With the introduction of new kinds of door handles and locks within the household, some people still use traditional ones like the mortice locks. These are used in the timber doors and are usually embedded in them. They have either a deadlock or a sash lock for opening and closing it.
However, before installing it to the door, it is important to know the right size or dimension of the mortice look. Thus, this article is a must-read if you want to know how to measure mortice lock for a house door. Most of the time it fits into the recess that is cut into the leading edge of the door.
So, are you ready to learn what a mortice lock is and how to measure the right dimensions to fit it perfectly to the door? Let's go through this article together.
What Is A Mortice Lock?
These are the kinds of door locks that are installed into the recess cut out on the leading edge of the door. This means that after installation, only the forend of the lock is visible when the door is opened. They usually come in different functions, like the most common ones, the 5-lever sash locks or 5-lever deadlocks. Also read, what is a mortice door lock?
The mortice deadlock sizes may vary according to the thickness and size of the door. Therefore, it is always recommended to measure so that it fits perfectly and is highly functional. It slides the deadbolt into the keep of the door frame that stuck into it and helps in locking or closing the door.
How To Measure Mortice Lock Dimensions? 4 Steps
Before replacing or even installing a new mortice lock, it is important to measure its dimensions so that it fits the door and is applicable. Therefore, we have listed below some of the steps that you can follow in measuring the dimensions of a mortice lock to choose the right one:
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Backset
The first dimension to measure when buying mortice locks is the backset. It is the distance between the centre of the keyhole and the edge of the lock. This dimension can vary for different sizes of locks. Therefore, it is better to make sure what dimension you need for your door in order to maintain its aesthetics.
In most cases, the dimension for the backset is 44mm for locks that are 64mm and for locks that are 76mm or more, the backset is usually not more than 56mm. If you have not measured it directly then there are chances that you will face difficulty in using it after the installation on the door.
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Centre And Case Depth
This dimension is measurable most of the time only when the handle spindle passes through the lock. But it is not commonly required. It is measured from the centre of the keyhole to the centre of the follower hole, which is the square hole through which the handle spindle passes.
This is the most important dimension as it decides how deep the cut or recess should be in the leading edge of the door for fitting the lock. It is measured from the edge to edge of the lock. The UK case depths are generally between 64 to 76mm. But if you are replacing an old lock, then it would be wise to check it for better fitting.
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Forend Plate Length And Width
In mortice lock measurements, it is also important to measure the size of the forend plate. This is the part that is visible when the lock is inserted into the cut and is visible only when the door is open. Depending on the design of the mortice lock that you are installing, you could find different-designed forend plates whose ends might be round or squared.
The other dimension of the forend plate that should be measured is its width. It varies with the thickness of the door. Therefore, it is better to first know how thick the door is and then measure the width of the forend plate accordingly. This will ensure that the lock will fit perfectly on the door.
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Case Height And Width
The case width is measured by measuring the distance between the edge of the case and the edge of the forend plate. If you are replacing the old lock, then it is always best to go with the mortice locks that have the case width the same as the old one. This will make sure that it totally fits the door (How to fit door handles?)and there is no hole visible.
Lastly, the case height is measured from the top left corner of the case to the bottom left corner of the case. It will provide you with the total height of the case, which would ultimately complete the mortice lock dimension so that you can buy it from the market and install it on the door to increase its aesthetics or functionality.
Tips For Choosing The Right Mortice Lock
With so many mortice lock designs in the market, it might be difficult to choose the right one. Thus, the following are some things that you can look for in the lock to make sure that it is authentic and durable:
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Type Of Mortice Lock
When buying them, the first thing to do is decide what kind of lock you want to install on the door. Deadlocks and sash locks are used in front and back doors, respectively. This will narrow down the search list and make it easier to choose the right mortice lock.
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Security Level
Another thing is to consider the security level you want in the front door. In this case, the 5-lever mortice lock would be the best to use. Then, you can explore further designs, colours, and finishes of this lock to ensure that it matches your home's vibe and surroundings.
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Door Length And Width
Mortice locks come in many thicknesses and widths. The right size is decided by noting the dimensions of the door to ensure that it suits the lock. This will provide you with a door lock that is durable and fits the door best.
Conclusion
Are you still wondering how to measure mortice lock? If yes, this article is a must-read. It lists the dimensions, like the case height and width, forend plate, and backset, that should be measured in order to choose the right mortice lock for your home doors. If you are also struggling to choose the right lock, then this article might be helpful, as it also lists some tips you can follow to buy the best lock in the market.
FAQs
How to measure door lock?
Measuring the mortice lock is pretty easy. Start by measuring the case depth and height, followed by measuring the dimensions of the backset, forend, and faceplate width. Then, you can measure the whole lock. This will help you determine whether it will fit your door or not.
How to install a mortice lock?
The installation process of the mortice locks is simple. You only need to cut a block of wood from the leading edge of the door that matches the size of the lock. Then simply insert the lock in it and screw it to the door with the help of a screwdriver. Your lock is now ready to use.
What is the size of the backseat in mortice locks?
The backset dimension is 44mm for locks that are 64mm, and for locks that are 76mm or more, it is usually not more than 56mm. This dimension can be measured easily to ensure that the locks fit properly into the door and are functional.