What is Cylinder Dogging on the 99 Series?

Cylinder Dogging replaces the hex-key dogging with a standard mortise cylinder, allowing staff to dog the door using their facility key.

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Corbin Russwin

Best

Schlage

Stanley Hardware

Rixson

Falcon

Von Duprin

Yale

PHI

Adams Rite

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Authorized Von Duprin 99 Series Distributor | The Industry Benchmark

Q: Is the 99 series compatible with 98 series parts?

Yes, internal parts, baseplates, strikes, and trims are 100% interchangeable between the 98 and 99 series.

Q: Can the 99 Series be used on narrow stile doors?

No, the 99 requires at least 4-1/2 inches of stile width. For narrow stiles, use the 33A or 35A series.

Q: How do I know if I need a 99 or a 99-F?

If the door has a fire-rating label, you must use the 99-F. Fire-rated devices cannot have dogging and must remain latched at all times.

Q: What is the benefit of the QEL option?

QEL provides whisper-quiet motorized latch retraction with lower current draw, ideal for hospitals, libraries, and access-controlled offices.

Expert Field Guide: The Toughest Exit Device Ever Built

If you were to walk into 100 schools, hospitals, or government buildings across the country, you would likely find the Von Duprin 99 Series in at least 90 of them. It is quite simply the most widely used heavy-duty exit device in the world. While the 98 series offers a smooth architectural look, the 99 is famous for its grooved mechanism case. This textured design isn't just a style choice; it's an institutional standard that excels at hiding the daily abuse of heavy carts, equipment, and thousands of hands. When the job requires "no-fail" performance in the highest-traffic environments imaginable, you spec the 99.

The 99 Series is the definition of Grade 1 durability. It features the same internal high-performance chassis as the 98, including the signature fluid dampener that provides a quiet, controlled return stroke. This prevents the "clattering" common in cheaper hardware and extends the life of the internal springs and latches. Whether you are installing a 99 Rim Device or the 9927 Surface Vertical Rod, you are providing the building owner with hardware that is designed to outlast the building itself. Lock Depot sells brand new Von Duprin products with the full manufacturer warranty.

For the locksmith and facility manager, the 99 Series is the ultimate "standardized" platform. Because it is so ubiquitous, parts are always available, and electrification is a breeze. From Quiet Electric Latch Retraction (QEL) for library and surgery center applications to Chexit delayed egress for retail loss prevention, the 99 Series can be configured to solve any security challenge. We stock the 99 in all major finishes, including US26D (Satin Chrome) and 313 (Dark Bronze). Lock Depot sells brand new Von Duprin products with the full manufacturer warranty.

Von Duprin 99 Series Comparison

Model	Application / Best Use Case	Grade	Style	Key Differentiator	Price
99 Rim	Single Wide Stile Doors	Grade 1	Grooved Case	The "Gold Standard" for institutional security	$$$$
9927 SVR	Pairs of Doors (Surface Rods)	Grade 1	Grooved Case	The most trusted 2-point locking system	$$$$$
9947 CVR	Concealed Vertical Rod	Grade 1	Grooved Case	Internal rods for high-traffic glass doors	$$$$$
99-F	Fire-Rated Openings	Grade 1	Grooved Case	UL listed for 3-hour fire doors; no dogging	$$$$

Pro-Tip: The "Tailpiece Guide" Alignment

When installing the 99 Series with a 996L lever trim, the most common call-back is a key that is hard to turn. This is almost always due to the tailpiece guide being installed slightly out of horizontal alignment. The 99 Series is a high-precision machine; even a 2-degree tilt in that guide will cause friction against the internal cam. Always check the rotation with the door open before final tightening. Also, if you're doing a retrofit, don't forget to check the strike alignment. The 299 strike is adjustable for a reason—take the 30 seconds to shim it properly so the dead-latch engages, or you're leaving the door vulnerable to shimming attacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 99 series compatible with 98 series parts?

Yes. Aside from the mechanism case (smooth vs. grooved), the internal parts, baseplates, strikes, and trims are 100% interchangeable between the 98 and 99 series. This makes maintaining a facility with both styles much easier for parts inventory.

What is "CD" (Cylinder Dogging)?

Standard 99 Series devices use a hex-key for dogging. Cylinder Dogging (CD) allows you to use a standard mortise cylinder to lock the bar down. This is the preferred setup for schools and retail stores, allowing authorized staff to use their standard key to put the door into "push-pull" mode for the day.

Can the 99 Series be used on narrow stile doors?

No. The 99 is a "Wide Stile" device requiring at least 4-1/2 inches of stile width. For narrow aluminum storefront stiles, you should look at the 33A Series (Grooved) or 35A Series (Smooth).

How do I know if I need a 99 or a 99-F?

If the door has a fire-rating label on the hinge edge, you must use the 99-F. Fire-rated devices do not have a dogging feature because fire codes require the door to be latched at all times to prevent the spread of fire. If the door is for "Panic" only (non-fire rated), the standard 99 with dogging is the better choice.

What is the benefit of the QEL option?

The QEL (Quiet Electric Latch Retraction) replaces the loud "clunk" of a traditional solenoid with a motorized action. It is whisper-quiet and pulls significantly less current, making it the perfect choice for access control systems in hospitals, libraries, and high-end offices.