Understanding Mortise Locks: A Comprehensive Guide

What are Mortise Locks?

A mortise lock is a kind of lock that is affixed to a door's edge, with a rectangular cavity or "mortise" cut into it. Because this lock is integrated into the door structure, it is usually more robust and secure than other types of locks. Older homes, high-security residential properties, and commercial buildings all frequently use mortise locks. Because of the various benefits that their design and construction provide, they are the material of choice in scenarios where increased security and durability are critical.

Mortise locks have been around for a long time. Additionally, they have changed with time, much like most things in life. We'll be going over the details about mortise locks in this blog post, along with some suggestions for some of the best mortise locks from some of the popular manufacturers to guide you in finding the best Mortise lock for your commercial facility.

Types of Mortise Locks

Keypad mortise locks

Modern electronic door locks called keypad mortise locks combine the ease of keyless entry with the security of conventional mortise locks. The Sargent keypad lock is one of the most popular keypad mortise locks.

The main attributes and advantages of these locks are as follows:

Keypad mortise locks do not require real keys; instead, users can unlock the door by entering a code on a digital keypad.

For both residential and commercial structures, these locks often provide high-level security with ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 accreditation.

They can be applied in a variety of places, such as offices, hospitals, and colleges.

Lever Mortise locks

Lever mortise locks are a kind of door lock that combines the simplicity of a lever handle with the security of a mortise lock. Because they combine strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal, lever mortise locks are a popular option for both high-end healthcare and commercial applications. They can withstand harsh conditions because of their durable build and adaptable design. Sargent lever mortise locks are one of the most popular mortise locks.

The main attributes and advantages of lever mortise locks are as follows:

For lever mortise locks, the door's edge must be grooved to create a pocket, or mortise, into which the lock case is installed. Compared to cylindrical locks, this design offers more strength and endurance, which makes it perfect for applications with significant abuse and traffic.

Although indicating the hand when placing an order is usually necessary, these locks can frequently be readily field-reversible without requiring the lock body to be disassembled.

Applications for lever mortise locks are numerous and include:
Commercial structures
Residential real estate, particularly in an upscale area
locations with a lot of traffic
Places where heightened security is necessary

Ligature Resistant Mortise Locks

Specialized security systems called anti-ligature mortise locks are used in psychiatric hospitals, behavioral healthcare facilities, and other settings where patient safety is the main priority. It is the purpose of these locks to stop people from hurting themselves or other people by fastening ligatures (cords, ropes, or other materials) to the lock operation.

Some of the best ligature-resistant mortise locks are as follows:

A lock that resists ligatures, the Sargent 8200 with BHW Trim is made to the highest standards of craftsmanship. This mortise lock, designed to be a component of the Behavioral Health Series, strikes the ideal balance between patient safety and security. It is primarily intended for facilities seeking to meet specific criteria while providing a distinctive blend of aesthetics and usefulness, despite its versatility for a variety of applications.

Corbin Russwin ligature-resistant Mortise locks

A Grade 1 mortise lock made to withstand the demands of heavy traffic in commercial, institutional, industrial, and government applications is the Corbin Russwin ML2000 series. The lock body, made of heavy-gauge steel, has a 1" stainless steel deadbolt and our unique Quick Reversible latchbolt. The adaptability and dependability of the ML2000 are enhanced by a broad range of trim styles and features as well as a 10-year warranty. This lock has tapered-edge stainless steel escutcheons that are impervious to vandalism and Torx® tamper-resistant screws. When combined with the unique high-security Pyramid cylinders from Corbin Russwin, any door may effectively deter intruders.

Advantages of Mortise locks

Comparing mortise locks to ordinary cylindrical locks, the former is stronger and more resilient to efforts at forced entry.
They are more challenging to avoid or break since they extend farther into the door frame.
More security and privacy are provided by the internal mechanisms' lack of external visibility.

Because they are made to endure frequent use, mortise locks are less likely to break or deteriorate over time.
Usually, they are composed of stronger materials.

A variety of sizes (e.g., 2.5" and 3") are available for mortise locks to suit a variety of door types.
They can be altered to provide further features or more locking points.
Accessible in locking and non-locking pathway versions, they can be used in a variety of rooms.

Mortise locks improve the appearance of a space and are available in a variety of styles and finishes.
They enable additional door handles with an antique appearance, opening up new design possibilities.

Mortise locks are perfect for front doors since they can be locked from the inside as well as the outside.

In an emergency, some mortise locks can be made to be fire-rated, which helps stop the spread of fire.

Contemporary mortise locks can be made with a variety of unlocking options, including passwords, cards, fingerprints, and keys.

Top-Picks for Mortise locks

Schlage L9000 series Mortise locks

In a variety of business and institutional contexts, including healthcare facilities, retail stores, institutions, and K–12 higher education, Schlage Mortise Locks provides reliable performance. Their adaptable design makes it possible to integrate them seamlessly with a variety of door types and applications. Grade 1 Mortise Locks from the Schlage L Series are renowned for their strength and security. The L Series offers a wide range of 33 levers and 12 finishes. It can be seamlessly coordinated with various Allegion lock designs and exit trims to create surroundings that are both aesthetically beautiful and harmonious.

Sargent Mortise locks

For all business applications, these locks are made to offer the highest levels of performance, security, and longevity. With their unparalleled flexibility and versatility, these locks—which are available in the 7800 and 8200 Series—set a new industry standard as the first multi-functional lock bodies. These locks have cutting-edge locking mechanisms, maximum security, and a sturdy, long-lasting structure to thwart unwanted entrance. These locks are a flexible option for a range of applications because they come in a wide selection of styles and finishes to match any decor. To endure harsh usage and offer enduring functionality, premium materials such as brass, stainless steel, and hardened steel components are incorporated into their construction. Two of the most popular Sargent mortise locks are:

Sargent 7800 series:

Heavy-duty mortise locks in the Sargent 7800 Series are ideal for commercial applications with a lot of traffic. It has a robust design and a range of features to meet various security requirements.

Sargent 8200 series:

The Sargent 8200 Series mortise lock is a multipurpose lock with excellent functionality and security. It can be found in a variety of finishes and features to meet your needs for door hardware.

Corbin Russwin Mortise locks

For individuals searching for the best locking mechanisms available, Corbin Russwin Mortise Locks are a reliable option. Specifically crafted for use in commercial, institutional, industrial, and governmental settings, they can be seamlessly integrated into doors to provide enhanced security and a refined appearance. A Grade 1 mortise lock, the ML2000 series is a testament to Corbin Russwin's inventiveness and is built to last in high-traffic situations.

Accentra Mortise locks

For a variety of commercial applications, Accentra 8800 Series Mortise Locks are made with unwavering strength and durability in mind. Quick lever handing, a field reversible latchbolt, and a standard non-handed strike make installing locks simple. With its heavy-duty, vandal-resistant trim, strengthened stainless steel deadbolt, and ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification for longevity and durability, the 8800 Series Mortise Lock provides a new level of security.

Final Thoughts

Mortise locks are an excellent choice for applications requiring high security, durability, and versatility. While they may involve higher initial costs and more complex installation, their long-term benefits in terms of security and longevity often outweigh these considerations for many commercial and high-end residential settings. Visit Qualitydoor.com and select the best mortise locks and other door hardware parts for your facility from our wide collection. Get in touch with our experts for additional details and assistance.

Give us a call at (800) 992-3667.