Are all mortise locks the same size?

Author: Mrs. Geraldine Altenwerth  |  Last update: Sunday, June 26, 2022

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 size of the mortice lock refers to how far the keyhole will be from the edge of the door.

Are mortise locks universal?

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.

What size mortise lock do I need?

If the measurement is 45mm, you need a 64mm (2.5") mortice lock. If the measurement is 57mm, you need a 76mm (3") mortice lock. These measurements are approximate. A Mortice Sashlock is more likely to be used on back doors and internal doors.

Are all mortise cylinders the same size?

Mortise cylinders are offered in lengths ranging from 1-1/8" to 2" and BHMA finishes 625, 626, 605, 606, 612, and 624. For special sizes, please consult Customer Service.

Are Mortice locks easy to pick?

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.

igloohome || Basics of Door Locks

What is the difference between a cylinder lock and a mortise lock?

Unlike their counterpart, cylindrical locks are much easier to install. With a mortise lock you have to cut out part of the door to install the lock correctly. 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.

What is the difference between a mortise lock and cylindrical lock?

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 a 5 point mortice lock?

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.

Are all 3 lever locks the same size?

Whilst not all locks follow the same template, nine times out of ten, other measurements can be correctly assumed based on the case depth. There are many different case depths but the most common sizes are 64mm and 76mm. This is the metric equivalent to 2.5" and 3" lock cases from back in the imperial days.

How do you measure Mortice?

As shown below there are 2 main parts to a mortice lock these are the case and the forend.
  1. Backset. The backset is measured by placing a tape measure or ruler from the center of the keyhole to the forend of the mortice lock. ...
  2. Case Width. ...
  3. Case Height. ...
  4. Forend Length. ...
  5. Forend Width.

Are mortise locks standard size?

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 size of the mortice lock refers to how far the keyhole will be from the edge of the door.

How do I know if I have a mortice lock?

The quickest way to identify that your Mortice Deadlock is approved to BS3621 is looking for the following:
  1. Kitemark Engraved – The Mortice Lock will have the British Standard Kitemark engraved on faceplate.
  2. Number of Levers Engraved – Faceplate should state the number of levers the lock has.

How do you know if you have a mortise lock?

Examine the length of the door that lines up with the strike plate. More specifically investigate where the deadbolt and/or latch bolt extends from. If the size of the faceplate is approximately the size of your hand then that is an indication that it uses a mortise cylinder.

What is the diameter of a mortise cylinder?

Mortise Cylinder Features

Body: Brass, 1-5/32" (29.37 mm) diameter.

What is backset Mortise?

Backset of existing hole(s), measure from the edge of the door to the center of the hole, usually either 2 3/8" or 2 3/4" (see B on diagream at right) Measure from center of top hole to center of bottom hole (only if two holes are drilled)

How do you measure a Mortice backset?

Backset is measured from the centre of the keyhole to the edge of the lock. 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.

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.

Are mortise locks better?

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.

Which mortise lock is best?

10 Best Mortise Locks of 2022
  1. Wright Products VMT115PB SERENADE Style MORTISE SET. ...
  2. Defender Security E 2311 Mortise Keyed Lock Set. ...
  3. Defender Security E 2496 Mortise Keyed Lock Set. ...
  4. Prime-Line E 2497 Mortise Keyed Lock Set. ...
  5. Wright Products VMT115SN Serenade Style Mortise Set.

Do bump keys work?

When executed correctly, lock bumping is effective in nearly 90 percent of all cylinder-type locks produced today. Perhaps one of the most disconcerting aspects of lock bumping is that it can often go undetected, which means that your home can be broken into without any signs of forced entry.

How do you make a mortise lock key?

  1. Make your own hand-filed skeleton key. Remove your mortise lock's panel to get into the locking mechanism. ...
  2. Insert a blank skeleton key through the keyhole and onto the bottom set of pins. ...
  3. Fabricate a key by putting the original key or a skeleton key on a flat piece of tin.

How does a mortice lock work?

One of the most readily available and secure types of lock is the mortice lock. These earned their name thanks to the pocket (or mortice) that the bolt slots into, which is cut into the internal face of the doorframe. When the bolt is in the mortice, the door is unable to move and is securely locked.

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