How to Fit a Mortice Lock

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Security of possessions and property is paramount to any homeowner. Ensuring any entrance has suitable and sturdy locks will assist this as well as provide residents with the peace of mind. Fitting a mortice lock to the main entrance door of any premise can be achieved successfully without the need for a locksmith.

Tools for Any Locksmith Task

Before removing any locks already in place, ensure you have the tools required to carry out the installation of the mortice lock. There are no specific locksmith tools required, but a general knowledge of woodwork or carpentry may make the installation slightly quicker or easier. Be sure to have the following in your tool kit:

• Electric drill and drill bits
• Wood chisels and crafting knife
• Coping Saw (a saw with a thin blade, similar to a junior hacksaw)
• Hammer or mallet
• Screwdrivers
• Tape measure and steel rule
• Some sandpaper and masking tape

The Installation Process

After purchasing the lock from a reputable locksmith and preparing the tool box, the next step is to install the lock into the relevant door. To receive the best from a mortice lock, place it halfway up the door – a centrally positioned lock offers more security as it allows less leverage at the top or bottom of the door.

• Offer the body of the lock to the side edge of the door where it is to be fixed and mark the centre; this is where the lock will fit into the door.
• Using a large drill bit, make a hole the same depth as the lock.
• Chisel around the hole; small chips at a time until the lock will fit snugly in the new crevice.
• Next, a keyhole needs to be created – Remove the lock from its new housing and use this as a template to mark where the keyhole is required.
• The keyhole can be drilled; a locksmith would now use the coping saw to shape the keyhole.
• The lock can now be screwed into place. With the door open, turn the key to the locked position. This will allow you to mark its position on the door frame.
• Take the face plate (a flat metal plate with a hole for the lock to enter) placing it in line with the lock mark that has been made and mark around the edge.
• Slowly chisel the boundary of the recess frame markings until it will lay flush with the door frame. Then chisel the centre until the locking bolt can fit in and extend fully.

Before finally fixing the lock and face plate, ensure the door will close and lock securely. By fitting the lock independently, the money saved on locksmith fees can be reinvested in the lock itself.

29 January 2016