40H Series Mortise Components

The BEST 40H Series mortise lock is one of the most widely specified heavy-duty mortise locks in commercial, institutional, healthcare, education, and government applications. The 40H Series parts catalog exists because facilities that have already installed 40H mortise locks need individual replacement components rather than complete lock assemblies when a spindle breaks, a strike wears out, a faceplate is damaged, or a trim kit needs to be added or changed. American Locksets stocks the full BEST 40H Series mortise components catalog as an authorized dormakaba BEST dealer, with same-day shipping and free shipping on all orders over $300.

BEST 40H Mortise Lock Parts: What the Components Catalog Covers

The 40H Series parts catalog is structured around the modular design BEST built into the 40H lock from the start. The lock case, trim kits, faceplate, spindle, strike, and screw packages are all available separately, which means a facility or locksmith can order only what is needed for a specific repair, upgrade, or completion without purchasing a full lock assembly. This modularity also enables the 40H Universal Lock concept, where a lock case is ordered in an unassigned function and trim kits are added later to configure the specific function required at installation.

The 40H and 45H Series share the same case architecture. Components listed here are for the 40H Series lock body, which is also compatible with the BEST 45H Series lock line. Browse the Best 45H Body Only page for 45H-specific case options.

Faceplate Kit

BEST 40HFP: 40H Series Faceplate Kit

The BEST 40HFP 40H Series Faceplate Kit includes a finished faceplate and the appropriate screws for one 40H lock. The 40H faceplate is stainless steel, brass, or bronze material, 8 inches high by 1-1/4 inches wide by 1/16 inch thick. It auto-adjusts to the proper door bevel during installation, covering the lock front regardless of whether the door is beveled right-hand or left-hand. Security head screws are available as an option on this kit for installations where tamper resistance at the face is required. Faceplate replacement is the correct order when a faceplate is damaged, corroded, or when a finish change is needed on an installed lock without replacing the entire case.

Replacement Spindle Kits

The 40H spindle is a deliberate security feature. It is engineered to twist off under forced rotation before that force can be transferred to the lock mechanism internally. When an attack on the outside lever applies torque past the spindle's yield point, the spindle fails rather than the lock case. This design protects the lock from forced entry at the lever. The consequence is that spindles are service items that may need replacement after an attack event or after years of high-cycle use.

BEST 40HRS-2: Replacement Spindle Kit, Standard Spindle

The BEST 40HRS-2 Replacement Spindle Kit, Standard Spindle covers lever mortise lock applications on 1-3/4 inch doors. The kit includes the inside spindle, the outside spindle, and the pin to attach the outside lever. This is the correct spindle for standard lever trim configurations including H, R, S, and J trim styles.

BEST 40HRS-4: Replacement Spindle Kit, Hook Spindle

The BEST 40HRS-4 Replacement Spindle Kit, Hook Spindle is for hook-spindle trim configurations. When ordering a spindle replacement for an existing 40H installation, confirm the spindle type currently installed before ordering. Spindle style is determined by the trim configuration on the lock, not by the function.

Important: 40H spindle compatibility changed when dormakaba updated the spindle design to a black chromate finish. Older silver (clear) or yellow chromate spindles are not compatible with the current black chromate spindles and levers. If the installed lock has a silver or yellow chromate spindle, a complete lever set (40HLS) is required rather than the spindle kit alone.

Strike Packages

BEST 40HST1: 40H Strike Packages, Standard Kit

The BEST 40HST1 40H Series Strike Packages, Standard Kit is the standard strike assembly for 40H locks. Strike replacement is needed when the strike face is damaged, when the door frame is modified, or when a lock is being installed in a frame where the previous strike was not a BEST 40H strike. Security head screws are available as an option.

BEST 40HST6: Latchbolt Only and Latchbolt/Deadbolt Strikes

The BEST 40HST6 Latchbolt Only Strike and BEST 40HST6 Latchbolt/Deadbolt Strike cover mortise functions where only latchbolt coverage is needed, and where both latchbolt and deadbolt coverage are required respectively. Confirm the function installed before ordering a strike replacement to ensure the opening geometry of the strike matches the bolt throw pattern of the lock.

