SAME DAY & EXPEDITED SHIPPING AVAILABLE
Deadlatches
Adams Rite deadlatches relock automatically every time the door closes, for locksmiths, glaziers and facility managers working on commercial aluminum storefront entrances. Shop the 4510 and 4530 standard duty series, the 4900 and 4920AN heavy duty series, the 4781 two-point and the electrified 4300 Steel Hawk. Match by duty, backset and faceplate.
What is a deadlatch?
A deadlatch is a spring latch with a built-in guard that locks the latch bolt in place the moment the door closes, so the door relocks automatically without turning a key. The guard bolt, also called the auxiliary latch or deadlocking plunger, rides against the strike and stops the latch from being pushed back, which blocks slipping the latch with a card or a tool. That is how a deadlatch works on a commercial entrance: pull the door shut, and it is locked, while the person inside can still leave by the trim or a panic device. Adams Rite deadlatches are made for aluminum storefront doors with narrow stiles.
Deadlatch vs deadlock
A deadlatch locks automatically on closing, and a deadlock uses a manual bolt that must be thrown with a key or a thumbturn. A deadlatch suits high-traffic storefront entrances and doors that are opened often, because nobody has to remember to lock them. A deadlock gives a longer bolt throw and is chosen when the door needs a positive manual lock. Compare Adams Rite MS deadbolts in our MS1850 vs MS1890 deadbolt guide.
Standard duty, heavy duty, two-point and electrified deadlatches
Adams Rite deadlatches come in four families, each with its own use.
- Standard duty: the 4510 series and the 4530 are the general-purpose deadlatches, with a flat, radius or bevel faceplate (4510, 4511 and 4512).
- Heavy duty: the 4900 series and the 4920AN (ANSI size) are built for harder use on heavy traffic doors.
- Two-point: the 4781 two-point deadlatch with paddle latches at two points and is operated with a paddle.
- Electrified: the 4300 Steel Hawk electrified deadlatch is released by an access control signal.
Electrified deadlatches and the Steel Hawk 4300
An electrified deadlatch lets a keypad, card reader or buzzer unlock the door from outside without cutting the door open for an electric strike. The Adams Rite 4300 Steel Hawk is the electrified model in the catalog. It is offered with three backsets (31/32 inch for the 4300-20, 1-1/8 inch for the 4300-30 and 1-1/2 inch for the 4300-40), and with surface strike (1RP) or mortised strike (2RP) versions. The model suffix matters: order the one that matches the strike you want.
Backset, faceplate and door prep
A deadlatch has to match the door stile, the backset and the strike prep. Narrow stile doors need a short backset, and the Steel Hawk ranges from 31/32 to 1-1/2 inch. Faceplate shape is the second check: flat, radius or bevel, which is part of the model number on the 4510, 4511 and 4512. The ANSI size 4920AN uses a different strike than the 4900, so match strike and latch together. Our guide to storefront hardware for aluminum doors walks through the door prep.
Adams Rite deadlatch series in the catalog
| Series | Duty or type | Faceplate or backset | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4510, 4511, 4512 | Standard duty | Flat, radius, bevel faceplates | General storefront entrances |
| 4530 | Standard duty | Flat faceplate | Storefront and service doors |
| 4900 | Heavy duty | Standard faceplate | High-traffic doors |
| 4920AN | Heavy duty, ANSI size | Flat faceplate | ANSI strike prep |
| 4781 | Two-point with paddle | Two latch points | Doors needing two latch points |
| 4300-20, 4300-30, 4300-40 | Electrified Steel Hawk | 31/32, 1-1/8 and 1-1/2 inch backsets | Access-controlled entrances |
Cylinders, strikes and trim to pair with a deadlatch
A deadlatch needs a cylinder, a strike and usually a trim to work. Mortise cylinders, strike plates, thumbturns and pulls are sold separately, and the right strike depends on the model: the 4900 and 4920AN take different strikes, and the 4300 comes with surface or mortised strike options. Parts, strikes and cylinders are covered in our storefront lock parts guide and in the Adams Rite accessories category.
Most requested Adams Rite deadlatches
The Adams Rite deadlatches our customers look up most often right now:
- Adams Rite 4300-30 Steel Hawk Electrified Deadlatch w/ 1-1/8" Backset
- Adams Rite 4900 Heavy Duty Deadlatch, Standard Faceplate
- Adams Rite 4300-20 Steel Hawk Electrified Deadlatch w/ 31/32" Backset
- Adams Rite 4530 Standard Duty Deadlatch w/ Flat Faceplate
Related categories: Adams Rite accessories, electric strikes and cylinders.
What to have ready when ordering a deadlatch
- The existing latch model, or the door stile width and the backset.
- Duty and type: standard, heavy duty, two-point or electrified.
- Faceplate: flat, radius or bevel; and the strike you need.
- Handing and the trim on the door: pull, paddle or lever.
- For electrified: voltage and the strike option (surface or mortised).
Ordering quantities for a storefront project? Request a quote for volume pricing. 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+. Need help matching a deadlatch? Call 718-814-6300.
The tables and selection notes on this page are compiled by National Lock Supply from manufacturer catalogs, templates and product listings. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a deadlatch work?
When the door closes, the latch bolt enters the strike and the guard bolt is pressed in, which locks the latch bolt so it cannot be pushed back. Turning the key or the trim retracts both. The door relocks every time it closes. A person inside can exit through the trim or the panic device.
How does a deadlatch differ from a deadbolt?
A deadlatch relocks automatically every time the door closes, and a deadbolt has to be thrown by hand with a key or thumbturn. Deadlatches suit high-traffic doors because nobody has to remember to lock them. Deadbolts are used where a long manual bolt throw is wanted.
What are the differences between standard duty and heavy duty deadlatches?
Standard duty deadlatches, such as the Adams Rite 4510 and 4530, suit general storefront entrances. Heavy duty models, such as the 4900 and 4920AN, are built for harder use on high-traffic doors. Both fit narrow stile aluminum doors, so compare the strike and the duty to the door's traffic.
What is a two point deadlatch?
A two point deadlatch latches at two points on the door, usually the strike side and a second point, for better holding on wide or tall doors. The Adams Rite 4781 is a two-point deadlatch with a paddle. Check the door height and the second latch point before ordering.
What is an electrified deadlatch?
An electrified deadlatch is a deadlatch that is released by an electrical signal from a keypad, reader or button, so the door can be unlocked from outside without a key. The Adams Rite 4300 Steel Hawk is the electrified model, offered in three backsets and with surface or mortised strike options.
What backset do I need for an Adams Rite deadlatch?
Measure from the door edge to the center of the cylinder or trim hole. The Adams Rite 4300 Steel Hawk comes in 31/32, 1-1/8 and 1-1/2 inch backsets. Other models have their own backsets, so match the existing latch or the manufacturer's template before ordering.
What faceplate shapes are available?
Adams Rite offers flat, radius and bevel faceplates. On the standard duty series the shape is part of the model: the 4510 is flat, the 4511 is radius and the 4512 is bevel. Choose the faceplate that matches the door edge and the existing cutout so the latch sits flush.
What cylinder does an Adams Rite deadlatch use?
Adams Rite deadlatches take a mortise cylinder, a rim cylinder or an interchangeable core in some setups, depending on the model and the trim. Check the lock's cylinder requirements, since different deadlatches have different cylinder and installation needs. Mortise cylinders and strikes are sold as separate accessories.
Are deadlatches ADA compliant?
Yes, when paired with lever or paddle trims that can be operated without tight grasping or twisting. The latch itself does not decide compliance. The trim, the opening force and the clear opening on the door do, so check the full opening, not just the latch.