BEST 7KC37AB Grade 2 Entrance Lever Lock

The BEST 7KC37AB is a Grade 2 entrance lever lock from the 7KC medium duty commercial series, built to ANSI function F109. It's the standard specification for main entry doors in offices, schools, and commercial buildings where outside access requires a key, the inside lever always allows free egress, and building staff need a push-button hold-open for controlled traffic periods. The cylinder is a solid brass 7-pin interchangeable core type. It's BHMA A156.2 Series 4000 Grade 2 certified, UL listed for three-hour fire-rated A label doors, and ADA compliant per ANSI A117.1.

How ANSI F109 entrance function works on the 7KC37AB

The outside lever on the 7KC37AB is normally locked. It rotates and retracts the latch only when the inside push button is in the out position, a key is used in the outside lever, or the inside lever is rotated. Pushing the inside button locks the outside lever immediately. Pushing and turning the button engages a sustained lockout that keeps the outside lever locked until the button is physically turned back, regardless of the door opening and closing during that period. This sustained mode is the hold-open or secure-open configuration that lets a receptionist or administrator control entry without standing at the door.

Turning the button back, turning the key in the outside lever, rotating the inside lever, or closing the door (when the button is in the simple pushed-but-not-turned position) each release the locked state. The inside lever is always unlocked and can never be locked from either side, which keeps egress immediate regardless of the button position.

Interchangeable core options and cylinder construction

The 7KC37AB ships with a solid brass, pin-tumbler 7-pin core housing in the lever. Three core options are available at ordering: less core for facilities running a BEST SFIC master key system that manages cores separately, with a BEST-compatible core installed, or with a compatible core and keys included. The less-core option is the right choice when the lock is being added to an existing BEST keying system where cores are ordered and assigned centrally. The other options suit new installations or replacements where the core and key package needs to ship with the lock. For the full range of cylinder and core options available for BEST hardware, the cylinders, cores, and keys section covers compatible components.

Physical specifications, finishes, and certifications

The 7KC37AB installs on doors 1-3/8" to 2" thick using a 2-1/8" diameter bore for the lock housing and a 1" diameter bore for the latch tube. Standard backset is 2-3/4". Additional backsets of 2-3/8", 3-3/4", and 5" are available. The 1/2" throw deadlocking latch prevents the bolt from being pushed back when the door is closed. The front plate is 2-1/4" x 1-1/8" x 5/32" at the 2-3/4" backset. The strike is S3, measuring 4-7/8" x 1-1/4" with a curved lip and box per ANSI A115.2 for 1-3/4" doors.

The lever is 5-1/4" long with return and projects 2-1/2" from the door face on a zinc base plated to match the selected finish. The D3 rose is 3-1/2" in diameter with concealed mounting screws and a snap-on inside rose. Through-bolt mounting studs increase torque resistance. A hub torque spring resists lever sag. The lock is reversible for either door hand without removing the keyed lever. Internal steel mechanisms are zinc dichromate treated. Available finishes are 606 satin brass, 612 satin bronze, 613 oxidized satin bronze oil rubbed, and 626 satin chrome. California Title 24 compliance applies to series 14 and 15 levers.

Browse other functions available in the same series at the BEST 7KC Series Grade 2 page, or see all medium and heavy duty options in the commercial locks catalog. Select your lever style, backset, finish, and core option when ordering.