Throughout human history, doors have existed ever since they were just a piece of wood on an opening up to today where they come in different styling options and with different types of hardware. The latter has to do with the lock the door comes with and one of the most common nowadays is mortice door locks.
A mortice lock is mainly installed on front doors as the fact that it's installed in the door, makes the door more secure. Mortice locks have been used for many centuries now and have proven to be a tried-and-true solution. However, like the doors they're installed on, mortice locks or latches are available in different designs and with different capabilities.
Types of Mortice Locks
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| source: doorhandlestore.com |
Deadlock
One of the most popular types of mortice door locks is a deadlock. Deadlocks rely on only a key to operate them. They often come in a combination with a nightlatch to make the locking more secure. A deadlock mortice door latch doesn't require the use of a handle which makes it simpler than other types of mortice locks.
Deadlatch
However, deadlock locks are not as simple as deadlatch locks which can be used on both doors and windows. A deadlatch can be used from the outside with only a key since the door they're installed on has a thumbturn on the inside.
Nightlatch
As mentioned above, a deadlock mortice door latch is often used with a nightlatch which is essentially a solution that locks the door automatically. The turn of a key isn't necessary here making a nightlatch a convenient way to add a bit of extra security to your home.
Sashlock
Sashlocks are similar to deadlocks however they feature one extra piece of hardware and that is the use of a handle. That's because a sashlock, together with a central deadbolt, comes with a sprung latch bolt that catches the door when you close it.
3-Lever
Although 3-lever mortice locks can be locked like any of the above-mentioned solutions, however, they are not used for the same purpose. A 3-lever lock is mainly used for privacy rather than security since their 3-lever design makes them less secure.
5-Lever
A 5-lever lock is used on external doors since it's more secure than 3-lever lock. The two added levers make it more difficult to duplicate keys therefore they are even required by insurance companies when you're insuring your home.
Electric Lock
As you'd expect, an electric mortice latch or lock is operated by current passing through each component in order to make it move into place. The hardware of electric locks is much simpler however, without power, they aren't able to work.
What to Look for in a Mortice Lock
Size
The first and probably most important factor of a mortice door lock is its size as it determines its compatibility with the door. Make sure that you take some measurements first in order to get a lock that will work perfectly.
Indoor vs Outdoor
You should also take into consideration whether the door you're going to install the lock on is an internal or external one. External doors require more secure locks while internal ones or inside your home or office don't need to be as secure.
Access or Security
The mortice door locks you go for will lean more towards security or access. Unfortunately, you can't have both, with locks made for accessibility being simpler than those made to provide a higher level of security.
Parts of a Mortice Lock
Centre
A centre is the vertical part between the spindle and the centre of the keyway. A centre comes in a different version depending on the type of lock system it's coupled with. For the correct handle to be used, knowing the exact centre dimensions is important.
Spindle
The spindle is the square part of the drive bar placed through the drive of the lock going into the handle set levers. The lever makes the spindle rotate which makes the drive operate.
Differ
A differ or effective differ as it's also known is the difference between locks that have a similar design to each other. This difference is made by the levers themselves and it's what allows each lock to be operated by a different key.
Forend
The faceplate or forend is the component that fixes the lock to the door through the case of the lock. The forend also allows the latch and deadbolt to pass through the lock with most forends having a round or square end.
Rebate
The rebate is a rectangular recess found along the edge of the frame. This part helps receive the door leaf that works with the lock. A rebate can also be machined into the meeting rails of a double door.
Backset
The backset is not a component, but rather the distance between the outer edge of the lock and the lock's keyhole.
Striker
The keep or striker is the element fitted to the fixed part of a door's frame. It's part of the locking system as the bolt of the lock engages with it when it's in its locked position.
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