Graphic still of the 1975 innovation that made a Total Door a Total Door, including its unique full-height, locking channel. Full-Height Locking Channel Total Door Systems’ proprietary full-height locking channel acts as a 5/8-inch deadbolt along the full length of the door. Its I-beam shape rotates when open and snaps shut along the full length when closed.

Graphic still of the 1975 innovation that made a Total Door a Total Door, including its unique full-height, semi-concealed hinge. Full-Height, Semi-Concealed Hinge Our full-height, semi-concealed hinges fit easily onto any new or existing frame. Our exclusive, dual-pivot-point, semi-wide-throw hinge allows the door to open to a full 180 degrees, providing greater clearance width.

BEST Universal Lock Company was founded in Seattle, Washington, in 1925 by Frank Best, who filed his original interchangeable core patent in 1921 while working in the field of education. His wife was a strong supporter of his creativity, encouraging him to pursue his ideas while working full time. In 1938, BEST moved to Indianapolis at 10 N. Senate Ave. (pictured). The business later moved to a 50-acre plot at 6161 E. 75th St. in Indianapolis, where the primary manufacturing is still located as the North American headquarters of dormakaba Group.

Black-and-white photograph of BEST Universal Lock Company factory workers operating early vertical-feed machinery, a hallmark of the custom BEST Automatics designed by Frank Best to solve production challenges. This image captures the hands-on precision and industrial craftsmanship that powered the company’s rise as a leader in security hardware manufacturing. Some machines remained in operation until the early 1980s – and today, BEST continues to lead as part of dormakaba Group.

This 4-pin small-format interchangeable core (SFIC) represents the original standard developed by BEST, forming the foundation for one of the most enduring mechanical keying systems in the industry. Designed for fast rekeying with a control key – without removing lock hardware – the 4-pin configuration offered simplicity, security, and flexibility for facilities. As access control needs grew more complex, BEST later introduced 7-pin versions to expand keying capacity and enhance security. Still, the 4-pin core remains a legacy of early innovation and a hallmark of BEST’s impact on the modern lock industry that continues today with dormakaba Group.

This BEST interchangeable core (IC) is shown with a dedicated control key attached by a ball chain, demonstrating a practical setup used by maintenance and security teams for rapid access and rekeying. The IC system, pioneered by BEST, allowed facility managers to replace cores on-site within seconds, using this control key to release and install cores without dismantling the lock. Frank Best filed the original IC patent in 1921 and continued to improve both product and manufacturing processes throughout his career, ultimately securing more than 100 patents. The visible wear on the brass housing and classic BEST key stamping marks decades of widespread use in institutional and commercial settings.

This photo displays a wide array of the brand’s present-day offerings, from door closers and ‎exit devices to padlocks and key systems, demonstrating the depth and versatility of its ‎modern security solutions. It’s a reflection of how the brand has grown to meet a broad ‎range of needs while maintaining its commitment to innovation and reliability.‎

The SARGENT 10X Line isn’t just built to last, it’s built to thrive. Engineered for high-traffic, ‎high-abuse environments, it exceeds ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 standards and is now available ‎with status Indicators for enhanced privacy and security, that provide immediate visual ‎confirmation of a room’s occupancy or locked/unlocked status. Ideal for sensitive spaces ‎like restrooms and classrooms, these indicators enhance both user comfort and peace of ‎mind.‎