Mortise lock have been in existence for many years now. And, like most things in life, they have evolved over time. In this blog post, we will be going through the history of the mortise lock and explain some key concepts about these locks that you might not know about.
What is a Mortise Lock??
A mortise lock is a type of lock that is installed into a rectangular cavity or "mortise" cut into the edge of a door. This lock is typically more secure and durable compared to other types of locks because it is embedded within the door structure. Mortise locks are commonly used in commercial buildings, high-security residential properties, and older homes. Their design and construction offer several advantages, making them a preferred choice for situations where enhanced security and longevity are paramount.
1) The original design was called a “biscuit” because it could be shaped by force from both sides with a chisel and mallet similar to shaping biscuits with cooking utensils.
2) Mortise lockset used to be very heavy, and they required a strong strike plate for a sturdy hold. The strike plate for mortise locks was usually double the thickness of the door.
3) Mortises could be bored with wooden chisels and mallets or they could be squared off by using an auger (a drill for boring holes).
4) Mortise locks are shallow enough to allow a lock strike to be mounted on the edge of the door stile. This makes mortise locks easy to use when space is limited, such as in a small house or apartment. They are also much easier to install than cylinder-style doorknobs. Their shallow depth also makes mortise locks less susceptible to damage from rough handling.
5) The first mortises were box-shaped, and they provided security by setting the lock into the door, letting someone open the door only if they also had a key. Today, modern mortise locks have evolved into a graceful cylinder shape with a rounded back. This provides the user with such benefits as easy handle operation and smooth profile aesthetics while providing security by preventing intruders from simply prying open the lock.
So there you have it: 5 things you need to know about mortise locks. But there’s something more which you should know if you’re planning on buying locks for your home or commercial space.
Mortise locks are a type of locking door hinge, unlike standard hinges which mount the hinge pins on one side of the door. Instead, mortise hinges pass through the edge of the door and each goes into a hole in the edge of its corresponding sideboard.
There are many reasons to use mortise locks over other types; one such reason being that they can be locked from either side when installed properly on double doors or when mounted to slab doors since they have no visible screws or pins on either side.
A mortise lock's advantage over other types is that it can fit into many different doors. Mortise locks are installed in what is called a mortise, a rectangular-shaped hole usually cut into the edge of the door and the jamb. The mortise lock's main body is shaped like a large letter "T." When looking at the front of the door, it has a square section that attaches to the door facing. On its left and right sides are separate parallel vertical sections that go into matching rectangular holes cut into the jamb.
Another advantage to mortise locks is that they can be recessed deeply within a door's edge, flush with the outside face, or anywhere in between. However, as a door's edge thickness increases, the installed depth of its mortise lock will also increase.
So, go ahead and choose the right one for your doors. For a quick suggestion, Park Avenue Locks have a huge collection of mortise locks online. The wide product range can be accessed on the company’s website.
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 yale locksets, lcn door closers, electric strikes, door hinges, and many more. 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/