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BEST Mortise Locks
BEST mortise locks in our catalog are the 45H models from BEST's 40H Series, a Grade 1 mortise lockset built around BEST interchangeable cores. Choose by function, such as the 45H7D storeroom or 45H0N passage, by lever style (3, 12, 14, 15 or 16), or order a lock body only to repair an existing BEST lock.
BEST 45H and the 40H Series: what the names mean
BEST groups its mortise locks under the 40H Series, and the locks themselves carry model numbers that start with 45H. Every listing in this category shows "40H - Grade 1" in its series field, so a 45H lock is a Grade 1 mortise lock under ANSI/BHMA A156.13. If you are comparing the two names, our BEST 45H vs 40H guide explains the difference in detail.
How to read a BEST 45H model number
A BEST 45H model number tells you the core housing, the function, the lever and the rose or escutcheon. Using examples from the catalog:
- 45H7 means the lock has a 7-pin core housing for a BEST interchangeable core; 45H0 appears on functions with no key, such as 45H0N passage and 45H0L privacy.
- The letters after it are the function: D storeroom, AB office, N passage, L privacy, R classroom, T dormitory, H hotel, NX exit and others.
- The number and letter at the end are the lever and the rose or escutcheon, for example 15H (15 lever with H rose), 15J (15 lever with J escutcheon), 14M or 14S.
- 45HCA models are listed as lock body only, and 45HW models are electrified.
BEST 45H mortise lock functions
| Function | Code | ANSI number (as listed) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passage | N (45H0N) | F10 | Corridors and doors that do not lock |
| Privacy | L, LT (45H0L) | F19 (L) | Restrooms and private offices |
| Office | A, AB, AT | F20 (AB) | Offices locked by a toggle or key |
| Storeroom | D, W, S | F07 (D) | Storerooms and mechanical rooms |
| Classroom, classroom holdback | R, RHB | See listing | Classrooms |
| Intruder | INL, IND | See listing | Classrooms locked from inside |
| Dormitory | T, TA, TD | See listing | Student rooms |
| Hotel | H, HJ | See listing | Guest rooms |
| Exit, communicating, entrance | NX, G, C | See listing | Special doors |
| Deadlock functions | WD, RD, AD | See listing | Deadbolt only |
| Single and double dummy | 01DT, 02DT | No locking | Inactive leaves and pull-only doors |
Interchangeable cores and key control
BEST mortise locks are made for BEST small format interchangeable cores (SFIC), so the key can be changed by swapping the core with a control key, without taking the lock off the door. The storeroom listing above shows a 7-pin core housing. Cores are ordered separately in your keyway and key system; see interchangeable cores. If your building already runs a BEST master key system, match the pin count and keyway before ordering.
Lever styles and trim
The catalog groups BEST 45H locks by lever: 3 lever, 14 lever, 15 lever, 16 lever and a smaller 12 lever range, each with H rose or J, M or S trim options shown on the listing. Match the lever and trim already on the floor when you replace a single lock.
Lock body only and electrified 45H
When the trim and core are in good condition, replace only the lock body. 45HCA listings, such as the 45HCAAB office, 45HCAL privacy and 45HCAN passage, are sold as lock body only and field reversible. For access control, the 45HW electrified lock bodies are listed in fail secure (DEU) and fail safe (DEL) versions, with request to exit (RQE) options. See electrified locks for the full electrified range.
Most requested BEST mortise locks
The BEST mortise locks our customers look up most often right now:
- BEST 45H7D 15H Grade 1 Storeroom Mortise Lever Lock
- BEST 45HCAAB Grade 1 Office Mortise Lock, Lockbody Only
- BEST 45HCAL Grade 1 Privacy Mortise Lock, Lockbody Only
- BEST 45H0N 14H Grade 1 Passage Mortise Lever Lock
Related categories: mortise locks, Falcon mortise locks and IC housings.
What to have ready when ordering a BEST mortise lock
- Function code (D, AB, N, L, R, T and so on).
- Complete lock, or lock body only (45HCA).
- Lever number and rose or escutcheon letter.
- Core: pin count and keyway of your BEST key system (cores sold separately).
- Finish, such as 626 satin chrome or 630 satin stainless steel, and hand if not field reversible.
Need a BEST catalog? The BEST 40H catalog is attached to our BEST mortise product pages, such as the 45HCAAB listing.
Fitting out a campus or building? Request a quote, and schools and agencies can submit a government or school PO. Orders placed before 3:00 p.m. ET on business days ship the same day after card approval, and ground shipping is free on orders of $450+. Questions on a function code? Call 718-814-6300.
The tables and selection notes on this page are compiled by National Lock Supply from BEST catalogs and product listings. Last reviewed: November 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grade is a BEST 45H mortise lock?
BEST 45H mortise locks are listed as Grade 1 in the series field of each product, which is the heavy duty rating under ANSI/BHMA A156.13 for mortise locks. They are used on high-traffic doors in schools, hospitals and offices.
What is the best brand of mortise lock?
No brand is right for every door. BEST is a brand name, and its 45H locks are Grade 1 with interchangeable cores, which suits buildings that rekey often. Other Grade 1 mortise lines include the Falcon MA, Schlage L and Sargent 8200. Choose by function, door prep and key system.
Where can I find the BEST mortise lock catalog?
The BEST 40H catalog is attached to our BEST mortise lock product pages, such as the 45HCAAB lock body listing. It shows the functions, lever and trim options, door prep and core options for the series.