A mortice lock is any lock that sits in a pocket, cut in to the edge of a door. In this blog we will be looking at the different types of mortice locks.
Mortice Deadlocks
The first type of mortice lock is a deadlock. Deadlocks are operated by a key only and are sometimes used alongside a rim night latch to provide additional locking in the centre of your door. Handles are not required with deadlocks, turning the key or thumb-turn retracts the centre deadbolt. Mortice deadlocks are commonly fitted to external front and back doors. They are fitted to wooden and timber doors but cannot be used on uPVC or composite doors.
Mortice Sash Locks
Sash locks are a combination of a latch and a deadlock. The lock can be activated from the inside or outside by either a key or a thumb-turn, whilst the latch part is operated by a handle or a knob from either side. Mortice sash locks can be used on both internal and external doors, you should ensure that they are British Standard approved if being fitted on an external door.
Mortice Night Latches
Mortice night latches lock as soon as a door is closed, so you don’t need to worry about using a key to lock the door. Once the door is shut it will be locked and you will need a key to open it from the outside again. From the inside, the door can be unlocked by turning the handle.
3 Lever Mortice Locks
3 lever mortice locks are designed mainly for internal timber doors in domestic properties. They are best suited for doors which need to be locked for privacy purposes, rather than for security purposes. Because 3 lever locks have fewer levers, keys can be duplicated more easily and therefore the locks are less secure. Keys are supplied with 3 lever mortice locks.
5 Lever Mortice Locks
5 lever mortice locks are usually used on external timber doors in domestic properties, they are more secure than 3 lever locks as they have 2 extra levers. The lock itself is made up of a latch and a deadbolt. These are one of the three types of external door locks that home insurance companies require, providing they are compliant and kitemarked to BS3621. Keys are supplied with 5 lever mortice locks.
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