When installing a door, it is always important to take into consideration whether or not it will be able to make a strong first impression. The door is the first thing that people see when they walk into a home or office and therefore it is important that the door, including the lock, be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. In order to achieve this balance, people have been using Mortise locks.

 

There are numerous different advantages that are associated with choosing a mortise lock, but the most discussed is the decorative trim that every mortise lock has. This decorative trim can be purchased in many different formats that range from being ornate, almost resembling trim that could be found around an antique lock, and sleek, smooth, and modern. No less important however, is the security and strength that the lock is also able to provide. A mortise lock has the very largest lock body available, they are able to be configured in many different formats to fit whatever other hardware is needed to provide adequate security. They are able to be changed to perform any latch bolt retraction that is needed, allowing basically any type of lock to be further installed. 

Other advantages include the fact that there is not a lot of the lock being exposed when a person uses a mortise lock. This makes it a great deal more difficult for potential thieves and other wrongdoers to attempt to sabotage it, increasing the security that it is able to provide exponentially. This, combined with being able to accommodate pretty much any type of lock, including those that provide the highest security level, creates a very potent lock that is not easily bypassed.

 

In order for a mortise lock to be installed correctly, a pocket needs to be cut into the door, which is labor intensive procedure. This pocket will have all of the necessary openings to control any operations with the use of handles, levers, cylinders, and thumb turns. A mortise lock can be installed in practically any sort of door, including wood, metal that has been hollowed, and aluminum. They come in a variety of different forms, including ones that only have a latch, ones that only have a deadbolt, and a combination of the two. 

Although there is no single method of preparing a door to have a mortise lock installed, there are some similarities from installation to installation. Most mortise locks will need a 2-1/8″ cross bore at a 2-3/4″ back set. It does not matter if the additional holes will need to be drilled because the mortise lock will cover them so that they cannot be seen. The main reason why there is no standard preparation procedure is because each mortise lock varies based on the company that is manufacturing it. 

There are numerous different jigs and templates that are available for installing mortise locks. The best companies will provide aluminum templates that have been made through machining methods. These templates can be used to show the person installing the lock exactly where to drill the holes and create the openings for a specific manufacturer’s locks. The templates will be attached to the door by using clamps. Then, drill bits and other tools that are required by the template can be used to make the holes. 

Templates are used to reduce the chances of the door being damaged. However, it is always recommended to take an extended period of time with installing mortise locks in order to further decrease the chances of damage.