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.
Mortise locks are installed into a rectangular pocket cut out of the edge of a door. The term mortise refers to a hole or recess cut that allows the lock to be inserted. Mortise lock bodies look much different than cylindrical locks and allow for more working mechanics inside.
If you are looking for a high-security lock that provides superior protection against intruders, then the LAPO Mortise Cylinder Lock Set is an excellent choice.
1. Deadbolts. Deadbolts are arguably one of the most popular door lock types, and they are widely used in many residential properties. Due to their popularity, they are also a common fixture in commercial spaces.
Kwikset Standard Deadbolt
The standard Kwikset deadbolt is the most common lock in America.
A normal door lock is likely to be a mortice lock – either a deadlock, sashlock, euro sash case or euro deadcase style. These offer high security for external doors and also act as a visible deterrent because burglars know they're difficult to overcome.
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.
Mortise Locks
There are many different types of mortice cylinder locks, including three lever mortice locks and five lever mortice locks. The number of levers in a mortise lock tells how many points the door locks into the frame. The more levers it has, the more secure it will be.
A mortise lock is sturdier than a cylindrical lock. Many people will argue this point, but typically they overlook a very important component—the door itself. If a mortise lock is installed on a hollow metal door, both pieces of hardware are going to hold up fine because they're both very sturdy.
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.
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.
Price. 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.
However, you will find them very easy to handle and a joy to use. Now available in sizes 1/8" - 1/2" by 1/16". It is perfectly acceptable to just have one mortise chisel ( 1/4" or 3/8" being the most common) and size all your mortises accordingly.
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 is the difference between a 3 lever and 5 lever lock? The difference between a 3 lever lock and a 5 lever lock is that a 3 lever lock is less secure because it has fewer levers which increases the risk of key duplication. Also, a 3 lever lock will NOT be BS3621 approved due to the poor security of the lock.
Types of mortises and tenons
Haunched mortise. Open mortise. Stub mortise.
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.
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).
- 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.
Generally the yale type lock will be fitted to the upper part of the door and the mortice to the lower. Latch (yale) locks offer convenience as they can just be pulled shut, but mortice Locks offer a higher level of security than latch locks. The picture below shows a fitted mortice lock in service.
Best High-Security Door Lock
CR's take: The Medeco Maxum 11TR503-19 is the strongest deadbolt across all of our lock categories. It's top-notch for drilling, withstands kick-ins very well, and is designed in a way that makes it quite difficult to pick.
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.
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.