Mortise locks have been around since the 18th century. They come integrated with handles for a comfortable unlocking experience. However, they were hard to obtain earlier and expensive, so only formal rooms had them. As a result, they were rare. However, things are different now. With a long history, these locks can be trusted to protect your home or business even today. You find them being widely used in their newly evolved shape and form.
Mortise lock composition
This lock contains several components to create a safe locking environment. The conventional style locks sit inside the door pocket or the mortise cut-out. The lock body contains the latch bolt and deadbolt and is attached to the door by screws. A lock cylinder is slipped inside the lock body. It is also where you insert a key to lock or unlock your door.
The cylinder contains a keyway that resembles the shape of the key. A local locksmith Portland Oregon will install the decorative escutcheon plate on top of the mortise lock system and keyway. You can pick a stylish plate finish to match the door's aesthetics. Another integral component will be the strike plate, which will be placed on the door frame on the other side of the lock body.
The strike plate features an opening for the latch or bolt to engage with the door during closing time. The robust deadbolt, extending into the door frame, offers additional security. It prevents the door from opening when someone applies force. The latch bolt contains a spring and helps the door stay closed when locked.
Mortise lock functioning
Do you live in Gresham? A locksmith Gresham Oregon can install the lock for you. However, you must know how it operates to decide on this choice. As hinted, it is a lock-and-key mechanism. You insert the key in the cylinder to move the pins to lock or unlock the door. The lock cylinder consists of pins of varying heights, and they need to rise to a specific level to allow the lock cylinder to move. Due to this, only a corresponding key works here.
Interestingly, each key has a unique contour, matching the lock cylinder's internal structure. It is so done to increase the lock's security. More precisely, a mortise lock offers optimum security due to the plethora of pins, their heights, and the key's shape and form. If you opt for customization, you can find these locks safer, modern, and convenient.
Best places to use mortise locks
You can install these on office doors to protect the sanctity of confidential data. However, the key should remain with managers or senior executives only. Hotel rooms can also have these locks. However, hotel rooms often follow multiple locking systems, including card + key. Typically, hotels keep the keys as a backup. Homeowners can also rely on these locks, as the unique keys open only their respective doors, eliminating the risk of easy access.
Whether you reside in Portland or Gresham, you can discuss this option with a locksmith to understand its benefits for your purpose. The experts can also assist you with installation and other tasks.