Many people will look for replacing a mortice lock because it is keeping them awake at night worrying about the security of their home. Here are 5 tips on how to fit a mortice lock in your home.

One of the most common queries in our Mortice lock fitting advice forum is from people who are unaware of how to fit a mortice lock. This is understandable, as locking handles are big and heavy – they're not something you can just pick up and fit on your own. But while locksmiths can be costly, they don't have to be. In fact, the actual fitting procedure is relatively simple.

Many homeowners opt for the reliability of a mortice lock for their front door. Also referred to as a deadbolt, it is mounted with a locking plate which secures the door from inside, allowing you to lock and unlock from the outside by using your key. In order to ensure greater security while meeting aesthetic requirements, many people prefer the look of a traditional mortice lock to the more utilitarian look of a rim cylinder.

Mortice Door Locks have remained a safe and secure way to keep doors closed for years and years. They are called mortice because they are fitted into a hole (mortice) cut in the edge of a door and secured by large vertical screws. Mortice locks act like the keyhole to your house's safety. They can be fitted onto all kinds of doors, from interior to exterior, from timber to metal. 

5 Tips For Buying & Fitting A Mortice Lock

 When you buy a lock, it's important to get the right one for your door. Get the wrong one and it won't fit properly. It will be difficult to remove, expensive to repair and could even make your home less secure.

 

Here are five tips to help you buy and fit a mortice lock:

1. Check The Lock Type

Mortice locks come in several different types, including rim cylinder locks, mushroom cylinder locks and vertical deadbolts. Some have just one keyhole while others have two or three. Make sure you get the right type of lock for your door.

2. Check The Cylinder Size

The size of the cylinder determines how many keys can be cut from it. You'll need at least two different keys so that you can give one to each member of your family or share one with a neighbor if necessary (e.g., if someone is ill). This might seem like overkill but it's better than having to arrange for a locksmith at short notice when you misplace your key!

 

3. Measure twice, cut once

Before you buy a mortice lock for your home, it's important to make sure that you get the right size. If you're getting a new door fitted, measure the thickness of the door frame and make sure that it will accommodate the chosen lock. If you are replacing an existing lock, measure and mark up the position of each of its fixing holes on the door frame before removing any existing screws or nails.

4. Get professional advice

If you're not sure which type of mortice lock is most suitable for your home then it might be worth seeking expert advice from a professional locksmith or fitter who can advise on what options are available and how they should be installed.

5. Consider Your Budget

Mortice locks are available for all budgets so whether you want a standard cylinder lock or a top-of-the-range deadbolt, there’s something for everyone. If you’re fitting a new set of locks on an existing door then it’s worth considering whether it might be cheaper to replace the entire door rather than just the lock – especially if they aren’t working properly anyway!