8 Best Kaba Door Locks TESTED (for Commercial Use)

It doesn’t matter what your business is – a poor-quality door lock is a liability.

You should take comfort in knowing that whatever is behind a locked door is secure and that anybody who should not have access will be able to get in.

We tested several Kaba (aka Dormakaba) door locks and were not disappointed.

There are really no bad locks here, it just depends on your budget, type of door the locks will be installed on, level of preferred functionality, and durability.

Of the ones that we tested, here are 8 of our picks for the best Kaba door locks for commercial and industrial use.

Our Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Kaba Door Locks

Kaba, (now Dormakaba) is known globally for manufacturing high-quality security products, and you will soon see why.

For our testing purposes, we wanted to get a sense of affordability, reliability, durability, features, and just how easy they were to install.

For this, we compiled a list of electronic and mechanical door locks with either fully keyless entry, or with the option of keyed entry to get a feel for a range of products that everyday buyers would benefit from.

We considered this criterion to reflect our experiences, and the experiences of other reviewers (just in the case of the occasional fluke). 

While Kaba’s line of products can be somewhat overwhelming, we selected 8 commercial-grade door locks that we would buy again from Amazon.

Like we said before, there aren’t any bad choices here, just make sure it will fit before you buy.

For more keyless options, we reviewed the Best Keyless Cabinet Locks to keep personal belongings or important work papers safe.

Best Industrial and Commercial Door Locks from Kaba Reviews

1. Best Overall: Kaba Simplex 7100 Series Metal Mechanical Pushbutton Auxiliary Lock with Thumbturn

Product Ratings

Affordability	5/5
Reliability	5/5
Durability	5/5
Features	2/5
Installation	4/5

Lock Type: Mechanical | Keyed: No | Features: Weather Resistant, Single Access Code | Sizing Information: 25mm Tubular Deadbolt, 70mm Backset, Flat Front Face Plate, 4” Minimum Stile Required 

This mechanical door lock is perfect for regular, everyday use in commercial and industrial settings.

It has all of the functionality that you would expect from a budget-friendly Kaba lock, and none of the other stuff you might not need.

Be aware that none of the electronic locks in this list connect to the internet.

So if you’re in the market for something a little more modern for your home or office, you can check out our list of the Best Smartphone Door Locks.

Sizing & Quality

Luckily, we had no issues installing this lock as the 70mm backset lined up perfectly with our doors.

We recommend measuring your doors before purchasing this product just to be sure.

Check out this guide to make it easier: How to Change a Door Lock in 5 Steps.

It sits flush against the door without any gaps and is sturdy despite how much we tried to get it to move.

We really tested this by kicking it a few times, and we are convinced our knees would give out before this lock does. 

We were a little concerned because it sticks out about 2 ½” from the door, but it was proven to be a nonissue.

Having said that, Kaba claims that the solid metal pushbuttons are vandal resistant, and they held up exactly as promised in our tests. 

Its simple and durable design makes it a great option for so many commercial, industrial, or even residential purposes.

We could see this door lock being used on anything from an office stockroom to your shed at home easily. 

The lever even holds up well in places that experience poor weather conditions throughout the year.

Durability

How long can you expect to use this lock?

Our testing provided us with the evidence to feel pretty confident that it will keep intruders at bay. Long-time users have reported them lasting upwards of 10 years. 

Since it doesn’t require batteries or have many working parts, the mechanical functions contained in this lock are simple, and will likely hold up well over time.

Now for the downside: You only get one code.

Maybe that’s a downside for you, maybe it isn’t, but if you were looking for more programmable features, this door lock probably isn’t for you. 

You can change the code pretty easily, but it can get to be a nuisance depending on how often you have to.

This is a rather common function of mechanical commercial door locks.

See Price on Amazon

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2. Runner Up: Kaba E-Plex – Electronic Keyless Lock, Kaba Cylinder

Product Ratings

Affordability	2/5
Reliability	5/5
Durability	5/5
Features	4/5
Installation	3/5

Lock Type: Electronic | Keyed: Yes | Features: Multiple Code Settings (User, Manager, Passage w/ Optional Timed Setting), Pushbutton Lock | Sizing Information: Pre-Assembled to Fit 41-50mm Doors, 2 ¾” Backset, Standard 2 ⅛” Cross-Bore, 5” Minimum Stile Required

It might be a little surprising that the Kaba E-Plex door lock comes in second place since it has a lot going for it.

