Whether your lock is broken and needs replacing or you're just ready for an updated look, mortise locks are generally simple to remove and replace; standard mortise lock replacement parts made by Emtek, Juralco, Pado, Papaiz or new-style Wright are easily interchangeable.
Yes you can replace mortise locks. Mortise locks are generally simple to remove and replace. Mortise locks have standard replacement parts that can easily be interchanged.
There are two main types of mortice locks- sashlocks and deadlocks. Each operates in a different fashion. A sashlock includes a latch, which is operated with some form of key, and a bolt. These locks tend to be installed on back doors.
Most backsets are commonly measured at either 44mm (for a 64mm (2½”) lock) and 56mm (for a 76mm (3”) lock). Typically a lock adjacent to a glass panel will be 2½” (44mm) and otherwise 3” (56mm), but you should always measure to be sure.
For a Mortice Deadlock you should only require the measurements of the Backset or the Case. This is the measurement from the front plate to the back of the lock case or the back of the slot the lock fits into in the door. If you have the old lock this measurement can be easily taken with a ruler or tape measure.
A pin-tumbler mortise lock is the most common type of mortise lock available. These Locks are very simple to operate and are fairly inexpensive. However, they are easily picked and are less secure than other types of locks. They are commonly found in older homes and apartments.
Here are the most common ones: Tubular Mortice Latches – these are by far the most common. They have a sprung nib which is operated by turning a door knob or handle. They come in 'Standard' or 'Heavy' sprung versions.
Mortise Locks
There are many different types of mortice cylinder locks, including three lever mortice locks and five lever mortice locks. The number of levers in a mortise lock tells how many points the door locks into the frame. The more levers it has, the more secure it will be.
Since most North American mortise locks are designed to operate with a mortise cylinder, there is not the limitation that cylindrical locks have with different size lock cylinder bodies or different configuration removable/interchangeable cores.
In some cases the lock could be quick & easy to open such as basic euro cylinder or nightlatch, some locks are trickier and take longer. Some locksmiths may charge more to open a mortice lock, as in some cases a mortice lock can take longer to open than rim or euro locks.
Mortise locks are installed into a rectangular pocket cut out of the edge of a door. The term mortise refers to a hole or recess cut that allows the lock to be inserted. Mortise lock bodies look much different than cylindrical locks and allow for more working mechanics inside.
Price. 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.
Mortise locks were typically used before 1950, and tubular locks after 1950. Read on for a quick explanation on the differences between these two types of door locks.
Full Mortise - A lock whose body is entirely mortised into the wood. Half Mortise - A lock mounted into a shallow mortise in the back of the work. Surface mounted - A lock that is screwed to the back of the work with no mortising required.
Mortise Cylinders come in three different sizes: 1" 1 1/8" 1 1/4".
- Select Finish: Brass (03), Satin Chrome (26D), or Duronodic (46). - Special Ordering: See below for Special Order information (i.e., ordering cylinders keyed to existing key number). - Delivery: The Ilco 7165-KW1 Kwikset Mortise Cylinder is in stock and available to ship.
Swapping your mortise lock set for a cylindrical one can be challenging and requires a range of woodworking tools. According to Door Dodo, a table saw, a miter, chisels, screwdrivers, a tape measure, and wood glue are needed.
Due to the nature of their design, mortise locks are more durable than cylindrical locks. Some functions have integrated deadbolts which provide extra security. Integrated deadbolts are code compliant because only one action is needed to simultaneously retract both the latchbolt and deadbolt when exiting.
However, not all the cylinders can be fitted on all the locks. The locks to be applied often have cylinders different from those to be inserted and in this latter case the cylinder must have an outer profile which is compatible with the housing present on the lock.
Now available in sizes 1/8" - 1/2" by 1/16". It is perfectly acceptable to just have one mortise chisel ( 1/4" or 3/8" being the most common) and size all your mortises accordingly. With rare exception, mortise strength is determined by total glue surface, not width of the tenon.
Types of mortises and tenons
Haunched mortise. Open mortise. Stub mortise.
What is the difference between a 3 lever and 5 lever lock? The difference between a 3 lever lock and a 5 lever lock is that a 3 lever lock is less secure because it has fewer levers which increases the risk of key duplication. Also, a 3 lever lock will NOT be BS3621 approved due to the poor security of the lock.
Generally the yale type lock will be fitted to the upper part of the door and the mortice to the lower. Latch (yale) locks offer convenience as they can just be pulled shut, but mortice Locks offer a higher level of security than latch locks. The picture below shows a fitted mortice lock in service.
With Mortise locks, you can keep the key in the locks on the inside to make locking the door easier. With Deadlocks, once the key is turned, the deadlock is thrown and can't be re-opened without a key. A deadlock is usually placed higher than the handle on a door, and on the inside, there is a door knob.