Dormakaba Simplex 1021 Mechanical Pushbutton Knob Lock – Combination Entry with Key Override

The dormakaba Simplex 1021 is a heavy-duty mechanical pushbutton knob lock providing combination entry, mechanical key override and free interior egress. It operates without batteries, wiring or software and accepts compatible interchangeable or removable cylinder cores. The lock is field reversible, weather resistant and equipped with a 3-hour UL/ULC fire-rated cylindrical latch. Cylinder core is not included.

Full Product Description

The dormakaba Simplex 1021 Mechanical Pushbutton Lock combines battery-free keyless entry with the convenience of mechanical key override. Authorized users enter from the exterior by pressing the programmed combination and turning the knob. Management personnel can bypass the combination using a compatible mechanical key. From the interior, the knob provides free egress without entering a code.

The 1021 is the combination-entry and key-override model in the knob-operated Simplex 1000 Series. Its key override allows facility managers to maintain an existing master-key system, provide emergency access or enter without knowing the pushbutton combination.

Available key-override preparations support BEST-style small-format interchangeable cores and selected large-format removable cores from Corbin Russwin, Medeco, ASSA, Yale, Abloy, Schlage and Sargent. The correct core preparation must be selected when ordering. The cylinder core is not supplied with the lock.

Because the Simplex 1021 is completely mechanical, it requires no batteries, wiring, electricity, software, computer or network connection. This eliminates recurring battery replacement and electronic maintenance costs while providing reliable standalone access control.

The lock stores one shared access combination. Combinations can use one to five buttons, pressed individually or simultaneously, providing thousands of possible combinations. Authorized personnel can change the combination from the interior side using the furnished combination-change control key without removing the lock from the door.

Heavy-duty construction includes an all-metal cylindrical lock housing, molded front cover, brass adjustment plate, die-cast zinc knobs and vandal-resistant solid-metal pushbuttons. The lock installs on properly prepared wood or metal doors ranging from 1-3/8" through 2-1/4" thick.

The cylindrical latch carries a 3-hour UL/ULC fire rating for “A”-labeled doors, and its weather-resistant construction is suitable for indoor or appropriate outdoor applications. The Simplex 1021 is factory configured for left-hand doors but can be reversed in the field. Manufacturer specifications

Key Features

• Combination entry with mechanical key override
• Exterior access by combination or compatible key
• Interior knob provides free egress
• Fully mechanical operation
• No batteries, wiring or electricity required
• No software, computer or network connection required
• One shared access combination
• Thousands of possible combinations
• Combination uses one to five buttons
• Buttons can be pressed individually or simultaneously
• Combination can be changed without removing the lock
• Compatible with multiple interchangeable and removable core systems
• Can integrate with a compatible master-key system
• Heavy-duty cylindrical lock construction
• Vandal-resistant solid-metal pushbuttons
• Die-cast zinc knobs
• Weather-resistant for indoor or outdoor use
• Field reversible
• 3-hour UL/ULC fire-rated cylindrical latch
• 3-year manufacturer’s warranty

Simplex 1021 Function

Combination Entry with Key Override

• Exterior by combination: Enter the correct combination and turn the knob.
• Exterior by key: Use the compatible override key to gain entry.
• Interior: Turn the knob for unrestricted egress.
• Key override: Yes
• Cylinder core: Not included
• Passage feature: No
• Lockout function: No
• Number of codes: One shared combination
• Power required: None

Using the mechanical override key does not change or erase the programmed pushbutton combination.

Key-Override Core Options

The Simplex 1021 can be ordered with the following core preparations:

Important: The interchangeable or removable cylinder core is not included. Select the preparation that matches the facility’s existing key system.

Simplex 1021 vs. L1021

These are two different models:

Choose the 1021 when traditional knob operation is desired. Choose the L1021 when fixed ADA-compliant lever handles are required.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions

• Exterior housing height: Approximately 7-3/8"
• Exterior housing width: Approximately 3-1/8"
• Exterior projection: Approximately 3-13/16"
• Interior trim height: Approximately 9"
• Interior trim width: Approximately 3-1/4"
• Minimum recommended door stile: 5"

Door Preparation

The Simplex 1021 installs on wood or metal doors prepared to ASA 106 or ASA 161, with additional through holes for the combination-change access and mounting hardware.

