Mortise locks are common in older commercial and residential buildings, as well as newer buildings with higher property value, since these locks are more expensive and secure than cylinder locks. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Sierra Pacific Engineering & Products (SPEP)
Long Beach, CA | 800-433-5554As an ISO certified source for industrial hardware, Sierra Pacific Engineering & Products is a company you can trust in for excellent locks. Quality, service & value are the core to being a top OEM supplier and SPEP offers a wide range of additional products.
Locking Systems International Inc.
Orlando, FL | 800-657-5625Locking Systems International is a leader in the supply of custom built cam locks, switch locks, vending locks, padlocks, door locks, electronic locks and OEM Locks, building a reputation on quality locks and locking systems. In addition to standard security and general purpose locks, we design and manufacture application specific locks to serve companies of all sizes across the industrial sector.
Southco
Concordville, PA | 610-459-4000Southco has over a century of manufacturing experience. Specializing in access hardware solutions, Southco's products are in constant contact with people all over the world. Our products include latches, locks, fasteners, gaskets, hinges and many other products. Our commitment to quality product construction and customer satisfaction set us apart in our industry. Visit our website to learn more.
Kenstan Lock Company
Plainview, NY | 800-859-7874Kenstan Lock Company provides high-quality showcase and locks. Since 1963, Kenstan has manufactured five comprehensive lines of products, each with its own specialized safety level for retail, commercial and industrial use. Kenstan also offers a wide range of hardware locks including mortise and rim cylinders. Kenstan believes in producing quality products for its customers.
Austin Hardware & Supply, Inc.
Lee's Summit, IL | 800-821-3520Since 1960, Austin Hardware has always gone the extra mile to give our customers a competitive edge in their markets. Austin Hardware employs the most knowledgeable, experienced and courteous industrial and vehicular hardware specialists in our industry. We supply aluminum castings, fenders, forgings, locks, latches, catches, rubber products, drawer slides and much more.
Mortise Lock - Sierra Pacific Engineering and ProductsMortise locks are often seen in hotels, office buildings and homes of the upper class. Although they are costly, their prestige adds value to a building because they provide superior security over other types of door locks.
Installing mortise locks is difficult, and takes a degree of woodworking skill and much precise measuring. A portion of the door must be carved out to fit the large rectangular body of the locking system. This component houses the locking component, including the handle/lever/doorknob and deadbolt, a thick, solid piece of metal. A metal plate is also installed into the door frame and aligned with the lock body. The turn of a key or lever prompts the bolt, usually made of steel, to slide into the opening in the door frame when it is turned.
Mortise - Sierra Pacific Engineering and ProductsAll mortise locks are composed of four basic parts: the lock body, the lock trim, a strike plate and the keyed cylinder. The lock body is the part that is installed into the door frame. The lock trim is the knob/handle that is used to open the door. A strike plate is that which lines the hole in the frame where the deadbolt fits. And the keyed cylinder operates the locking and unlocking function of the lock body.
These components are usually made of metals such as brass, nickel, copper or steel grades. For aesthetics, they are often engraved with detail, polished or plated and come in many different finishes to match the décor of the building.
A mortise lock is stronger and more secure than a cylinder lock for a couple of reasons. First, the lock mechanism is covered on both sides, and only a lever or key on the inside can cause the deadbolt to slide back inside the door component. In addition, the bolt is much longer and thicker.
Because mortise locks are so difficult to install and repair, only an experienced locksmith should work on them. If the latch has weak tension, the pins and springs are probably worn out and should be replaced by a professional.