Tell LC1281 CTL Entrance Lock

The Tell LC1281 CTL is a Grade 1 commercial entrance lever lock with the durability and keying flexibility of premium hardware at a value price. The entrance function (ANSI F81) is the everyday office and entry-door function: a deadlocking latchbolt operated by the lever from either side, with a push button inside that locks the outside lever. Push the button and the outside lever is locked, so you need a key from outside to get in, while the inside lever always retracts the latch for free exit. It's the lock for main entries, offices, and any door where staff control outside access but egress stays free. The LC1281 is non-handed, UL fire listed, and part of Tell's LC1200 Grade 1 series.

How the entrance function works

This is worth being clear on, because the entrance function has a specific button behavior. With the inside push button engaged, the outside lever is locked, entry requires a key. A key from outside or rotating the inside lever retracts the latch so the door opens, but with the push-and-turn button set, that key or inside-lever action retracts the latch without unlocking the outside lever, so the door re-secures behind you. The latchbolt is deadlocking, meaning a spring-loaded plunger keeps the bolt from being shimmed or carded once the door is closed. That combination, keyed outside control, free inside egress, and a deadlocking latch, is exactly what a commercial entrance door needs.

Because the lever is non-handed, the LC1281 fits left-hand and right-hand doors without specifying, which simplifies ordering and stocking.

Grade 1 performance at a value

The LC1281 is built to the top commercial rating: ANSI/BHMA A156.2 Series 4000, Grade 1, tested to 800,000 cycles, and UL listed for 3-hour fire doors. The lever is solid cast and non-handed, the latch is stainless steel with a 1/2" throw, and it fits a standard 161 door prep with through-bolting for a secure install on doors 1-3/8" to 2" thick. That Grade 1 durability is the headline: Tell delivers the cycle life and fire rating of premium brands at a lower cost, which is why it's a popular spec for budget-conscious commercial projects that still need genuine Grade 1 hardware.

Keys into virtually any system

This is a standout for retrofit and multi-brand buildings. The LC1281 comes with a Schlage C 6-pin cylinder standard, but it's available in a wide range of keyways, Schlage E and F, Arrow A, Corbin 60 and 59A1, Corbin Russwin L4, Russwin D1, Sargent LA, Weiser E, Yale 8 and GA, and more. It's also available prepped for BEST small format interchangeable cores (less core, or with a BEST A through U core), so it drops onto an existing BEST IC system. Full keying options include keyed different, keyed alike, master keyed, grand master keyed, and construction master keying. That flexibility means the LC1281 keys into almost any existing system in the building.

Tell LC1281 CTL specifications

• Function: Entrance, ANSI F81. Deadlocking latch, lever both sides, inside push button locks the outside lever. Key or inside lever retracts the latch.

• Grade: ANSI/BHMA A156.2 Series 4000, Grade 1. 800,000 cycles. UL listed 3-hour fire door. Non-handed.

• Lever: Solid cast, non-handed.

• Latch: Stainless steel, 1/2" throw, 1-1/8" x 2-1/4" square corner faceplate, 1" housing. 2-3/4" backset.

• Strike: ANSI ASA 1-1/4" x 4-7/8" square corner standard. T strike and F strike available.

• Door range: 1-3/8" to 2". Fits 161 prep with through-bolting. 2-1/8" lever bore, 1" latch bore.

• Cylinder: Schlage C 6-pin standard. Many keyways available (Schlage E/F, Arrow, Corbin, Russwin, Sargent, Weiser, Yale). BEST SFIC prep (less core or with core).

• Keying: KD, KA, MK, GMK, CMK, IC uncombinated, 0-bitted. Two nickel silver keys per cylinder.

• Warranty: 5-year limited.

Why choose the Tell LC1281

Tell Manufacturing builds value-focused commercial hardware, and the LC1281 is a genuine Grade 1 entrance lock without the premium price. You get 800,000-cycle durability, a UL 3-hour fire listing, a deadlocking latch, non-handed installation, and a huge range of cylinder and keying options that let it join almost any building's key system. For commercial entries, offices, and tenant doors where you need real Grade 1 performance on a budget, the LC1281 is a smart, practical choice.

One thing to confirm before ordering: the LC1281 is the entrance function (F81). If you need a different behavior, the LC1200 series also offers office (LC1282), classroom (LC1284), storeroom (LC1286), privacy (LC1276), and passage (LC1275). Choose your cylinder keyway or BEST IC prep, finish, and keying to match your system.

Order the Tell LC1281 from American Locksets

We stock the full Tell LC1200 series from authorized distribution, so every lock ships with the manufacturer warranty. Compare functions in the Tell LC1200 Series Grade 1 category, see all Tell lever locks, or browse all commercial locks.