Mortise Lock Repair

A mortise lock, also spelled mortice lock in British English, is a type of lock widely used for securing doors and furniture. This lock requires a pocket, known as a mortise, to be cut into the edge of the door or piece of furniture to accommodate the lock mechanism. Mortise locks are common in various parts of the world and have a rich history dating back centuries.

Mortise locks can have various locking mechanisms, including warded, lever, or pin tumbler mechanisms. The lock body, lock trim, strike plate, and keyed cylinder are essential parts of a mortise lock installation. The lock body is installed inside the mortise cut-out in the door, and the lock trim can be selected from a variety of designs.

The installation of a mortise lock requires cutting a pocket (mortise) into the door to fit the lock body. While it weakens the door structure, the embedded lock provides strength and versatility. Mortise locks are preferred for their robustness and ability to accommodate various functional security configurations.

When selecting a mortise lock, considering the door's opening direction, forend shape, door type and the lock's specifications, such as backset and center distance, is crucial.

Here are some of the most common measurements you might need when selecting a replacement mortice lock:

• A: Backset
• B: Center Distance
• C: Case Depth
• D: Case Height
• E: Forend Length
• F: Forend Width

• Mortise locks on Wikipedia