About Mortise Locks Functionality And Security

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Mortise locks have been used to secure assets of humanity throughout history because of the lock’s strength and reliability. Today, mortise locks are generally used to secure various important assets and organizations. One mortise lock will efficiently function for a very long time.

Where you can find Mortise locks

Mortise locks are widely used on commercial properties. The lock can withstand a ton of mistreatment. Take a look at the bolt work inside of the lock body of a mortise. You will see that the mechanisms are large, and by holding the parts, you could feel their weight as well. The size and weight of a mortise allows the lock to withstand more use. The interior components of a mortise lock are designed with the intention that they will be easily replaceable and serviceable.. These components are made of a solid metal construction with large springs that are built out of robust materials.

The construction of Mortise locks

The mortise is an accumulation of many different components assembled in a form of a cassette that must be placed into a pocket inside the door. The following are the main features you may want to know in order to better understand the security that such lock can provide you. Please be aware that there are many other additional features you can add to the lock in order to improve security further such as an electric strike or a hard collar.

Portland locksmith vintage mortise lock
Locksmith Portland Mortise locks

Lock Body – This is the housing for the components that controls the operation of the lock.
Through Spindle – This thin, long rod goes through the handle/knob, the door and the mortise lock body.
Lock Cylinder – This is a threaded cylinder that secures through the door into the lock body, controlled by key.
Cam – It is a rotating, rectangular piece of metal that manipulates the handle/knob ability to retract the latch.
Strike Plate – This is a metal fixture that is fastened onto a doorway. It is lined up with the latch bolt and (possibly) the deadbolt that resides in the lock body of the mortise.

When a mortise lock is installed, the body of the lock is placed into a pocket that has been cut into the side of the door. The cylinder gets threaded into the lock body, which goes through the door and the knob, finally making its way onto the spindle. When the mortise has been installed correctly by a professional company such as NorthWest Locksmith Portland, turning the key inside of the cylinder will have positive results. The key will rotate the cam on the back of the cylinder and this will unlock the latch. From here, the handle /knob will retract the latch and the door will be unlocked.

If you are an owner of a business office, mortise locks are probably the answer you have been looking for. Remember, safety is the key, not only when a locksmith in Portland install your locks, but also in the way you service and handle them daily. Never stop improving your home and business security.