5 Things You Must Know About Mortise Lock
#1 Mortise Lock Defined
A mortise lock is a very strong, special locking system fitted to the inside of a
door. To use a mortise lock your door must be thick enough to accommodate it.
#2 - Reasons to use a Mortise Lock?
The classical appearance makes them more attractive than cylinder locks. Burglars prefer to break in through doors, so improved door security is paramount. Mortise locks are reliable and strong, thus offering good door security.
#3- How to Mortise Lock Work ?
The mortise lock has to fit neatly into the mortise cut-out, or pocket, made in the door.
There are four essential parts to the lock:
1. The mortise lock (latent once installed)
2. The lock trim (door lever, door knob or door handle)
3. The strike plate (metal lining for the hole within the door frame)
4. The keyed cylinder (it’s where the lock and unlock function occurs)
The housing for the bolt is the ‘lock body’. This is where the mechanical components are that engage and disengage the actual lock. These components include:
● Mortise cylinder
● Deadbolt (bolt only)
● Sashlocks (a door catch plus a locking bolt)
● Auxiliary latch
● Latch bolt
● Lever trim
The door handles or door knobs turn to withdraw the latch once the door’s unlocked. There’s also the ‘through-spindle’. This is simply the long rod that links the door handle or knob to the mortise lock body. A threaded ‘lock cylinder’ lets you unlock the door once you insert the key. The ‘cam’ component is a rectangular piece of metal that rotates to retract the door latch. The size and weight of a mortise lock means they can withstand considerable usage. Note that because there’s quite a bit going on inside a mortise lock, they do need simple servicing periodically.
#4- When to use a Mortise Lock
You should consider using a mortise lock on any door that isn’t kick-proof or pick-proof. If you’re not sure, ask a security expert to assess your door security. Door frames are important too. It’s no good having a quality, solid door with a strong lock on a weak frame.
#5- Ideal Candidates for Mortise Locks
Therefore, anyone who has doors that are not as secure as they could be, is an ideal candidate for mortise locks and other door security.