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    • TownSteel

    Authorized TownSteel Distributor | Ligature-Resistant Specialists

    Expert Field Guide: The Industry Standard for Behavioral Health & High-Risk Security

    When you're spec'ing hardware for a psychiatric hospital, a correctional facility, or a high-risk school environment, the standard "heavy-duty" lever just won't cut it. You need hardware that addresses a very specific set of challenges: anti-ligature safety, extreme vandalism resistance, and Grade 1 longevity. This is where TownSteel owns the room. While brands like Schlage or Yale are masters of general commercial openings, TownSteel has spent decades engineering specialized solutions that prevent self-harm without sacrificing security. They don't just make locks; they make "behavioral healthcare hardware" that meets the most stringent OMH (Office of Mental Health) and joint commission standards.

    What makes TownSteel different from competitors like Best or Corbin Russwin is their focus on integrated anti-ligature design. Instead of just slapping a sloped cover over a standard lever, TownSteel's MRX and CRX series are built from the ground up with tapered edges, recessed trim, and stainless steel components that eliminate attachment points. For a locksmith, this means you're installing a product that is purpose-built to survive 24/7 abuse in the toughest environments on earth. Furthermore, their compatibility is unmatched—most TownSteel mortise locks are designed to accept SFIC (Small Format Interchangeable Cores), allowing you to integrate them seamlessly into an existing Schlage, Best, or Falcon master key system.

    For the pro on the job, here is your field cheat sheet: Use the MRX Series mortise locks for your primary institutional openings—they offer the highest level of physical security and come in arched, knob, or lever trims. For secondary doors or retrofits where a full mortise prep isn't feasible, the CRX Series brings that same ligature-resistant technology to a standard cylindrical prep. When you need to upgrade an existing door to "Intruder Classroom" functionality, TownSteel's clutched lever designs allow teachers to lock the door from the inside safely. Lock Depot sells brand new TownSteel products with the full manufacturer warranty.

    TownSteel Key Series Comparison

    Series Application / Best Use Case Grade Fire Rating Key Differentiator Price
    MRX Series Institutional Mortise Lock Grade 1 3-Hour Rated Ligature-resistant stainless steel; Arched/Knob/Lever trims $$$
    CRX Series Ligature-Resistant Cylindrical Grade 1 3-Hour Rated Fits standard 161 door prep; high-risk patient safety $$$
    MS Series Classroom Intruder Mortise Grade 1 3-Hour Rated Visual indicators for locked/unlocked status $$
    CE/CEC Series Standard Heavy-Duty Cylindrical Grade 1 3-Hour Rated Internal spring design prevents lever sag over time $$
    ED9700 Series Heavy-Duty Exit Devices Grade 1 Available (F-Prefix) High shock-resistant mechanical design for vandalism $$$

    Pro-Tip: The "Mortise Handing" Shortcut

    The TownSteel MRX series is famous for being "field reversible," but many installers still crack the case open and lose the springs. Don't open the chassis. To change the handing on a TownSteel mortise lock, you simply remove the special set screw on the side of the latch bolt, pull the latch out, rotate it 180 degrees, and push it back in. To change the "locking side" (which side of the door is fixed), there are two screws on the side of the case—simply swap them to the opposite side to change the hub functionality. This 2-minute adjustment saves you from the "jack-in-the-box" nightmare of a traditional mortise internal rebuild.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is "ligature-resistant" hardware?

    Ligature-resistant hardware (often called anti-ligature) is designed with sloped surfaces and tapered edges to prevent anyone from attaching a cord, rope, or clothing to the lock for the purpose of self-harm. It is a mandatory requirement in most behavioral health and psychiatric facilities.

    Can I use my existing Schlage or Best cores in a TownSteel lock?

    Yes. TownSteel locks are highly versatile and can be ordered to accept 6-pin or 7-pin SFIC (Small Format Interchangeable Cores) from Best, Arrow, and Falcon, as well as Schlage Large Format IC and standard cylinders. This makes them the perfect choice for facility-wide retrofits.

    Is the MRX series fire-rated?

    Yes, the TownSteel MRX mortise series is ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified and UL 10C 3-hour fire-rated. It is fully compliant with life safety codes for use on fire-rated doors in hospitals and schools.

    What does "Classroom Intruder" function mean?

    The Classroom Intruder function (F110) allows the outside lever to be locked from the inside using a key. This ensures that in an emergency, a teacher or staff member can secure the room without ever having to step out into the hallway or expose themselves to danger.

    Are TownSteel locks made of stainless steel?

    Most of TownSteel's high-security and ligature-resistant lines (like the MRX and CRX) utilize heavy-duty stainless steel for the trim and internal components. This provides superior resistance to both physical abuse and the harsh cleaning chemicals used in medical environments.

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