How The Mortise Lock Fits Into the Door

• A mortise lock has a thin rectangular body which must be placed in a pocket of a door or piece of furniture. There is a keyhole slot cut into the door and then the decorative plate is put into place. The plate can be made of iron, stainless steel, brass or even copper. It is often ornately stamped and cut into interesting shapes.
  
  

Parts of the Lock

• The lock's body is usually rectangular in shape and, today, no more than 5/8 inch thick. This is the piece placed in the mortise. The strike plate is the piece placed on the door frame into which the bolt or bolts slide when the key is turned. The lock's trim is the piece into which the key is placed and which also may contain a knob with which to open the lock from the inside.
  
  

History of the Mortise Lock

• People have always wanted to keep their valuables safe from thieves or curious children. Rudimentary locks appeared in early Egypt as long as 4,000 years ago. Romans actually had metal warded locks (using skeleton-style keys). With the improvement of metalworking techniques during the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s, the double-action device used in mortise locks was developed. Since then there has been constant improvement and strengthening of the mortise lock.
  
  

The Mortise Lock Today

• The mortise lock is the most common lock in use in 2010. You can buy a variety of brands made in the United States, Europe, Japan and China. Even though you have to cut a mortise in your door, it still remains very structurally strong. With a long double or triple bolt and a strong strike plate, your door will resist a thief's strong kick.
  
  

Installing the Lock

• You may find it very difficult to install a mortise lock correctly. To cut the mortise you need special tools, and the installation of the hardware is a precise job. You may find that a locksmith or a carpenter may cost more, but the frustration saved will be worth the price.
  
  

Antique Mortise Locks

• Antique mortise locks dating from before 1940 have become a sought-after commodity. New upscale condos and apartments value the classic look that you get from these antique locks. Handcrafted trim can be very ornate, and the older locks are still a deterrent against thieves.