Table of Contents
What is a mortise lock used for?
A mortise refers to the pocket cut into the door where the lock is fitted. Therefore, a mortise lockset cannot be installed on just any door. They are great for replacing the hardware on homes built before 1950. They can be used on new doors, but special preparations must be made.
Is a mortise lock more secure?
Mortise locks are one of the most secure forms of residential hardware available today. What makes mortise locks so much more secure than their cylinder counterparts? A pocket cut into the short edge of the door, allows a longer and thicker mortise box to slide into the door itself, providing superior protection.
What is the difference between a mortice lock and a deadlock?
Mortice locks are embedded into the door itself and can only be opened with the key. A deadlock is a mortice lock which has just a key hole and a bolt. A sash lock has a bolt and a latch and a pair of handles. Mortice locks have several lever variations: a 2, 3, 5 or 7 lever mechanism.
How do you know if you have a mortise lock?
Examine the length of the door that lines up with the strike plate. More specifically investigate where the deadbolt and/or latch bolt extends from. If the size of the faceplate is approximately the size of your hand then that is an indication that it uses a mortise cylinder.
Are all mortise locks the same?
What Types Of Mortice Locks Are Available? There are two main types of mortice locks- sashlocks and deadlocks. Each operates in a different fashion. A sashlock includes a latch, which is operated with some form of key, and a bolt.
Is a mortise lock better than a deadbolt?
Mortise locks are more secure and durable than cylindrical locks due to their interior components and construction. In a mortise lock you can unlock both the latch and deadbolt locks by turning only one lever, but in cylindrical locks you have to lock and unlock the deadbolt and the latch separately.
Are mortise locks worth it?
Mortise Locks While more expensive than a cylindrical lock, a mortise lock is worth the extra cost as it includes a deadbolt, can last a lifetime and is aesthetically-pleasing (the old-world, thumb latch handle is very popular).
Are Mortice locks easy to pick?
It’s a difficult game, and most pro locksmiths will drill a curtain mortice lock (drilling can be done in such a way the lock can be reused) but as far as picking goes, it’s an incredible skill that will give you an incredible buzz.
What is the safest lock for a front door?
Deadbolt door locks are the most secure type of key lock and are usually used on a home’s exterior door. Available in single- and double-cylinder styles, deadbolts are rated according to their strength from Grade 1 to Grade 3. A Grade 1 is the highest grade and provides the most security.
What is the best mortice lock?
ASEC 5 Lever BS3621 Mortice Locks The ASEC 5 lever BS3621 Deadlock and Sashlock are probably the most cost-effective lock on the market. They are a copy of the Legge lock range that has now been discontinued but with these ASEC locks available you don’t need the Legge range.
Which locks are best for home?
Best door locks Medeco Maxum. : Best for security. Schlage B60N626. : Easiest installation. Wright Products Serenade Mortise Set. : Best for storm doors. Kwikset 980 with SmartKey. : Budget pick. Defender Security Door Reinforcement Lock. : Keyless pick.
Is a mortise lock a deadbolt?
The deadbolt can only be operated manually with a key, or a thumb turn from the inside. Unlike the mortise lock which requires a rectangular pocket to be cut into the door, the deadbolt requires 2 cylindrical holes to be cut into the door (bored cylindrical mounting).
Why are mortise locks better?
Mortise lock bodies have room for the standard locking functions as well room for the addition of deadbolts, thumbturns, indicators, and other options. This provides more locking functions than cylindrical locks.
How do you open a mortise lock?
A mortice lock is excruiatingly hard to open without a key. Insert the matching key into the mortice key hole. Turn the key counter-clockwise by one half to one full turn, depending on the model, to force the bolt to slide to the left from its locked position.
What does a mortise lock look like?
Mortise locks are assembled from many curiously odd-shaped, mechanical parts and enclosed inside a heavy-gauge steel case, punctured with circular and square holes that appear to represent a secret code. Mortise lock ‘bodies’ are mysteriously hidden inside a pocket, cut into the edge of the door.
How long do mortise locks last?
It’s common to believe a door lock will always work. Even hardware store-quality locks can operate for decades, depending on the amount of usage. Most residential locksmiths agree the average lock’s lifespan is about seven years.
Are mortise locks universal?
Are mortise door locks universal? Yes, a mortise lock set and mortise door lock is universal and can easily be used to replace most other lock sets, especially on an older door.
Do bump keys work?
When executed correctly, lock bumping is effective in nearly 90 percent of all cylinder-type locks produced today. Perhaps one of the most disconcerting aspects of lock bumping is that it can often go undetected, which means that your home can be broken into without any signs of forced entry.
Can you replace a mortise lock with a cylindrical lock?
Mortise locks can be replaced with standard cylinders. The cylinder lock is the modern standard. The best example of a cylinder lock is the deadbolt on your front door. You will need to fill the void left by the mortise lock before proceeding to install the cylinder lock.
Are all mortise cylinders the same size?
Mortise cylinders are offered in lengths ranging from 1-1/8″ to 2″ and BHMA finishes 625, 626, 605, 606, 612, and 624. For special sizes, please consult Customer Service.
