
- Cylindrical Locks. Cylindrical locks are those which are commonly found in homes and offices. ...
- Mortise Locks. A mortise lock is a lock which needs a pocket to be cut inside the door so the lock can be placed in it.
- Conclusion. ...
How to Shim open a mortise cylinder lock?
- Shimming locks with mushroom and spool top pins can be a bit tricky. ...
- If you’re having a hard time on a cylinder, put it in the vise. That means you and your hands will have one less responsibility: holding the cylinder. ...
- There is one time where you might wish to overtighten a cylinder in a vise while shimming, however. ...
How to fit a mortise lock?
- Features: You don’t need heaps of features, but useful ones. ...
- Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. ...
- Customer Ratings: The hundreds of customers using the 40h Mortise Lock before you won’t say wrong, would they? ...
How to fix mortise lock?
The easiest fixes are:
- If the latch sticks, the knob may be screwed on too tight. ...
- If the thumbturn for the deadbolt is causing the bolt to jam and lock you out when it’s in the wrong position, you may have a bad spring in your ...
- The knob and/or the spindle may be stripped. ...
- The lock’s latchbolt or deadbolt doesn’t go into the respective hole in the doorframe. ...
What is a mortise lock used for?
So, overall, a mortise lock is a highly efficient security lock that is designed to install in the mortise or pocket of specific doors. Thus, before installing the mortise lock, make sure the door is thick and strong. I would suggest picking a door with approximately 2 inches’ thickness for a mortise lock.

What is the difference between cylindrical and mortise locks?
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.
What is the point of a mortise lock?
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.
Can you replace a mortise lock with a cylindrical lock?
Yes, you can replace a mortise lock with a cylindrical lock assembly. You'll just have to remove the mortise lock first and fill the excess space that might appear once the cylindrical lockset is in place.
How can you tell if a lock is mortise?
You can check this by looking on the faceplate of the lock, the number of levers should be stamped there. For optimum security the 5 lever mortice lock should be Kitemarked and conform to BS3621. If it is, these details should be stamped on the lock faceplate.
Are cylindrical locks good?
Advantages of Using a Cylindrical Lock This makes it ideal for all types of doors. Secondly, cylinder lock keys are easy to replace and don't require replacing the lock again. Available in single and double cylinders to offer even better security and features.
Are cylindrical locks safe?
Door knob cylinder locks: some safety tips For all that, knob cylinder locks are not without risk. If you have a glazed door, all a burglar needs to do is smash a small glazed section to open your door from the inside out. So the safest thing to do is to also replace that glazed front door with a non-glazed door.
Is mortise lock better?
#1 – The Mortise Lock Defined If you want to improve your door security, just know that this type of lock offers far better protection against intruders than the common cylinder locks.
Do mortise locks weaken the door?
Mortise lock cutouts may weaken the structure of the door– yet mortise locks are mysteriously stronger than bored cylindrical locks! They give more leverage and last longer than cylindrical locks, and their versatility allows more architectural conformity to existing security hardware.
What does mortise mean on a door?
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.
How do I know what type of lock I have?
How to Identify Key Lock TypesObserve how the lock is fitted. ... Look at the end of the lock bolt. ... Observe how the lock is fitted to the door. ... Observe whether the lock is installed on the surface and latches into a raised fitting mounted to one side of the frame. ... Look at the shape of the lock.
How can you tell if a lock is 5 lever mortice?
You can often identify a five lever mortice deadlock by the following:The words '5 Lever' engraved on the internal faceplate of the lock.Mostly found on wooden doors. ... Locks and unlocks from the inside and outside with a key.The lock sits within the frame of the door.
How long should a mortise lock last?
Most locksmiths advise that a door lock should be changed once every seven years.
What is a mortise lock?
A mortise lock is a type of lock that can be fitted into the pocket of a door. The lock has to be cut out and then fitted into the pocket, usually...
What is a cylindrical lock?
A cylindrical lock is designed to be installed through the door with a knob or lever on either side that retracts the latch when turned or depresse...
Are mortise locks are more secure than cylinder locks?
Yes, mortise locks are more secure than cylinder locks. A mortise lock is fitted into a pocket in the door, while a cylinder lock sits on top of th...
What are the advantages of mortise locks?
1.High Strength Security. 2.Aesthetically appealing. 3.Less Maintenance. 4.Durability: Different size options 5.Versatility 6.Heavy usage. 7.A mort...
Why do people use mortise locks?
Architecture engineers started installing mortise locks in Europe and United States in the 18th century to add better security and class to residential homes and commercial buildings.
Why do mortise locks cost more?
Mortise locks cost more because they are more durable, secure and offer more functions than cylinder locks. Plus they come with extra installation costs. On the other side, cylinder locks are more economical and convenient for locations with minimal security needs.
How long does it take to install a cylinder lock?
The installation process of cylinder locks is easy and requires drilling of two holes of the same size. This operation takes just 20 minutes. On the other side, mortise locks require a mortise pocket to be cut into the door prior to installation.
