Kaba Simplex Mechanical Pushbutton Locks by Series

The Simplex 5021XSWL26D is the heavy-duty model here, a 5000 series cylindrical pushbutton lock certified ANSI/BHMA Grade 1. It uses a 13mm (1/2 inch) throw latch, a floating face plate, a 70mm backset and a Winston lever in satin chrome. A Kaba cylinder with a Schlage “C” keyway is included for key override.

The five solid metal pushbuttons are described as vandal resistant, and the lock is highly weather resistant. It uses a single access code that can be changed in seconds without removing the lock from the door, and handing is reversible. The listing mentions a 3-year warranty. This is the pick for a door that sees heavy traffic or faces the outside, such as a garage studio entrance, where you want the strongest certification and a lever that is easy to use with full hands.

• ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified
• Key override with included Kaba cylinder
• Winston lever, 70mm backset

Best for
Adding a code deadbolt, brass doors

The Simplex 710803 Kaba 7100 Series Metal auxiliary lock adds a coded 25mm tubular deadbolt to a door, with a thumbturn on the inside. It has a flat front face plate and a 60mm backset (2-3/8 inch), finished in bright brass.

It is fully mechanical, programmed from the keypad without removing the lock, uses a single access code and has field-reversible handing and solid metal buttons. Because it is an auxiliary deadbolt, it works alongside your existing knob or lever rather than replacing it. That makes it a neat way to secure a game room or equipment closet without changing the latch hardware. The listing does not mention a key override. Choose it if your door is drilled for a 60mm backset and brass suits your hardware.

Best for
Code deadbolt on 70mm backset doors

The Kaba Simplex 7100 Series Metal Mechanical deadbolt, model 7102-26D-41, is the satin chrome sibling of the 710803. It also uses a 25mm tubular deadbolt with a thumbturn and flat front face plate, but with a 70mm backset (2-3/4 inch).

It lists five vandal-resistant metal buttons, high weather resistance, field-reversible handing and a single access code. The listing specifies a minimum stile of 4 inches, which matters on narrow-stile doors. Pick this over the 710803 if your door has a 70mm backset or you want a chrome finish. As with the brass version, the listing does not describe a key override.

• 25mm tubular deadbolt with thumbturn
• 70mm backset, satin chrome
• 4 inch minimum stile required

Best for
Simple code-only knob lock

The Kaba Simplex 1000 Series Combination Entry lock, model 1011-26D, is a knob lock with no key override. Access from outside is by code only, and egress from inside by knob is always free. It includes a floating face plate, a 13mm throw latch and an ASA strike plate, with a 70mm backset in satin chrome.

Simplex describes the 1000 series as suited to high-turnover areas like data processing centers, employee entrances and dormitories, which translates well to a shared gaming house or a home server room. It ships handed for left-hand doors and is easily field reversible. The lack of a key override is both a strength and a weakness: nothing to pick or lose, but no backup if the code is forgotten. The listing does not state a Grade certification.

Best for
Lever handle with key override

The Kaba Simplex L1000 Series Metal Mechanical lock, model LR1021R26D, swaps the knob for a lever and adds a key override. It uses a 13mm throw latch, floating face plate and 70mm backset in satin chrome, and it is prepped for a Sargent removable core, which is not included. The listing specifies right hand.

Features include a single access code, keypad programming without removing the lock, solid metal buttons and a 3-year warranty. Levers are easier to operate than knobs when you are carrying gear, and the key override gives you a backup. If your building already uses Sargent cores, this fits into that system. For comparison with electronic options, see our guide to keyless entry door locks with a handle.

• Lever handle with key override
• Sargent removable core prep, core not included
• 3-year warranty

The Simplex 1021B26D is the 1000 series knob lock with a key override. The description lists a 2-3/4 inch backset, a 1/2 inch throw latch and 6/7-pin SFIC prep, sold less core, in satin chrome.

Like the 1011, it has a single access code, keypad programming in place, weather resistance, an ASA strike plate and left-hand factory handing that is field reversible. The difference is the key override, which lets an admin open the door with a key if needed. It suits a facility or home that already uses small format interchangeable cores and wants a code lock that fits into that system.