What is a Mortice key?

Author: Prof. Shawn Skiles V  |  Last update: Saturday, September 16, 2023

Mortice deadlocks are the simplest. They only have a keyhole and a locking bolt that goes back and forth. A mortice sashlock, on the other hand, features a handle-operated latch mechanism. This means you can open and close the door without having to use the key, but can still lock the door when you leave the building.

What are Mortice keys used for?

Gauged Mortice Keys are designed for use on both cabinet-type locks as well as padlocks and gate keys. Malleable Iron Keys tend to be very heavy-duty keys made, as you might imagine, out of iron. Quite archaic in design, keys like this tend to fit archaic old-style doors, like old halls or churches.

What is the difference between Mortice and deadbolt?

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. These types of locks are available as either 3 or 5 lever.

What are the different types of mortise keys?

The most common types of mortice sash lock used on an internal door is a 3 lever mortice sash locks, compared to a 5 lever mortice sash locks which is usually used on exterior doors. Other types include horizontal mortice sash locks, sliding door mortice sash locks, and bathroom mortice sash locks.

Can Mortice keys be cut?

On average, it takes our experts 5 minutes to duplicate the key, using a special key cutting machine, and we always make sure that the replacement mortice key is of the highest quality standard and fits perfectly inside your lock.

[721] ERA “Viscount” 5-Lever Mortice Lock Picked

When did they stop using mortise locks?

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.

What is the most common mortise lock?

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.

What is the most common mortice lock?

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.

Are mortise locks more secure than deadbolt?

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.

Why is it called a 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.

What is the advantage of a mortise lock?

Mortise locks are a type of locking mechanism commonly used in domestic and commercial doors. They offer greater protection than other types of door locks, as the lock is buried within the depths of the door itself making it difficult to tamper with or pick.

What are two types of mortise?

Types of mortises and tenons

Haunched mortise. Open mortise. Stub mortise.

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.

What are the pros and cons of a mortise lock?

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.

What is the hole in the deadbolt called?

Bore holes:

The latch bore, also known as the edge bore, is the hole drilled from the side of the door into the cross bore to allow the latch of the lock to be installed and to accommodate the sliding of the deadbolt.

What is the difference between a mortice lock and a deadlock?

A Deadlock case has a similar functionality to that of the mortice lock; however instead of a lever employing the bolt, the bolt is thrown by a cylinder instead. This type of lock can often be found on interior doors that need to always be locked.

What type of mortise lock do I have?

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.

What is different about a mortise lock?

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.

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.

Can you change a mortise lock to a regular lock?

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 cylinder lock is the modern standard.

Are mortice locks more secure?

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.

Is a deadbolt a mortise 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).

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 all mortice locks the same?

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.

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