What is a mortise key?

Author: Terrell Wiza IV  |  Last update: Friday, June 17, 2022

A mortise lock (also spelled mortice lock in British English) is a lock that requires a pocket—the mortise—to be cut into the edge of the door or piece of furniture into which the lock is to be fitted.

What are Mortice keys?

What are Mortice Keys? Mortice keys are normally used on internal doors to improve security. They fit mortice locks which require a pocket to be cut into the door.

What does a mortise lock look like?

Mortise locks are assembled from many curiously odd-shaped, mechanical parts and enclosed inside a heavy-gauge steel case, punctured with circular and square holes that appear to represent a secret code. Mortise lock 'bodies' are mysteriously hidden inside a pocket, cut into 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.

Are mortise locks good?

Mortise locks are reliable and strong, thus offering good door security. The classical appearance makes them more attractive than cylinder locks. They're versatile, so you can use them with all kinds of door furniture and cylinders.

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

Is a mortise lock a deadbolt?

A mortise lock has a deadbolt and latch lock that are both integrated into the lock's metal body. Mortise locks are built very tough and they are convenient because turning the level will release both the deadbolt as well as the latch of the lock so you do not have to unlock two separate locks.

What is the advantage of mortise lock?

Mortise Locks Can Be Secured From Both Ends. One of the advantages of installing a mortise lock on your doors at home is that you can lock the door from both sides, i.e. from both inside and outside. This makes it ideal for front doors, providing security both when you are in or out of your home.

How do you open a mortise lock?

A mortice lock is excruiatingly hard to open without a key.
  1. Insert the matching key into the mortice key hole. ...
  2. Turn the key counter-clockwise by one half to one full turn, depending on the model, to force the bolt to slide to the left from its locked position.

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 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.

What is inside a mortice lock?

Mortice locks come in a few different varieties, the most common being dead locks and sash locks. 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.

Can mortice lock keys be cut?

Mortice (lever), often referred to as “Chubb” keys ( larger keys ) can take longer, up to 5 minutes, as they use different machines to cut the key and is more difficult to find the correct blank.

How can you tell a 5 Lever Mortice lock?

You can often identify a five lever mortice deadlock by the following:
  1. The words '5 Lever' engraved on the internal faceplate of the lock.
  2. Mostly found on wooden doors. ...
  3. Locks and unlocks from the inside and outside with a key.
  4. The lock sits within the frame of the door.

What is a 3 lever mortice lock?

The 3 Lever Sashbolt Mortice Door Lock is a classically designed, low cost sashlock, which offers additional security for internal doors and outside applications such as sheds. The sashbolt is to be operated by a handle. Available in 64mm (2 ½") and 76mm (3") and in both brass effect and satin finishes.

Are mortice locks a 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.

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

Mortice locks can be known as a Deadlock or Sashlock. They both have essentially the same operating system, with the distinguishable difference between them being the use of a handle that operates a latch within a sashlock.

What is a tumbler in a lock?

In lock: Development of modern types. … in England, patented a double-acting tumbler lock. A tumbler is a lever, or pawl, that falls into a slot in the bolt and prevents it being moved until it is raised by the key to exactly the right height out of the slot; the key then slides the bolt.

Are mortise locks interchangeable?

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.

How do you open a door if you lost the key?

How to Open a Locked Door When I Lost the Key
  1. Place the short end of the tension wrench into the lock as far as it will go. ...
  2. Stick your pick into the lock while keeping your tension wrench turned in the same direction. ...
  3. Rake the pick up and down and back and forth.

What is the difference between mortise and tubular?

A tubular lock has its latch bolt and dead bolt in two separate holes. In a mortise lock, both bolts are encased in a steel box that fits in one hole.

How can you tell if your lock is anti snap?

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.

Are 5 Lever Mortice locks safe?

Most mortice locks have a lever mechanism - the key operates a series of levers that open and close the bolt. Simple two-and three-lever locks are cheap but also easy to break into; for real security, a 5 lever lock should be regarded as the acceptable minimum.

Which keys Cannot be copied?

But not every lock can be broken and not every key is for duplication. There are certain keys that cannot be duplicated. They are called Do not duplicate (DND) keys.
...
These are non-duplicable keys:
  • Transponder Key.
  • Laser Cut Car Key.
  • VAT Key.
  • Abloy keys.
  • Tubular Keys.
  • Internal Cut Keys.
  • Four-Sided Key.

How do internal cut keys work?

Laser cut keys are made with a constant depth down the middle, making them thicker and more sturdy in general. The indention made on the key is equally made on both sides so that the key can be inserted and the engine started no matter which direction the key is put in (this is where the internal key name comes from).

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