However, the reality is that it is expensive for a door lock, and can be complicated to set up if you don’t already know what you’re doing.

It also has so many bells and whistles that it can be a bit overwhelming at first.

However, it is a runner-up if you are looking for something that’s going to get a lot of use, while still having a Grade 1 Security Rating.

Price & Quality

It isn’t cheap, but you are definitely getting what you pay for.

If you’re looking at this as a viable option to secure a warehouse, a high-traffic office space, or a BANK, this is worth checking out.

This lock just takes 3 AAA batteries and has a 3-hour UL/ILC rating.

Channeling our inner child, we tested Kaba’s claim that the batteries would hold up for 100,000 rotations.

However, we admittedly didn’t get that far before admitting defeat. And don’t worry, there is also a key override function.

The handle and keypad held up and reminded us of the old payphone days. 

But unlike payphones, we were pleasantly surprised with the durability of the keypad which is even shrouded by two raised edges on either side to prevent onlookers from catching a peak at any keycode being typed in (nice touch!).

Installation

Our experience was that it took about 45 minutes, give or take, to get the latch to sit properly because the lock comes pre-assembled and weighs about 8 lbs.

We found that this weight made it particularly annoying to line up just right.

However, once it was on, it felt to us like the door was more likely to give before the electronic lock did.

Features

This commercial door lock couldn’t be more versatile. 

Not only can the handle be reversed, but we especially liked the option to set passive mode with a timer so that it opened freely for a set period of time before locking and requiring a code to be unlocked again.

This setting can be turned on, off, and timed depending on your need.

It is also rated for just about any weather condition to be used on external doors or internal doors without the worry of sticking or malfunctioning.

That said, it should be mentioned that programming can be complicated when you are first getting used to it.

You can set up to 100 codes to unlock your doors, and we imagine that the software option would make this easier, but we weren’t able to test that.

See Price on Amazon

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3. Best for the Price: Kaba Simplex 900 Series Metal Mechanical Pushbutton Auxiliary Lock with Thumbturn

Product Ratings

Affordability	5/5
Reliability	5/5
Durability	5/5
Features	1/5
Installation	3/5

Lock Type: Mechanical | Keyed: No | Features: None | Sizing Information: Fits 41-54mm Doors, 16mm Deadlocking Spring Latch, 5” Minimum Stile Required

There really isn’t too much to say here, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to a back gate or shed, this will do just fine.

Otherwise, this Kaba door lock is exactly what it looks to be: simple, secure, and featureless.

Quality & Function

It works as you might expect, and as it is fully keyless and mechanical – there is no need to worry about replacing batteries, or having too many working parts that could fail, and will need replacing.

Installation

Some reviewers reported that the included template can be off depending on the doors you’re using, so be aware of that.

Other reviewers have noted issues with understanding the instruction manual as well.

In our test, we could see how these users could have had issues, but we were lucky enough that we didn’t even require the template, it just fit.

We used it on a back entrance gate and were pleased with what we got for the cost of the item. 

You shouldn’t need to call a locksmith to figure it out.

See Price on Amazon

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4. Best for Allowing Temporary Access: Kaba E2031LL-626-41 E-Plex Cylindrical with Lever Nko 234Bs 626

Product Ratings

Affordability	3/5
Reliability	4/5
Durability	5/5
Features	4/5
Installation	3/5

Lock Type: Electronic | Keyed: Yes | Features: Multiple Code Settings (User, Manager, Passage w/ Optional Timed Setting) | Sizing Information: Pre-Assembled to Fit 41-50mm Doors, 2 ¾” Backset, ½” Throw, 5” Minimum Stile Required 

Similar to the other E-plex Electronic Keyless Locks that we mentioned before, this has similar features including a key override function that’s hidden from view.

The main differences are in the quality of the handle, and the lack of a push-lock function.

Despite lacking those extra features, these industrial door locks are just as secure and sturdy as that option for almost $100 cheaper, which is a pretty great deal if you ask us.

Commercial Reviews

We noticed that a number of other reviewers reported being satisfied with this Kaba E-Plex commercial lock after using it for their rental properties as it allows up to 100 key codes, and you can set time limits for temporary access. 

