4 Steps to Effectively Installing a Mortise Lock System
When it comes to keeping your home safe, you should have a deadbolt on all your exterior doors. There are different types of deadbolts, though. There is a tubular lock, where the latch bolt and the dead blot are in two separate holes inside your door frame. Then there is a mortise lock, where a steel box is placed inside your door frame and the latch bolt and deadbolt both fit inside the steel box located inside one hole in your door frame.
A mortise lock system is designed to provide extra security, with an extra-long bolt and the steel box providing additional reinforcement. When it comes to installing a mortise lock system, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure proper installation.
Step #1: Measure the Door
Before you purchase a mortise lock system, you need to measure your door. You need to know both the width of the door stile as well as the thickness of the door. The lock's body can be purchased in different sizes, and these are the measurements you need to buy the right sized lock.
Step #2: Be Careful When Drilling
Once you have the lock and are drilling to install it, you need to be careful not to drill too far. You should only drill a tiny fraction of an inch past the length of the body of the lock.
Measure the length, measure your drill bit, and set the depth-stop attachment on your drill at that length. If you don't have a depth-stop attachment, you can put a piece of tape around the drill bit at the appropriate length so you know when to stop drilling.
Also, pay attention to the thickness of the drill. You want the thickness of the drill to be just about the same width as the lock body. If you drill too wide, you could weaken your door and cause a split around the lockbox that will compromise its integrity.
Step #3: Test the Fit
You are going to want to test the fit before fully installing the lock. Take the bolt and extend it and see if it will fit into the opening you drilled. If the lock doesn't go in or gets stuck, pull it out and drill until the lock easily fits.
Step #4: Double Check the Keep Plate Position
Once you have the steel box installed in the door frame, you need to attach the lock to the door. Measure the door again and make sure you place the lock to line up with the frame and engage when the door is locked.
A mortise lock system on your exterior doors is a great way to keep your home safe. You can install the lock yourself or hire a professional for a mortise lock installation.