If you’re thinking of installing a mortise lock for your home or office, you might have some questions. What are the pros and cons of this kind of lock? Can they provide smart locking technology? And how are mortise locks installed?
Here at Red Key Locksmith, we know everything there is to know about mortise locks. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you find the locking system that is best for you!
What is a mortise lock?
Mortise locks are locking systems that are nestled inside of a door so that only the handle and keyhole are visible when the door is closed. While the mortise lock itself is quite bulky, housing the lock within the door makes the system look clean and sleek. And with the option for multiple latches and bolts, mortise locks offer superior security.
Mortise locks have been around for a long time, precisely because they provide great protection and hold up well to high traffic use. You’ll frequently find these locking systems in commercial spaces, offices, government buildings and residential homes.
Are mortise locks outdated?
Don’t let the traditional design fool you; mortise locks are far from outdated. In fact, you can find mortise locks with all the modern technology you need to keep your home or business safe.
Smart mortise locks, for instance, are some of the most popular locking systems on the market. Mortise locks can be outfitted with touchscreens, FOBs, keypads, and other unlocking mechanisms for security and convenience.
Because they’re so common, you’ll have no trouble finding mortise locks with big name lock sellers. Kwikset, Schlage, Yale, and most other lock companies offer smart and traditional mortise locks.
Are mortise locks ideal for all situations?
Like all locking systems, mortise locks aren’t designed for every situation. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when choosing whether a mortise lock is your best option:
- They require sturdy doors. Because mortise locks are housed within the door, it’s a good idea to make sure the door itself is structurally sound. Otherwise, you risk compromising the stability of the door when you carve out the pocket for the lock. For this reason, mortise locks are best suited for strong wood or metal doors.
- They can be more expensive than cylindrical locks. Mortise locks are typically more complex mechanically than cylindrical locks. So you can assume that the price for a new one will be a bit higher, as well. But what you get for the higher price is more security, which is the obvious choice for many home or business owners.
- Fixing mortise locks can sometimes require a professional eye. If you have a problem with your cylindrical lock, you may be able to look up a video online and fix the problem yourself. But mortise locks, especially antique ones, often require a trained eye. Your professional locksmith has the tools at hand that can protect the lock from damage, as well as the skill to get your mortise lock back in working shape faster.
For these reasons, you can see why a mortise lock may not make sense for a home office or hallway closet. Instead, mortise locks are ideal for commercial spaces or the exterior doors of your house.
Can you install a mortise lock by yourself?
Even if you’re great at fixing things around the house, we would still recommend calling in a trained locksmith to install a mortise lock. These types of locking systems take precision and skill to install properly, plus a set of specialized tools to cut down on time and lower the risk of damage to the door.
When it comes to security, you want a pro in your corner. A locksmith will make sure that your door maintains integrity and that your locking system is well-aligned and quality tested. And, if you’re installing a smart mortise lock, it’s helpful to have someone on-site who is familiar with the technology.
Any other mortise lock questions? Your local locksmiths have the answer!
To sum it up, the benefit of mortise locks is that they’re user-friendly, customizable, and strong enough to last even in high traffic situations. They may be a bit pricier than other locks on the market—and require a more involved installation—but they provide a level of security that will give you peace of mind.
Here at Red Key Locksmith, we’ve seen mortise locks of all shapes and sizes! Whether you need your mortise lock rekeyed, repaired, or upgraded for better security, we can bring your mortise lock up to speed.