware is the primary security layer for your commercial doors. Therefore, you’ll want to work with a trusted commercial door hardware supplier like DoorHub to find the best solution for your needs. You’ll encounter several types designed for different security levels and applications.

The most common choice for interior commercial doors, cylindrical locks feature a knob or lever handle with a built-in locking mechanism. You can easily install and maintain cylindrical locks.

Mortise locks offer superior strength and security for high-traffic exterior doors. The lock body sits within a pocket cut into the door, providing enhanced durability and multiple locking points.

Deadbolts provide even more security when you need maximum protection. Single-cylinder deadbolts use a key on one side and a thumb turn on the other, while double-cylinder versions require keys on both sides. You should install deadbolts on exterior doors.

By integrating with access control systems, electronic locks provide keyless entry and detailed access logs. These locks accept keycards, fobs, or biometric credentials, allowing you to track who enters specific areas and when.

Hinges support your doors and enable smooth operation throughout thousands of daily cycles. Commercial-grade hinges must withstand heavy use while maintaining proper alignment.

By attaching to both the door and frame, butt hinges create a traditional swinging motion. You’ll use standard butt hinges for most interior applications and heavy-duty versions like ball-bearing hinges for exterior doors and high-traffic areas. 

These hinges run the full length of a door, distributing weight evenly and providing enhanced security. Continuous hinges prevent sagging on heavy doors and resist tampering attempts.

Spring hinges automatically close doors without needing separate closing hardware. You can adjust the closing speed and force to meet your specific needs while ensuring doors remain shut for security and climate control.

Mounted at the top and bottom of a door rather than along the side, pivot hinges handle extremely heavy doors and create unique aesthetic effects. For instance, you’ll often find pivot hinges on large glass entrance doors.

Door closers and operators control the closing speed and force. These devices serve critical safety and security functions in commercial buildings.

These closers attach to the surfaces of the door and frame, making them visible but easily accessible for maintenance. You can adjust closing speed, latching speed, and backcheck (another feature that controls closing speed from a certain open angle) to customize performance for your specific application.

For a clean appearance, concealed closers hide within a door or frame. Floor-mounted closers work with pivot doors, while overhead concealed units integrate into the door or frame structure. These solutions maintain aesthetics while providing reliable closing action.

When triggered by sensors, push plates, or access control systems, automatic operators open and close doors. You’ll install these operators to meet ADA compliance requirements.

Hold-open devices automatically keep doors open and unlocked during fire emergencies while allowing for normal door function during normal business hours. Electromagnetic hold-opens connect to your fire alarm system, and friction hold-opens provide manual control.

Exit devices enable quick egress during emergencies while maintaining security when doors remain closed. Building codes require these devices on specific door types and locations.

These devices mount on a door’s surface and operate a separate latch or deadbolt. The horizontal push bar spans most of the door width, allowing easy operation even when users are panicked or carrying items.

By integrating with mortise locksets, these exit devices provide both normal access control and emergency egress. These devices combine security features and panic hardware in a single system.

Securing doors at both the top and bottom, vertical rod devices provide enhanced security for double doors and high-security applications. For a quick exit, simply push the crossbar to retract both rods simultaneously.

When activated, delayed egress devices sound an alarm and postpone unlocking for 15 seconds. You can use them in areas where you want to deter unauthorized exit while still providing emergency egress capability.

Handles, pulls, and push plates are pieces of hardware that people touch and use all day to operate doors. Therefore, this hardware must look nice, be durable, and function smoothly.

Lever handles provide easier operation than knobs, especially for users with limited hand strength or dexterity. Commercial lever handles feature heavy-duty construction and comply with ADA requirements for operating force and shape.

Door pulls enable users to open doors that swing toward them. You’ll choose from various lengths and mounting configurations based on door size and user requirements. Offset pulls work well on glass doors, while back-to-back pulls serve double-acting doors.

While providing a clear indication of the opening direction, push plates also protect doors from damage. Large push plates distribute impact forces and reduce maintenance on high-traffic doors.

Push bars span the door width to provide easy operation with any part of the upper body. These bars work especially well on doors that users approach while carrying items or pushing carts.

Many commercial buildings now rely on electronic access control to manage entry permissions and track facility usage.

Most card readers accept various credential types, including proximity cards, smart cards, and mobile credentials. You’ll mount readers near doors to control access while integrating with your overall security system.

With electric strikes, you can replace standard door strikes with a more efficient, electrically controlled version. When activated by your access control system, the strike releases to allow entry without mechanical key operation.

Magnetic locks provide high holding strength and fail-safe operation during power outages, making them suitable for high-security applications.

Electric hinges are wired and transfer power between a door and its frame. You’ll use these hinges when installing electric locks or other powered hardware on doors.

To select the appropriate commercial door hardware, consider your building’s specific needs, local building codes, and long-term operational requirements. Armed with this complete guide to the different types of commercial door hardware, you have the tools to make an informed decision for your facility. 

Are you ready to enhance your building’s security and efficiency? Reach out to the experts at DoorHub today to find the perfect hardware for you.