Selection and installation

Mortice locks provide excellent security. However not all mortice locks are created equal. To be precise, the higher number of levers found within the mechanism, the more difficult it is to pick the lock. As a result, a 3 lever mortice lock, which is less expensive to install, is more commonly seen on an internal door. This is especially handy in an office setting when limited access is necessary. A 5 lever mortice lock, however, provides more security, which is why it is frequently used on exterior doors.

Installation 

You must first decide whether you want to replace your existing mortice lock or install a new one into a completely new door when installing a mortice lock. This is an easy process if you are replacing an existing lock, in which case you would measure your existing lock and match it like for like. Once this measurement has been determined, simply unscrew the current lock, and replace it with a new one in the same location. When fitting a new mortice lock, this is a bit more difficult and should be done by a competent DIYer or a joiner. The basic procedure involves measuring the current lock and cutting a mortice in the door to accommodate it. To route the hole, a combination of a drill, a chisel, a hammer, or any type of router would be used. Once the mortice has been cut into the door, a lock may be placed.

Types of Mortice Locks

Mortice locks come in a variety of types. We have mortice sash locks, mortice dead locks, tubular latches and varied levels of protection, such as our 3 lever mortice lock and 5 lever mortice lock. More information on these various types of locks may be found below.

Mortice Sash lock

The most common type of mortice lock seen on a door is a mortice sash lock: including a deadbolt, and a latch. The purpose of the latch would be to keep the door in place when the lock is not actually locked. This is often utilised for entry/exit doors that will be opened and closed frequently during the day, or doors unlocked by those who do not have the key.

Mortice Dead lock

Whereas a mortice sash lock has a latch, a mortice dead lock does not. A mortice dead lock will have a key operated dead bolt that is activated by the door key or striker plate. This would be best suited in a room with no door handle, such as an equipment room or a plant room, which must always be secured while not in use.

Tubular Latch

A tubular latch is located within your door and is intended to keep the door closed when pressed shut. It is frequently installed on internal doors and is operated by pushing the door handle down to retract the latch portion of the lock. Our tubular latch is a great piece of hardware to use in interior doors that do not need to be locked. They are available in “electro brasses” and “nickel plated” finishes, the latter of which being the most common colour for internal door fixings.

Both colours are also available in two sizes, 64mm or 76mm. This measurement is derived by measuring from the front of your latch to the centre of the door spindle. This is a crucial measurement to make to ensure you have the right latch.

3 Lever Mortice Lock

Because the 3 lever mortice lock has fewer levers, it is best suited for interior doors that need to be kept separate for security reasons, such as an archive room within an office or someone’s office who may have sensitive material.

The most common door width for mortice lock installation is 44mm. Although a mortice lock can be fitted in a wider door, it is not recommended in a thinner door. Another important detail to consider is that these locks are very durable and can last for many years without needing any kind of maintenance or repair work done to them.

5 lever Mortice lock

External doors on the other hand, are often fitted with a 5-lever mortice lock. Mortice locks provide you with the protection you need for your home or office by preventing unauthorised entry. Both a 3 and 5 lever mortice lock come in a standard size of 2.5-to-3-inch case size.

A 5 lever mortice lock has several benefits for homeowners. It can improve home security by making it more difficult for intruders to break in. Some insurance companies may request that a door be installed with a 5-lever mortice lock rather than a 3-lever mortice lock in order to reduce the insurance premium.

At Lockmaster, We offer the most reliable mortice locks, including Mortice Sash lock, Mortice Dead Lock, Tubular Latch, 3 Lever Mortice Lock, and a 5 lever mortice lock. If you are having difficulty selecting the right mortice lock for you, kindly Contact one of our exceptional team members who will gladly assist you.

*Our mortice locks meet the standard rating given by British Standards for thief-resistant locks.