5 Lever Mortice Lock
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.
Identifying mortice locks
The locks get their name due to the mortise(a chiselled away section) that has to be cut into the door to fit the lock case. This lock case is usually in the form of a lever lock, although with the advent of the popular cylinder locks, these too can be combined with the mortice housing.
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.
The difference between a mortice deadlock and sash lock is that a mortice sashlock has a latch and bolt to open and close the lock. Where-as a mortice deadlock does not have a latch to open the lock.
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.
The only way to know if your lock is anti-snap is to take your lock out of your door and look for the anti-snap lines. If you are still unsure, it's always best to ask a professional locksmith for assistance in checking your locks as your security is extremely important.
Dimension A: 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).
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.
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.
Two and three lever mortice locks can be picked relatively easily, because tools can be inserted up into the lock from the key hole from where the burglar can manipulate the levers.
Both are easy! Measure from the centre of the screw hole (X) to the edge of the handle backplate on the outside (O) and round up the size to the next 5mm increment i.e. 32mm = 35mm. This will ensure the euro cylinder protrudes from the backplate of the handle (try to keep it as close to the backplate as possible).
Lock snapping is one of the most common burglary methods, and it has been estimated around 27% of all burglaries are through snapping the lock. Lock snapping occurs when force is applied to the outside of the cylinder, using mole grips or similar.
How Can I Prevent Lock Snapping? The most effective way to prevent lock snapping is to install anti snap locks. When a lock is snapped, it is done so that the internal mechanism is bared, allowing the intruder control to then open the lock.
Measure from the outside edge of the door (including furniture) to the centre of your door. This is dimension A and is called the External Size to Centre. Next, measure from the inside edge of your door (including furniture) to the centre of your door to find dimension B, the Internal Size to Centre.
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.
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.
A 2 lever lock offers key differs between 18 and 20. This means that lock manufacturers make 20 different keys before they can start the process to duplicate the same 20 keys.
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.
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.
The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the door handle. Please see the image below: Please note that our locks and latches mostly come in 44-46mm and in 57-60mm. 57-60mm is the standard backset.
You can work out the size of the lock by measuring the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the door handle or knob. This measurement will give you the approximate size of the backset which will allow you to identify which size lock or latch you have.