Screw Kits

BEST 40HSK-1 and 40HSK-2: 40H Series Screw Kits by Trim Style

Screw kits solve a real service frustration: tracking down the correct part number for a single screw on a mortise lock. The BEST 40H screw kits contain all fasteners needed for one complete lock installation in a single bag, organized by trim style.

• BEST 40HSK-1, 40H Screw Kit for H, R, S, J Trim: Correct for rose-style escutcheon trims in H (2-3/4 inch diameter), R (2-3/4 inch diameter), S (3-1/2 inch diameter), and J trim styles.

• BEST 40HSK-2, 40H Screw Kit for M, N Trim: Correct for M and N sectional escutcheon trim styles.

Trim Kits: Outside and Inside Lever Assemblies

A 40H trim kit is half of a complete trim package. An outside trim kit must be matched with an appropriate inside trim kit. Trim kits are the correct order when adding trim to a Case Only lock, replacing worn lever assemblies, or upgrading from one trim style to another.

Outside Trim Kits

• BEST 40HTKOS1, Outside Lever Only: Outside lever without cylinder for functions where the cylinder is already installed or not required.

• BEST 40HTKOS2, Outside Lever x Cylinder: Outside lever with cylinder housing for keyed functions.

• BEST 40HTKOS4H, Inside Turn Only, 2-3/4 Inch Diameter: Thumb turn only outside trim for specific function configurations.

• BEST 40HTKOS515H626, Outside Lever x Visual Indicator, Contour/Angle Return, Satin Chrome: Outside trim with visual indicator for privacy and hotel functions showing occupied/vacant status.

Inside Trim Kits

• BEST 40HTKIS1, Inside Lever Only: Inside lever assembly without thumb turn.

• BEST 40HTKIS2, Inside Lever x Turn: Inside lever with thumb turn for privacy and dormitory functions.

• BEST 40HTKIS5H, Inside Turn Only, 2-3/4 Inch Diameter: Thumb turn only inside trim.

Visual Indicator Kit

The BEST 40HVIT Visual Indicator Thumb-Turn Kit adds the VIT visual indicator thumb-turn to an installed 40H lock. The VIT indicator shows whether the deadbolt is projected or retracted through a color-coded indicator visible at the trim face. The VIT option is compatible with H, R, S, J, and M trim styles. The VIN and VIB visual indicator options (double-sided, both faces) are compatible with H, R, and J trim styles only.

Browse the complete BEST 45H Series mortise lock line, the BEST 45H Body Only cases, the Falcon MA Lock Case for non-BEST mortise case replacements, and all Mortise Locks at American Locksets. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the BEST 40H Series? 

The BEST 40H Series is a heavy-duty commercial Grade 1 mortise lock line from dormakaba's BEST brand, widely installed in institutional, healthcare, education, and government facilities.

Q: Are 40H and 45H mortise components the same?

 The 40H and 45H share the same case architecture. Many components are cross-compatible, but confirm the specific part application before ordering. The 45H is the current production model.

Q: Why does the BEST 40H spindle need to be replaced after a forced entry attempt?

 The spindle is engineered to twist off under forced lever rotation before damage reaches the lock mechanism. This is a deliberate security feature that may require spindle replacement after an attack event.

Q: What is the difference between 40HRS-2 and 40HRS-4 spindle kits? 

40HRS-2 is the standard spindle for lever mortise locks. 40HRS-4 is the hook spindle configuration. The correct kit depends on which spindle type is installed in the trim configuration.

Q: Can I replace just the strike on a BEST 40H lock? 

Yes. Strike packages 40HST1 (standard), 40HST6 latchbolt-only, and 40HST6 latchbolt/deadbolt are available individually. Confirm the function installed to select the correct opening geometry.

Q: What is the VIT visual indicator on the 40H Series?

 The VIT (Visual Indicator Thumb-Turn) shows deadbolt projected or retracted status at the trim face with a color-coded indicator. It is compatible with H, R, S, J, and M trim styles.

Q: Do I need to order both inside and outside trim kits? 

Yes. A 40H trim kit covers only one side. An outside trim kit must be paired with a matching inside trim kit to make a complete functional trim assembly.