The majority of modern locks are mortise. Their usefulness to households, companies, and even governments has remained the same over a century since their existence. The purpose of installing these locks is to make it more difficult for would-be burglars to open the door.
They offer superior security to deadbolts because they can conceal the hole they create in the door. In this post, we will discuss the concept of a mortise lock and its background, installation, and applications.
Let’s begin with the definition.
One kind of door lock that requires a key to open is the mortise lock. There are two components to the lock: the cylinder and the latch. You may open the door by inserting your key into the lock and unlocking the latch.
Turning the key counterclockwise unlocks the latch. So, to lock it again, you have to turn the key in the opposite direction. This makes it such that the person trying to enter your home must use their key rather than picking your lock.
Origin and Background of the Mortise Lock
The Romans were the ones who originally used these locks. The door’s side had a hole that could accommodate the key. Due to its simplicity, this type of lock became popular after the fall of the Roman Empire.
The present-day mortise lock only emerged in the late nineteenth century. Various varieties of this lock continue to see widespread use in modern times. An internal locking mechanism secures the door. Though it functions like a deadbolt, it is not one.
One key distinction between mortise and deadbolts is the presence or absence of a center hole, or mortise, in the former. In contrast to deadbolts, which feature a keyhole on the face of the door, mortise locks feature one on the door’s exterior.
Benefits of Mortise Locks
Mortise locks are frequently utilized in commercial facilities because of their durability and dependability. They are multipurpose and can be used as locks for internal doors, drawers, and cabinets.They are typically the original ones on older properties, and their durability means they can keep working for a long time.
Mortise Lock: Installation Instructions
You should start by taking the old lock off the door. The screws can be unscrewed, or the metal plate can be pried up using a screwdriver. After removing the old lock, you’ll have to drill holes to install the new one. Drilling too deeply into the wood can be disastrous, so be careful with your measurements.
The next step is to make a hole for the lock’s installation. To cut the material, use either a jig or a hand saw. Putting the lock back together is the last step. Put the metal plate back on after screwing the lock into position.
Mortise Lock Varieties and Applications
Yale, Schlage, and Pin Tumbler are the three most common varieties of mortise locks. A few pros and cons come with each of these locks.
● Pin Tumbler Lock
The vast majority of mortise locks are pin-tumbler models. These locks are cheap and easy to install. They are less secure than conventional locks and can be picked quickly. They tend to populate more established dwellings and apartment complexes.
● Schlage Lock
A Schlage lock functions similarly to a pin tumbler lock; however, instead of pins, it uses a barrel that rotates. So, instead of the pins, the barrel turns. Choosing becomes considerably more challenging as a result of this. This is why it ranks high among the finest locks for home security.
● Yale Lock
Compared to other mortise locks, the Yale is both the most costly and the most intricate. For these locks, opening the door requires turning a combination dial. The Yale-Door Master, Yale-Master, and Yale-Econo are only a few of the many variants of these locks.
Advantages of a Mortise Lock
Mortise locks are king when it comes to door locks. When compared to deadbolt and cylinder locks, among others, they offer many benefits. Setting them up is a breeze. You can complete the task in under an hour with the right equipment.
They won’t need to drill holes in your door jambs or walls. Compared to deadbolts, they last longer. They’re more durable than deadbolts. Indeed, there are mortise locks that have a lifespan of decades.
Mortise locks are known for their exceptional security. This is because they enable a larger and thicker mortise box—which houses the lock mechanism—to fit inside the door. The security is much higher than with cylinder locks.
It is an easily replaceable lock. A cylinder lock can replace a mortise. The removal of the mortise lock is a prerequisite to this process. After you remove the mortis, you can put the cylinder lock in the gap it left.
Disadvantages of a Mortise Lock
These locks are strong in terms of security, but they aren’t perfect. Their susceptibility to picking is a significant drawback. The security they offer could be compromised by a trained attacker who knows how to pick locks, no matter how complex they are.
Also, the weather can play havoc with mortise locks. Jamming problems, which could affect the smooth working of these locks, are possible in highly humid situations. Hiring a skilled locksmith is an absolute necessity in these kinds of situations.
By utilizing their experience, you can rest assured that a mortise lockset will be installed and maintained correctly. They will solve any potential concerns and optimize the functioning of the locks to guarantee that your house or company remains secure.
Conclusion
In case it wasn’t clear before, mortise locks are a great choice since they come with many great characteristics. These features include being simple to install, low-maintenance, customizable, and offering many design options.
A mortise lock is a good choice for meeting the expectations of your project because they blend strength, versatility, and style into one lock body. Buy these amazing locks from Park Avenue Locks and avail of some attractive discounts.