We think it is a great fit for that or really any office or commercial space.

If you’re unsure of which lock type would be best for your purposes, you can check out this guide we found that breaks down the differences between Mechanical Locks vs Electric Locks.

See Price on Amazon

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5. Most Features: Kaba E2031XSLL-626-41 E-Plex Cylindrical with Lever Xs 234Bs 626

Product Ratings

Affordability	2/5
Reliability	4/5
Durability	5/5
Features	5/5
Installation	3/5

Lock Type: Electronic | Keyed: Yes | Features: Multiple Code Settings (User, Manager, Passage w/ Optional Timed Setting) | Sizing Information: Pre-Assembled to Fit 41-50mm Doors, 2 ¾” Backset, ½” Throw, 5” Minimum Stile Required

This E-Plex cylindrical lock is a simple and intuitive lock for your needs and has a wide range of features.

Features

As well as all of the other features included in the previous lock on this list, this lock has the option for keyed entry. 

That option also makes it one of the most costly locks on this list.

However, we couldn’t help but feel that the addition of the locking cylinder added a nice weight to the handle and more durability.

Set multiple key entries up to 7 pins in length, just like the other E-Plex options, but also with the added flexibility of using a key to gain entry if you wanted to. 

But if you’re considering locks with even more features, check out our picks for The Best Smart Lock Door Handles.

See Price on Amazon

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6. Easiest to Install: Kaba Simplex 7100 Series Metal Mechanical Pushbutton Auxiliary Lock 

Product Ratings

Affordability	5/5
Reliability	5/5
Durability	5/5
Features	1/5
Installation	5/5

Lock Type: Mechanical | Keyed: No | Features: Weather Resistant, Single Access Code | Sizing Information: 25mm Tubular Deadbolt, 60mm Backset, Flat Front Face Plate, 4” Minimum Stile Required

This Kaba lock is directly comparable to our best overall for a few dollars less. We would opt for that one unless the sizing just doesn’t seem like it would work for your door. 

Quality & Function

Unlike that previous entry, this one is sized with a 60mm backset which fits most pre-drilled doors, from our tests, and anyone could install it without prior experience.

For whatever reason, the thumb turn had a little more difficulty turning at times compared to our Best Overall pick, but that was a heavier door. 

Other than that, the locks are virtually identical in quality and durability from what we were able to tell.

Both are also built to withstand the elements.

See Price on Amazon

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7. Best Single Code Industrial Lock: Kaba 5021XKWL-26D-41 Cylindrical Push Button Lock

Product Ratings

Affordability	2/5
Reliability	5/5
Durability	5/5
Features	3/5
Installation	3/5

Lock Type: Mechanical | Keyed: Yes | Features: Weather Resistant, Single Access Code | Sizing Information: 2 ¾” Backset, ½” Throw Latch, Pre-Assembled for Left-Handed Doors (Can be Switched) 

Coming in as one of the most expensive entries on this list, the Kaba 5000 Series Cylindrical Push Button Lock with Lever is not much for value.

In our opinion, the heft of this industrial lock makes it feel very secure.

Features

These locks are really the middle of the road when it comes to available features. The lever is very solid, and the option of keyed entry makes it versatile for most applications.

Adding the pushbutton lock also helped us from forgetting to lock it as we came and went.

Being fully mechanical also was a nice touch for what this lock has to offer as it made us feel more confident installing it on exterior doors without concern for batteries or electrical components wearing away.

Price & Installation

We would be remiss not to mention the fact that there is only one code, which can be a downside or not.

For the price, it may be hard to justify something with so few features. If safety is your only concern, these locks will put your mind at ease.

Uneasy about the price? We found a guide to Understanding Door Lock Prices: Cost vs. Security that you should check out. 

On the other hand, we had absolutely no trouble setting and then keying in our set key code to gain entry without the keys sticking.

But its weight made it difficult to line up and attach during initial installation.

It really didn’t matter what the weather conditions were, or how many times we slammed the door or jiggled the knob, it held up to the stress with ease.

Lastly, coming in at nearly 9 lbs (for non-electric locks) felt like a lot.

It would definitely add significant weight to some doors, and we could see how installing it on wider, wooden doors could become a bit of an issue after some time. 

That wasn’t our experience, but it’s worth considering before purchasing.

