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Schlage ALX Series cylindrical lock Grade 2 commercial with in-field function change capability

 

What Is the Schlage ALX Series?

The Schlage ALX Series is a commercial-grade cylindrical lock designed for light-to-medium traffic openings in office, healthcare, education, and multi-family residential applications. It is rated ANSI A156.2 Grade 2, which means it meets the standard for commercial applications where Grade 1 heavy-duty performance is not required. The ALX Series replaced the Schlage AL Series as the current-generation commercial cylindrical product and carries the same fundamental door preparation dimensions, making it a direct field replacement on doors previously fitted with AL Series hardware.

The defining feature of the Schlage ALX Series is its in-field function change (IFFC) capability. The function of the lock, which determines how each side operates in relation to the other, can be changed after the lock is already mounted on the door without removing the lock body, replacing trim, or re-keying. This single capability makes the ALX Series significantly more practical than fixed-function cylindrical locks on renovation projects where tenant configurations change frequently.

Schlage ALX Series Grade and Standards

The Schlage ALX Series is certified to ANSI A156.2 Grade 2 for cylindrical and bored locks. Grade 2 requires a minimum of 250,000 operating cycles, a 450-pound static load resistance on the bolt, and 250 pounds of force resistance on the lock body. These ratings make the ALX Series appropriate for interior openings in commercial and institutional buildings where the door is used frequently but does not face the abuse-level forces of a Grade 1 application.

The ALX Series is also UL listed for use on fire-rated assemblies in specific configurations, making it suitable for interior fire-rated corridor doors in office and healthcare settings. Always confirm the UL listing of the specific function code before specifying on a fire-rated opening.

Schlage ALX Series Function Codes: Every Model Explained

Every Schlage ALX Series lock is designated by a function code that determines how the outside lever and inside lever operate independently. Understanding the function codes is the first step in both specifying the correct lock and using the in-field function change feature to move between functions after installation.

Schlage ALX Series function codes guide each lock's operation from passage to storeroom

 

• ALX10S
  Passage LatchLever always free from both sides. Latch retracts by operating either lever. No locking function. Used for interior doors that must always remain accessible such as waiting rooms and open office areas.

• ALX40
  PrivacyInside push button locks the outside lever. Outside can be unlocked with an emergency release tool (small flat tool through the outside rose pinhole). Used for single-occupancy restrooms and private offices.

• ALX44S
  Entry with Turn ButtonOutside lever is locked or unlocked by key from outside or turn button from inside. Inside lever is always free. Used for building entry doors and suite entry where key control from outside is needed.

• ALX50
  EntranceOutside lever locked or unlocked by key from outside. Inside lever always free. Key holdback from outside not available. Used on entry doors requiring key control without key holdback capability.

• ALX53
  OfficeOutside lever locked or unlocked by key from outside with key holdback. Inside lever always free. Key holdback keeps the lock unlocked for business hours without a key in the outside lever. Widely used on office suite doors.

• ALX70
  ClassroomOutside lever locked or unlocked by key from outside only. Inside lever always free. Cannot be held in the unlocked position from outside. Used on classroom and institutional corridor doors where outside access is key-only at all times.

• ALX80
  StoreroomOutside lever always locked. Entry by key from outside only. Inside lever always free for egress. Used on storage rooms, server rooms, and utility closets requiring constant key control from the outside.

• ALX170
  Single DummyTrim only, no latch or lock mechanism. One lever on one side of a door for appearance or pull function only. Used on double doors where one leaf is inactive and only a pull handle is needed.

• ALX172
  Double DummyTrim only on both sides, no latch or lock mechanism. Used where a lever appearance is needed on both sides of an inactive door leaf or a door that is not a functioning entry point.

Schlage ALX Template: Door Preparation Dimensions

The Schlage ALX template is the paper drilling guide that ships with every new Schlage ALX Series lock. It sets out the precise hole positions for the cross bore, latch bore, and edge bore so the lock body, latch, and trim align correctly after installation. Using the Schlage ALX template before drilling is the only reliable way to ensure all three holes are correctly positioned relative to each other and to the door edge.

Standard Schlage ALX Template Dimensions

How to Use the Schlage ALX Template

Measure and mark the lock centerline height Standard commercial door lock centerline is 38 inches from the finished floor. Mark this height on the door edge with a pencil line across the full door thickness.

Position the Schlage ALX template on the door face Fold the template along the door edge fold line. Align the backset marker on the template with the desired backset (2-3/4 inch for standard or 2-3/8 inch for narrow stile). Align the horizontal centerline of the template with the lock height mark on the door edge. Tape the template in place.

Mark the cross bore center Use an awl or sharp pencil to mark the cross bore center through the template. This is the center of the 2-1/8 inch hole that passes through the door face.

Mark the latch bore center on the door edge The template includes a fold line for the door edge. With the template folded around the edge, mark the latch bore center on the door edge at the intersection of the lock height line and the edge template centerline.

Drill the cross bore first Use a 2-1/8 inch hole saw. Drill from one face until the pilot bit just breaks through the opposite face, then complete the hole from the opposite face to prevent tear-out on the door face veneer.

Drill the latch bore on the door edge Use a 1 inch spade bit or forstner bit. Drill perpendicular to the door edge at the marked center. Depth should be sufficient for the full latch assembly length.

Chisel the latch faceplate mortise Score the faceplate outline on the door edge using the latch assembly as a template. Chisel the mortise to the depth of the faceplate thickness so the faceplate sits flush with the door edge surface.

