The Benefits of Investing in New Locks

Need to revamp the security in your office building by improving the locks? If so, it will help to have a commercial locksmith explain all of the different types of door handles to you, since there are different types that perform different functions. 

Storeroom Function Handle

A storeroom function handle is designed to ensure that the door is always locked when the door is closed. As the name implies, these handles work great on storage rooms because of how they operate. The inside of the handle doesn't have the ability to lock or unlock the door with a plunger or deadbolt, and you can always open the door from the inside as a safety precaution. However, the outside handle can only be unlocked by using a key and turning the locking cylinder in the handle.

Entry Function Handle

The main difference with an entry function handle is that it does include the plunger on the inside of the door that allows you to control if the door is locked or unlocked. This is the most common type of handle that is used since you have full control over when the door is locked and unable to open. An entry function door handle can also mimic the function of a storeroom handle since you can put the locking plunger in the locked position so that the door always locks when the door is closed. It is just not as reliable as a storeroom function handle since it can be accidentally or intentionally unlocked. 

Clutch Function Handles

Storeroom and entry function handles also have the option for a clutch handle. This is kind of a personal preference when it comes to door handles since it changes the way the exterior handle operates. A door handle without a clutch function is going to prevent someone from pushing down or twisting the door handle since it remains in a locked position. A clutch function handle will allow the outside door handle to push down or rotate if the door is locked, but will not unlock the door.

Why would you want a clutch function handle? It certainly puts less wear and tear on the handle over time as people try to open a door and realize that it is locked, and a clutch handle can end up lasting longer because of that. This may be best for high traffic areas where many people are attempting to open a door that is locked.