Every homeowner needs to have a proper lock set on the doors of their home, but with so many different types of locks, it can be overwhelming to understand which ones are best. The most common types of locks for doors in the U.S. are mortise locks and cylindrical locks. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and we will go through them so you can decide which one to choose for your house.
What Is a Mortise Lock?
A mortise lock is a type of security device installed within a door. This type of lock is different from other locks. You must cut out the door and fit the lock into it, creating a pocket (the mortise) for the lock. Therefore, it is important to have a door with the correct thickness to accommodate a mortise lock. It means that you will likely not find them on internal doors but rather on entrance doors to your home. Instead, these locks are most commonly seen on main entrance doors.
Advantages of Mortise Locks
Strength: Mortise locks are incredibly secure and offer better protection than standard deadbolts. These locks are made of heavy-duty steel that resists picking, sawing, and lock bumping. Premium quality ones are said to be able to handle up to seven tons of pressure. That is the same amount of force of a large vehicle crashing into your door!
Aesthetic Appeal: Mortise locks are not only known for their top-notch functionality but also their classic appeal. These locks use materials like brass and bronze. The sleek look of mortise locks is surely hard to find in other internal locking systems. In addition, the smooth exterior and minimalistic characteristics of these locks make them a nice addition to the rest of a space’s interior scheme.
Versatility: Aside from a neat exterior appearance, another benefit of mortise locks are the concealment of unsightly cables that run through the door frame. Backset types are available in both interior and exterior types. On the other hand, faceplate types fit inside the door (making them a perfect option for homes with multiple doors).
Heavy-Duty: Mortise locks have a much longer lifespan than most other types of locks. These locks have a robust steel body and can endure 5,000–7,000 cycles over their lifetime. That is nearly ten times as many as the typical cylinder lock. Furthermore, they also require professionals to oversee the installation process, making them more reliable, safer, and less likely to fail.
Disadvantages of Mortise Locks
Pricey: High-security mortise locks can be quite costly, often more than the price of replacing an entire door. But it is worth investing in a quality mortise lock if you want maximum security for your home or business.
Difficult to Install and Rekey: Mortise locks can be a bit more tricky to install and rekey than your standard door lock. Installation requires some good carpentry skills, so if you are not confident in your abilities, it might be best to avoid this option. Also, professional services are usually needed to rekey locks with mortise after installation or repair work has been done.
Harder to Repair: In comparison to cylinder locks, mortise locks are more difficult to maintain in excellent operating order. In a mortise lock, the latch and lock are all components of the same bolt. As a result, if one breaks or bends, you will need to contact a locksmith to replace the entire unit.
Locksmith Near Me
At Kardo Locksmith, we understand the importance of quality locks and security. We are experts in the installation and service of mortise locks. We also understand that you may need help choosing the right lock for your needs, so we offer a wide selection of brands and types of locks that match your demands.
Our 24 hour locksmith services are available for homes and businesses in Los Angeles, CA, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn more about our locksmith Los Angeles services or ask for free estimates!
Recent Comments