Mortise Locks: How They Work and What Benefits Can They Offer

Mostly, mortise locks are used for the outside doors as they’re the ones with a higher level of security. An entry door mortise lock set is quite bulky. It requires a big hole to be cut inside the door in order to fit in. There are two main types of mortise locks – deadlocks and sash locks. The first one is a typical lock with a keyhole on one side and a locking bolt on the other. The second option is equipped with a handle or a door knob. If you’re thinking about installing any of these locks, you may use professional residential locksmith services.

Now the question is – how does a mortise lock work? It is composed of a lock cylinder, latch, latch bolt, handle, strike plate and spindle. In order to activate all the mechanisms, you’ll need to insert the key and turn it in the cylinder. It will unlock the latch and you can press the handle or turn the knob to open the door fully.

Just like with any other mechanical lock, it’s important to maintain your mortise lock well. In most cases, locks start to malfunction because of dirt and rust. It might be a good idea to conduct regular check-ups and clean your lock from time to time.

Compared to many other types of locks, mortise locks are one of the most secure options. First of all, these locks are almost impossible to pick because of how they are constructed. They have a dual cylinder. These locks are mainly made out of solid metals, so they are really strong and reliable. Because of that, it’s extremely hard to break the lock by using force. It’s a big security advantage because most criminals wouldn’t want to waste a lot of time trying to open it.

Mortise locks last longer than many other locks, so they won’t get worn out fast. Many break-ins actually happen because the locks are worn out and are not functioning properly. That’s why lock maintenance is so important. Checking the condition of your lock and cleaning it from dirt and rust regularly is an intelligent decision.

However, there’s one problem that is almost impossible to avoid, no matter what type of lock you use – a key loss. It’s probably something that all of us dealt with at some point in our lives. To decrease the risk, you may follow our little guide on carrying keys. However, if unfortunately, you lose your key or it gets stolen, there are some measures you might take. You may need to ask for the assistance of a professional locksmith to rekey or replace your lock and provide you with a new key.