What type of lock do you use for a retro touch?
People who love aesthetically pleasing locks with retro touch often go with a mortise lock, thanks to its appearance.
What is a cylindrical lock?
A cylindrical lock is a common type of lock popular in commercial, residential, and institutional facilities. It is easy to install and available in a wide range of finishes, styles, backset dimensions, thickness, and strike options.
What are the advantages of a cylinder lock?
This makes it ideal for all types of doors. Secondly, cylinder lock keys are easy to replace and don’t require replacing the lock again.
How many grades of locks are there?
These locks are available in three grades, depending on the security needs.
Which is more secure, a mortise or a cylindrical lock?
Mortise locks are more secure and durable than cylindrical locks due to their interior components and construction. Cylindrical locks are either latch locks or deadbolt locks so having only one of them type will give you much less security than a mortise lock.
What is a mortise lock?
A mortise lock has a deadbolt and latch lock that are both integrated into the lock’s metal body.
What is the second type of cylindrical lock?
The second type of cylindrical lock is the deadbolt lock .
Why are mortise locks used in commercial buildings?
These locks are also made to resist a great deal of abuse especially due to high usage and this is why mortise locks are more common in commercial buildings where hundreds of people go in and out of the building.
How long is a deadbolt?
Deadbolt is a thick circular metal that’s typically 1.5-2 inches long and goes inside the striker plate at a much deeper length than the latch lock. This is why deadbolt locks are impossible to be pushed open and extremely hard to break off from the door when it’s locked.
What is a cylindrical lock?
What are cylindrical locks? Cylindrical locks are the most common locks in both residential and commercial buildings. These locks are installed by making a circular hole in the door and typically use only 2-3 screws to keep it in place. There are two main types of cylindrical locks but both are installed very similarly.
Can you lock a mortise lock with a deadbolt?
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. Overall we can comfortably state that mortise locks are more sturdy and secure than cylindrical locks.
What is a cylindrical lock?
Cylindrical locks come in multiple grades. This allows you to customize your doors according to their need. If you have a door that is really only used by you and maybe one other person, you could go with a lower grade cylindrical lock and save the higher grade ones for doors that will be used much more. You can’t get that option with a mortise lock. This too could save you more money because the price differs from grade to grade.
Why does a mortise lock split?
A wooden door has to have so much cut out of it to accommodate the mortise lock, the door can split if too much pressure is applied ( say from a kick or a shove) and the door will break open. This leads to the misconception that a mortise lock isn’t sturdy.
How long does it take to install a mortise lock?
There’s none of that with a cylindrical lock. In fact, on average, a cylindrical lock only takes between 15 and 30 minutes to install. A mortise lock takes much longer.
Is a mortise lock better than a cylindrical lock?
If your facility is a retail facility and you see more than 100 customers a day on a busy day, you want something that’s durable. A mortise lock is sturdier than a cylindrical lock. Many people will argue this point, but typically they overlook a very important component—the door itself.
Can mortise locks add up quickly?
If you have a facility with several doors, that might be all you need to hear before you make your decision. Mortise locks can add up quickly with the hardware alone. Once you add in labor for installation, you might just want to run for the hills and never look back once you see your bill.
Can a mortise lock be used on a hollow metal door?
If a mortise lock is installed on a hollow metal door, both pieces of hardware are going to hold up fine because they’re both very sturdy. However, if you’re working with a mortise lock in a wooden door, you may run into some issues. A wooden door has to have so much cut out of it to accommodate the mortise lock, the door can split if too much pressure is applied (say from a kick or a shove) and the door will break open. This leads to the misconception that a mortise lock isn’t sturdy.
Can you use mortise locks on a door?
If you need a door that has a lock with a separate deadbolt and latch, only a mortise lock will work. Cylindrical locks don’t allow you to have these two options on the door as separate attachments.
What is mortise lock?
A mortise lock is a lock which needs a pocket to be cut inside the door so the lock can be placed in it. These type of locks are commonly used for commercial purposes, rather than residential. Here are a few reasons why mortise locks are better than cylindrical locks.
How long does it take to install a cylindrical lock?
Unlike mortise locksets, cylindrical locks are considerably easier to install. It takes only about 15-30 minutes to install this in a door, unlike a mortise lock which takes much longer. Also, keep in mind that expertise is also relevant when calculating the time. Also, there is no need to cut the door to install cylindrical locks, unlike mortise locks.
Is a cylindrical lock cheaper than a mortise lock?
Lastly, cylindrical locks are way more affordable as compared to mortise locks. So, if you are looking forward to installing several locks, you may have to consider cylindrical locks as they are much cheaper and save you tons, as compared to mortise locks which come with a high price tag!
Do mortise locks have deadbolts?
Unlike cylindrical locks, mortise locks come with a separate deadbolt and latch. So, if you want these two things to be independent, a mortise lock is the one for you.
