Most mortice locks have a lever mechanism - the key operates a series of levers that open and close the bolt. Simple two-and three-lever locks are cheap but also easy to break into; for real security, a 5 lever lock should be regarded as the acceptable minimum.
How secure is a 5 Lever Mortice lock? A standard 5 lever mortice deadlock won't be as secure as a mortice deadlock conforming to BS3621 though, for example usually, there will be no hard plates to protect against drilling.
Mortice locks are generally stronger and secure than a bored cylindrical lock. Ironically, installing a Mortice Lock initially can weaken the structure of a typical wooden door, but by choosing a 5 lever Mortice Lock your home will be more secure.
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. Go for it.
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.
5 lever mortice deadlocks are a type of lock that is installed into the door material. The lock can be locked and unlocked using a key, and it has 5 levers to make it more secure. 5 lever mortice dead locks are available in a range of finishes, it can be used on both internal and external doors throughout a building.
ABUS Granit™: one of the world's most secure padlocks with a tensile resistance of over six tonnes. Granit locks have a tensile resistance of over six tonnes, making it almost impossible for attackers to release the shackle from the lock body by force.
Most residential locksmiths agree the average lock's lifespan is about seven years.
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.
Mortice locks can be known as a Deadlock or Sashlock. They both have essentially the same operating system, with the distinguishable difference between them being the use of a handle that operates a latch within a sashlock.
5 lever locks are also generally sold in two sizes: 2.5 inch and 3 inch case sizes. These translate to 44mm and 57mm backset measurements. When choosing the right size for your external door, you will need to consider these factors: The thickness of your door.
There are two sizes of mortice locks: 21/2” and 3”. If you are installing a mortice lock to a door with a narrow frame, or any door for that matter, it's very important to know what size lock you need.
The Fortress 5 Lever British Standard (BS) Deadbolt Mortice Door Lock is a high security deadlock, conforming to the BS 3621:2007; meets the exacting demands of insurance companies and the Police. Higher security and strength are delivered by a 20mm bolt throw in every lock.
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).
Mortise locks combine durability, functionality, and design flexibility in one lock body for a robust product offering to meet the needs of your project.
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.
Also in the non-forced entry category, there is no doubt Schlage is better. With a better, more precise manufacturing process and 2 additional security pins than the Kwikset deadbolt, Schlage locks are significantly harder to pick, bump or compromise in non-destructive ways.
Or are they more secure than traditional locks? The answer is that they can be. If a keyless lock means you're more likely to lock your doors every time you leave, less likely to hide a key underneath a doormat, or make tons of extra keys to share that you eventually lose track of, then yes, they can be more secure.
Anti-snap locks are high security euro lock cylinders that are designed and tested to protect against lock snapping stopping a thief from breaking the lock into two parts. This type of cylinder is usually found on uPVC doors. You may find people refer to Anti-Snap locks as 'Snapsafe Locks' as well.
One way to check your front or back door locks are conforming to BS3621 is to look for the British Standard Kitemark (BSI) on the faceplate of the lock. The faceplate of the lock is viewable when you open the door; you should also see the specific standard number e.g. BS3621 stamped on the plate.