What is a Mortise Lock - Here’s a Detailed Guide

A mortise lock is a door or window hardware component which can be locked with a key, or in some cases, manually, by pushing it in. This type of lock is installed into the door frame and is commonly used on doors that are not wide enough for a rim latch to operate smoothly.

While there are many different types of locks available on the market today for both residential and commercial applications, mortise locks have been around for centuries and stood their ground among more modern types of locksmithing techniques with ease.

The mortise lock is a unique locking mechanism that relies on several distinct parts in order to function properly. There are two main types of mortise locks, the Deadbolt, and the Passage Lock. Both of them have their pros and con’s and it all comes down to your specific needs at home or in the office when choosing the right lock for you.

This article will cover the basic parts of a mortise lock, what they do, how they do what they do, and most importantly how many different types there are so you can make sure that you get exactly what you need.

How Mortise Locks Work

When it comes to mortise locks, there are a lot of parts that make it what it is. The Locking Mechanism is the first part of this system to consider. When it comes to mortise locks, there are two main types of locking mechanisms. There are rim locks and cam locks. The difference between the two is that one slides and one rotates in order to lock and unlock the device, respectively. Both of these actions require the use of an actuator in order to function properly. If you’ve seen a deadbolt before, you will know that it consists of a horizontal bolt that moves up and down when locked or unlocked.

This is called a rim lock actuator. The second type of mortise lock, cam locks, has an actuator that rotates or revolves. The difference between the two lies in the lift mechanism. In a deadbolt, it doesn’t require much force for the bolt to engage with the locking point in order to lock it into place. On the other hand, cam locks differ from the deadbolt in one way; they are mounted at an angle and are usually slotted at 90 degrees so that when you turn it over, it will move vertically and release itself from being lifted.

This action is known as a cam lock. In addition to the two main types of locks, mortise locks have other parts as well. The pins and wedges in the mortise door lock consist of a linkage that links the bolt to the locking point, providing movement on one end and resistance on the other end.

Once you place your key into the lock, there are three different ways that it can be turned, or operated. It either turns clockwise when operated manually, or it can be rotated counter-clockwise if operated electrically. Lastly, there are locks that operate by using a cylinder which is a series of pin-tumblers that can be turned to open the lock.

There are many different parts in mortise locks and it’s important to know what each one does. The next page will cover the parts of the mortise lock, and how they are used.

Mortise Lock Parts

When it comes to mortise locks, there are quite a few different parts that make them possible to be used for so many different applications. For instance, the deadbolt is commonly used for doors that are too narrow for rim locks because they have such small space on either side of their surface. On the other hand, the passage lock is used for doors that are wider than normal but want to still provide security for their users.

In terms of the different parts that make up each type of mortise lock, there are three that are arguably the most important ones. They include Pin, Latch, and Bolt. The first two contain a series of pins that can be made in many different sizes and quantities so as to accommodate a wide range of door sizes. In most instances, passage locks use door wedges whereas deadbolts use larger wedges for extra security purposes.

How to pick the right mortise lock

Now that you’re aware of what a mortise lock is, you probably want to know how to pick the right one for your home or office. Well, it’s not as difficult as you think.

Here are the three criteria that you need to consider in order to get the right lock;

The Door or Window Size: This is probably the most important factor in determining which type of mortise locks will work best for you. For example, if your door is too narrow or too small, a deadbolt will be more suitable for it than a passage lock because the deadbolt has a smaller overall size. As far as standard doors go, both of them should be equally capable of providing adequate security and usability.

The Locking Mechanism: The deadbolt is more suitable for indoor use whereas the passage lock has better applications in outdoor environments. The Deadbolt can only be locked and unlocked in one way, while the cam lock can be rotated if you want to unlock it from the outside. The locking mechanism is in place to prevent any kind of unauthorized entry so that you don’t have to worry about anyone coming into your house or office when you’re not there.

Security: Whenever people buy a lock, one of the biggest concerns they have is how secure it is. Once again, this mainly depends on what type of door or window you are attaching it to and what your main security concerns are.

About Park Avenue Locks

Choosing the right door lock for your business or home can be stressful. At Park Avenue locks, we strive to make it as easy as possible by breaking down your options and offering a wide selection to fit your style. Some of our best-selling products include emtek mortise lock, yale locksets, lcn door closers, electric strikes, door hinges, and other door accessories. Get the best door lock brands all in one location for affordable pricing, whether you’re a custom home builder or a homeowner when you shop with us. For all your door locks and accessories, head over to Park Avenue Locks. We offer both residential and commercial door locks at competitive prices and offer free shipping on orders over $100.

For more information visit, https://www.parkavenuelocks.com/