Review the manufacturer’s full-size template before drilling or modifying the door.

Locking Device Options

• 1: 1/2" latch throw, floating faceplate, 2-3/4" backset
• 2: 1/2" latch throw, floating faceplate, 2-3/8" backset
• 5: 3/4" latch throw, beveled faceplate, 2-3/4" backset
• 6: 3/4" latch throw, beveled faceplate, 2-3/4" backset

The standard 1021 configuration generally indicates combination-entry/key-override function with a 1/2" latch and 2-3/4" backset. Confirm the complete model number before ordering.

Available Finishes

• 03 / 605: Bright Brass
• 05 / 609: Antique Brass
• 026 / 625: Bright Chrome
• 26D / 626: Satin Chrome

Handing Information

The Simplex 1021 is factory configured for a left-hand door but is field reversible.

This differs from the lever-operated L1000 Series, which is factory handed and cannot be reversed in the field.

What Is Included?

Standard supplied components generally include:

• Exterior mechanical pushbutton lock assembly
• Key-override housing prepared for the selected core
• Interior knob trim
• Cylindrical latch
• Strike
• Installation hardware
• Full-size installation template
• Installation instructions
• Combination-change control key

Cylinder core and operating keys are not included.

Common Applications

The Simplex 1021 is commonly used for:

• Employee entrances
• Storerooms and stockrooms
• Mechanical and utility rooms
• Data centers
• Research laboratories
• Restricted healthcare areas
• Airport support areas
• Dormitories
• Apartment common areas
• Warehouses
• Industrial facilities
• Government buildings
• Facilities with existing master-key systems
• Interior or exterior controlled openings

Why Choose the Simplex 1021?

The Simplex 1021 is ideal when users need convenient pushbutton access while management retains keyed access.

Choose the 1021 when you need:

• Battery-free combination entry
• Mechanical key override
• Traditional knob operation
• Compatibility with an existing master-key system
• One shared combination
• No passage function
• Free interior egress
• Indoor or outdoor installation
• Field-reversible handing

Important Ordering Information

Before ordering, confirm:

1. Knob operation is acceptable
2. ADA-compliant lever operation is not required
3. Required cylinder manufacturer and core format
4. Door thickness
5. Finish
6. Backset
7. Latch throw and faceplate
8. Strike requirements
9. Door handing
10. Fire-door requirements

The 1021 is normally furnished less cylinder core. Ordering the wrong key-override preparation can prevent the facility’s cylinder from fitting the lock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Simplex 1021 require batteries?

No. It is completely mechanical and requires no batteries, wiring or external power.

How can the 1021 be opened from the exterior?

Users can enter the programmed combination and turn the knob or use a compatible mechanical override key.

Is the cylinder core included?

No. The interchangeable or removable core must be ordered separately.

Which cylinder systems are supported?

Available preparations support BEST-style SFIC and selected Corbin Russwin, Medeco, ASSA, Yale, Abloy, Schlage and Sargent removable cores.

Can the 1021 work with an existing master-key system?

Yes, provided the lock is ordered with the correct core preparation and fitted with a compatible cylinder.

Does using the key change the combination?

No. The key provides an alternate method of entry and does not alter the pushbutton combination.

Does the 1021 have passage mode?

No. Consider the Simplex 1031 when passage operation is required or the Simplex 1041 when both key override and passage are required.

How many access codes does it hold?

The lock stores one shared combination. It does not support individual user codes, audit trails or remote management.

Can the combination be changed?

Yes. Authorized personnel can change it from the interior side using the combination-change control key.

Is the Simplex 1021 ADA compliant?

The 1021 uses knobs rather than ADA-compliant levers. Consider the Simplex L1021 when lever operation is required.

Is the 1021 field reversible?

Yes. It is factory configured for left-hand doors but can be reversed in the field.

Is it suitable for outdoor installation?

The manufacturer identifies the Simplex 1000 Series as weather resistant and suitable for indoor and outdoor locations when properly installed.

Is it fire rated?

Its cylindrical latch carries a 3-hour UL/ULC fire rating when properly installed as part of a compatible “A”-labeled fire-door assembly.