The Benefits of a Mortise Lock

A mortise lock is one of the most secure locks available on the market. It requires a key to be opened, which prevents unwanted intruders from entering your home or business. These locks are also highly durable and can withstand a great deal of physical force. This makes them a good choice for doors that will be subjected to heavy use, such as doors to offices or warehouses.

They are also much more difficult to break into than door knobs or other traditional locks. In order to install a mortise lock, the door must be precut for the pocket that will hold the lock. This is why it is important to work with a professional locksmith to ensure that the proper cuts are made. In addition to providing superior security, mortise locks are also very stylish and can add a touch of elegance to any door. They are a popular choice for businesses that want to increase their security without sacrificing style.

In addition to the basic function of locking the door, some mortise locks are also able to retract the latch bolt from either side of the door when the handle is turned or the key is inserted and turned. This feature is a great benefit in case of emergency, such as a fire, where people need to get out of a building and can not open the door from the inside.

Elite offers a wide variety of trim and lever design options to choose from. These are often offered in different finishes, door thickness options, backset dimensions and strike options. It is important to specify the handling of the door when ordering a mortise lock, as some have standard handings while others do not.

Another feature of mortise locks that is becoming more common is the ability to incorporate an electrified bolt. This allows the latch bolt to be retracted from the secure side of the door by the handle or key, but it can only be withdrawn on the unsecured side when the solenoid is disengaged. This provides extra security in areas where unauthorized entry could be dangerous, such as in stairwells during a fire in Chicago in which many people died because they were locked in and unable to exit the buildings.

While mortise locks are more expensive than cylindrical locks, they provide increased strength and durability and are easier to install than other types of locks. They require a "pocket" to be cut in the edge of the door, and then the lock body that is usually 3.5 - 5.5 inches long is fitted into the pocket. It is possible for a homeowner to make the necessary cuts using a jig saw or handsaw, but it is generally recommended that a professional locksmith is hired. These professionals can often install the new lock in a matter of minutes. They can also repair damaged or old locks, and make adjustments to existing ones. They can even provide the right type of mortise lock for a specific need, such as a high-security application or a historical restoration project.