Mortice lock
|
| A common lever-type mortice lock in the UK. |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A mortice lock (or mortise lock) is a lock that is carved or cut into a pocket on the side of a door or piece of furniture. This type of lock is sometimes used as a second lock for increased security and is commonly found in residential applications.
[edit] History
The mortice lock was commonly used in older buildings in the United States. Two of the country’s early presidents, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison both mentioned mortise locks as their security devices of choice. In 1788, Thomas Jefferson wrote to John Trumbull to request “mortise locks” on a carriage he wanted made to his specifications.
In 1798, James Madison included a reference to the devices (“mortise locks which I accordingly prefer”) in a letter to Jefferson. The letter followed with a review of matters of state. The discussion of locks came before the discussion of politics.
[edit] Operation
The locking body of a mortice lock is installed in the door, piece of furniture or other object while the box keep is installed in the facing frame. The mortice lock works by projecting its locking device (or lever) into the corresponding space on the facing side of the door frame or other object. A key is often used to operate the bolting mechanism and move it into the locked or unlocked position.
Mortice locks can create a layer of security on top of that which has been provided by standard cylindrical locks. Commonly available in deadlock and sashlock varieties, mortice locks are used in residential and commercial properties throughout the United States and Europe.
NB Code of practice: Hardware for fire and escape doors, Issue 5, published by DHF and GAI in November 2024, defines a deadlock as a: ‘Lock that contains only a deadbolt.’ Where a deadbolt is a: ‘Bolt that is operated in both directions by a key, handle and/or thumb turn.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.