Install and test before finishing Insert the latch assembly, mount the lock body, and test operation before applying any door finish or painting. Confirm the latch extends and retracts freely and the door closes and latches cleanly against the strike.

Schlage ALX Series In-Field Function Change: Step-by-Step Guide

The Schlage ALX Series in-field function change (IFFC) is the feature that makes the ALX Series a practical choice for buildings with changing tenant configurations. Instead of removing the lock, sourcing a different function unit, and reinstalling, the facility manager changes the function at the door in minutes using only the Schlage IFFC change tool.

What You Need for the In-Field Function Change

The Schlage ALX in-field function change requires only the Schlage IFFC change tool (Schlage part C415-782). No other tools are required. The lock stays on the door throughout the procedure. The function change does not affect the keying of the lock, so re-keying is not required after a function change.

In-Field Function Change Procedure

Open the door and hold it open The function change must be performed with the door open so the latch bolt is not engaged in the strike. The bolt must be in the retracted position for the mechanism to cycle freely.

Locate the IFFC change port on the inside rose The change port is a small circular opening on the inside rose or inside escutcheon. On ALX Series locks it is typically at the 6 o'clock position on the rose when the lever is in the neutral position. A small function indicator window next to the port displays the current function code.

Insert the IFFC tool into the change port Insert the tip of the C415-782 IFFC tool into the change port. Apply light inward pressure to engage the tool with the change mechanism inside.

Turn the inside lever while pressing the tool Simultaneously press the IFFC tool inward and turn the inside lever in the direction indicated by the function diagram on the template that shipped with the lock. One lever operation advances the mechanism one function position.

Check the function indicator window Release the tool and lever. Read the function code displayed in the indicator window. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the desired function code appears.

Test both sides before closing the door Confirm the new function operates correctly from both sides of the open door before closing. For storeroom (ALX80), confirm the outside lever does not operate without a key. For passage (ALX10S), confirm both levers operate freely. Confirm the latch retracts and returns correctly.

Close and test the door in the frame Close the door and confirm the latch engages the strike cleanly. Test all functions again from both sides of the closed door to confirm the function change is complete and operating as specified.

Schlage ALX Series vs ND Series: Which to Specify

Schlage ND Series Grade 1 cylindrical lock compared to the ALX Series Grade 2 for commercial specification decisions

 

The ALX and ND Series use identical door preparation dimensions. A building that starts with ALX Series on interior offices can specify ND Series on high-traffic main corridors without requiring different door prep. Both series share the same Schlage keyways, so a single key system can cover both ALX and ND hardware throughout the building. This compatibility is one of the primary reasons the Schlage cylindrical lock product line is widely specified in mixed-use commercial projects.

Browse the complete commercial cylindrical lock parts catalog at SecurityParts.com for both ALX and ND Series parts and diagrams.

Schlage ALX Series Key and Cylinder Options

Everest Keyway

The Everest keyway is Schlage's restricted key system for the ALX Series. Everest keys are patented and cannot be duplicated at hardware stores or standard key shops without authorization from the building owner or key system manager. This key control protection is built into the key itself, not just the cylinder, making it significantly more resistant to unauthorized key copying than a standard commercial keyway.

Everest is the recommended keyway specification for new construction projects where key control is a priority and the building owner wants to maintain control over who can have keys made. For the key system management process that governs how master keys, submaster keys, and individual change keys are issued across a building, see the Schlage key systems guide at SecurityParts.com.

C Keyway

The standard C keyway is the most widely used Schlage commercial cylinder keyway and is available at most key shops. It is the correct specification for projects joining an existing C-keyway master key system, or where key duplication convenience is a priority over key control. The C keyway is compatible with the full Schlage ALX Series function range.

SFIC (Small Format Interchangeable Core)

SFIC cylinders allow the key core to be removed and replaced with a control key without disassembling the lock from the door. In SFIC buildings, the facility manager can rekey every ALX Series lock in the building in a single pass using only the control key, without calling a locksmith. SFIC compatibility is available on most ALX Series function codes and is commonly specified in healthcare and education facilities where rekeying the building must be completed quickly between tenants or following a security incident.

Schlage ALX Series OEM Replacement Parts

Schlage hardware OEM parts for ALX Series cylindrical locks at SecurityParts.com

When a Schlage ALX Series cylindrical lock requires service, the correct specification is always OEM Schlage parts. Aftermarket components are not manufactured to the ANSI A156.2 Grade 2 tolerances the ALX mechanism depends on and may produce inconsistent latch engagement, premature wear, or mechanism failure. On fire-rated openings, non-OEM parts can invalidate the UL listing of the door assembly.

Most Commonly Replaced ALX Series Parts

• Latch bolt assembly the most common mechanical replacement, worn from repeated latch-to-strike contact on misaligned doors

• Lever trim and rose worn, damaged, or finish-matched replacement on renovation projects

• Strike plate ANSI T-strike in standard or box strike configuration, replaced when damaged or when the door edge shifts from frame settlement

• Cylinder and core replacement for lost-key situations, rekeying after a security incident, or conversion to SFIC

• Spindle the connecting bar between outside and inside lever trim, occasionally bent from lever abuse

• Through-bolts stripped or missing mounting screws that cause the trim to loosen from the door face

Browse OEM Schlage ALX Series parts at the Schlage ALX Series parts and diagrams page. The interactive diagram on the product page identifies each component by its position in the assembly so you can confirm the correct part before ordering. See also the complete commercial cylindrical locks guide for specification guidance across the full Schlage cylindrical lock range.