Mortise locks can be replaced with standard cylinders. Mortise lock is the name given to the large, rectangular locks that fit into a slot, or "mortise" in the edge of the door. These locks were common at the turn of the twentieth century and are still in use today. The
Instead of fixing the mortise lock it can be replaced with another mortise lock. For budget conscious people such as landlords not willing to lavish their tenants with expensive locks, another choice is retrofitting the door with conventional tubular locks such as those available at big box stores.
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.
You can remove your existing mortise lock and replace it with an entirely new smart mortise lock. This can be quite expensive, and if you have to modify the size of the mortise, installing the lock can be a significant challenge.
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.
Mortise: Mortise. Pros: Very durable; locks have more features, and trim is easy to replace or upgrade because, unlike tubular locks, latch and lock fit in one hole. Cons: Costs about 50 percent more than tubular; usually requires a locksmith to install. A special-order item; allow up to 10 days for delivery.
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.
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.
The lock body of a mortise cylinder is its greatest defining characteristic. The name mortise refers to a hole, or recess, which is designed to fit a corresponding piece. In the case of a mortise lock, this hole is cut into the side of the door to fit the mortise lock body.
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.
Deadbolts provide the highest level of front door security. To ensure your door locks provide solid home security, choose locks and deadbolts that are pick-resistant and bump proof. Good locks use mushroom pins or pick shields to prohibit thieves from using picking tools to pry the lock and enter your home.
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.
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.
Mortice locks are generally available as either a deadlock or sashlock. A deadlock is operated by a key only and is sometimes used alongside a Nighlatch to provide additional locking in the centre of the door. You don't need to use a handle with a deadlock, turning the key or thumbturn retracts the centre deadbolt.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
A mortice deadlock is designed to be fitted into the timber edge of a door and allows the door to be manually locked from both sides with a key. A deadlock is a lock bolt only and does not have a latch/catch section for the operation of a door knob/handle.
Mortise locks have a single long and rectangular lock body whereas the Tubular locks have two separate cylindrical pieces that fit inside of bored holes.
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).
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.
The cost to install them depends on the deadbolt type. Simple cylindrical deadbolts cost $40–$60, cylindrical lever locks cost $50–$70, and mortise locks cost $75–$125. Locksmiths usually charge an additional $40–$75 for labor, but may charge as little as $20 if you're already changing the lock on that door.