Overall

This industrial door lock has many useful applications in a working environment and was able to handle a lot of stress. 

It offers a mechanical alternative to the other electronic locks that we previously mentioned in this list and provides the same level of security, just without all of the bells and whistles.

So if you have the budget, want a mechanical alternative to industrial-grade electronic locks, and only need one simple code, this will do just fine time and time again.

See Price on Amazon

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8. Best for Frequent Use: Kaba 1011-26D-41 Cylindrical Pushbutton Knob Nko Us26D

Product Ratings

Affordability	3/5
Reliability	5/5
Durability	5/5
Features	2/5
Installation	4/5

Lock Type: Mechanical | Keyed: No | Features: Weather Resistant, Single Access Code | Sizing Information: 2 ¾” Backset and Throw, Use with Left or Right Handed Doors, Can be Used on 1 ⅜”-2 ¼” Doors 

There aren’t many frills when it comes to this Kaba cylindrical pushbutton lock, and we like that it’s pretty straightforward. 

Because of its simplicity, this commercial lock is inherently very user-friendly, and quick to get through.

If you’re planning to go in and out of whichever door this is installed on, it’s just right. We were able to get in and out quickly and seamlessly without any snags.

We would have preferred that this lock come with a lever in place of the knob, but compared to the levered options out there, the knob is far more cost-effective.

A lever would likely also be even faster, but the knob works just fine.

Price & Quality

Let’s talk about price. While it still sits in the higher range, this industrial door lock doesn’t lack anything but features.

Other reviewers reported having used these locks for upwards of 23 years without needing to replace them.

When the time came, they opted to replace them with the same model.

Take that with a grain of salt, as other users complained that the keys had a tendency to stick.

But our testing made us feel like those unfortunate buyers received a faulty product, and that they really shouldn’t deter you from making your own judgments.

While still quite sturdy once installed, the knob made us feel like it could become an issue after extremely heavy use.

This is where the price really does seem to make a difference when compared to our previous entry on this list.

And like many other entries in this list, this industrial lock was given a 3-hour UL/ULC fire rating.

See Price on Amazon

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Comparison Chart

Products	Best Overall	Next Best Overall	Best For Your Budget	Best For Temporary Access	Most Features	Easiest to Install	Best Single Code Industrial Lock	Best for Frequent Use
Overall Rating	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	4/5	4/5
Affordability	5/5	2/5	5/5	3/5	2/5	5/5	2/5	3/5
Reliability	5/5	5/5	5/5	4/5	4/5	5/5	5/5	5/5
Durability	5/5	5/5	5/5	5/5	5/5	5/5	5/5	5/5
Features	2/5	4/5	1/5	4/5	5/5	1/5	3/5	2/5
Installation	4/5	3/5	3/5	3/5	3/5	5/5	3/5	4/5

The Winner

We strongly believe that the Kaba Simplex 7100 Series Auxiliary Lock is the most value you can get for multiple uses.

It is versatile, easy to install, and will last you a long time.

How to Choose the Best Kaba Door Locks

Consider Your Needs

You might want to think about which features would benefit you the most, and if it would be worth spending the extra money for a commercial electric door lock that you may be more comfortable using for your business.

An electronic keypad (found on any of the Kaba E-Plex series) that allows you to set key codes for different tiers of users would be a great addition to any office with lots of staff.

However, it may get old quickly if you find yourself setting and resetting pins regularly, especially without their additional software.

And while the batteries for the electronic commercial locks are rated for 100,000 rotations, it can still be a chore to change them when the time comes.

On the other hand, if you’re planning on using mechanical locks, you can expect an industrial-strength lock with fewer points of failure.

That said, you can also expect to only have 1 programmable key code that may need reprogramming fairly often.

If you’re someone that carries around a lot of keys, you might want to think about how keyless locks would benefit you.

You can always choose one with a keyed entry option just in case.

What’s Your Budget?

While there are plenty of good options at an affordable price, they may not fit your needs.

If you’re only replacing 1 or 2 locks in your commercial or industrial space, a pricier option may be of no concern, but if you’re needing to replace multiple, it adds up.

Don’t Forget to Measure Your Doors First

Most of the Kaba door locks that we listed here should work just fine, but there are plenty of non-standard doors out there.

It’s important to take all of that into consideration when making a purchase for multiple doors.