Mortise vs. Cylindrical Locks – What’s the Difference?

There are a very large number of different businesses each with their own individual needs and each of them will have security as their primary focus and yet very few of these companies have any understanding of the different types of door locks which is used in the industry. Most people have very little understanding of the different lock applications which is used in different conditions and circumstances. In general most people assume that all available commercial locks is more or less the same, which is grossly over simplifying matters because there is a huge difference between one type of lock and another and likewise the conditions in which those locks is most effective may also be completely different to the conditions which will apply to a different lock. The most glaring difference between a mortise lock and a cylindrical lock is the fact that a mortise lock requires a pocket or an indention to be cut into the door at the specific spot where the lock is to be fitted.

The mortise lock package

Several things will be included in the package where in this lock will be sold and this will include the actual lock body which is simply the part which is going to be installed inside the pocket or mortise which has been cut in the door. The package will also include a lock trim and there are many different designs available and it is possible for consumers to select one which is the most suitable for their particular needs and preferences. The next item will be the strike plate which is simply the reinforcement panel with the keyholes which is installed in the frame, and which will actually be the part to which the door lock will latch, or to put it differently, the lock will extend into this strike plate. The last part which is included in the package will be the keyed cylinder which will be necessary to actually lock or unlock the door where in that lock is fitted.

The cylindrical lock

This lock is designed to be installed from one end of the door to the other and on each end there will be fitted a lever or knob which will ensure that the latch retract when the lever or knob is turned. These locks are normally very popular because installation time is somewhat quicker. It is only necessary to drill two holes into the door, one in the position where the lever or knob is going to be fitted and the other where the latch bolt is going to be installed. Because there is no need for a mortise pocket, installation of cylindrical locks is significantly quicker and therefore these locks is very popular in offices, family homes and many other places. Before deciding on a particular type of lock it is important to analyze your security needs and then to do some research so that a well-informed decision can be made regarding which particular lock will be most suitable for your needs.