A mortise lock is a special type of heavy-duty lock that has various components housed in the interior of the door. The mortise lock is considered to be more secure than the standard cylindrical lock and can provide the best safety for your family if you install it on your entry door.
The challenge begins with deciding which mortise lock set best suits your door and that’s why we’re providing you with a list of the top mortise locks on the market.
We’ve already compared features like door thickness, ease of installation, and durability. You have to invest in mortise locks so you can properly secure your home.
An average lock will not be durable or reliable, placing your safety at risk. This resource is a great place to gain the information you’ll need to know before you make your final decision.
Best Mortise Locks:
1. Wright Products VMT115PB, Brass Serenade Style Mortise Set
This fancy serenade-style mortise set by Wright Products is brass inside and out, but it is also available in a satin nickel finish. Purchase this universal set to replace most of your mortise-style locks with a 3/4-inch or 1-inch backset. This imported set also coordinates with Wright’s serenade entry locksets.
Most consumers are pleased with this lockset. It fits great and only takes a little bit of time to install. It works well and looks nice once it’s installed. Quite a few people saw it feels like they have a new door when they’re using this lock. This well-made lockset lasts for a long time.
This universal heavy-duty mortise lock will fit most standard doors with no problem. The classy design will enhance the look of even your oldest doors. It might take a few minutes to install, but once you place it on your door you’ll get a brand-new look and feel.
New customers should be aware that the handle is set up for a right-side placement. If you need to install it on the left side you’ll need to turn around the pieces.
Pros
- Works well on screen doors
- Good quality product
- Good price
- The lock pieces have ridges that you can break off to fit different door widths
Cons
- Installation can be a challenge
- Instructions could be better
2. Prime-Line E 2495 Mortise Keyed Lock Set with Classic Bronze Knob
This mortise keyed knob by Prime-line will make a great replacement or update for your lock sets. It is just right for broken antique models as well as others.
This style is available in classic bronze, brass, and satin nickel. The bonze style brings a lovely traditional look with modern quality. Get this set to replace your old knob quickly and easily.
Consumers feel the quality of this set is good and the installation is pretty quick. The price is nice and it looks great on older doors.
If you’re looking for a standard mortise lock set, then this set is right for you. It is universal and can easily replace the majority of other lock sets, especially on older doors.
It will enhance the look of your door, making it look brand new again. New users should be aware that the lock plate that attaches to the door jam might cause you to do a little chiseling in your jam for a flush fit.
Pros
- Looks good
- Good price
- Fits nice
- Fast installation
Cons
- The knob tends to squeak a little when turned
- Have to manually turn the knob towards the latch for the lock
- Tends to jam with ease
- Have to chisel extra space in the door frame
3. Prime-Line Products E 2294 Mortise Keyed Knob
This indoor mortise lock assembly kit by Prime-Line has a vintage style and is constructed with cast steel. You can buy this kit as a single pack or up to 5 packs.
The installation for this kit is fast and easy. Just slide the mortise lock into your existing door pocket and the hour lock is fixed. This kit works on right or left-handed interior doors.
Consumers feel that this is the mortise door lock set for the price. These locks are lighter than your standard vintage mortise locks but they still look good and function smoothly.
They also seem durable and consumers expect their installed locks to last a long time. Consumers also appreciate that this kit works great on old doors.
New customers should check the measurements against their current system. Some customers reported the kit being too large or small to swap out from their old locks.
Another thing to note is that even though the mortise case lock ships to close in a specific direction, you can still easily reverse the latch for opposite swinging doors.
Pros
- well made lock
- Fits well
- Great price
- Easy to install
- Interchangeable locks
Cons
- Not available in different colors
- The skeleton key is not a standard
- The part that retracts the latch seems to be of poor quality
4. Global Door Controls 1-1/8 in. Mortise Lock Body
This mortise lock with deadbolt by Global Door Controls has a 1-1/8 inch backset. You can install this lock on both your left and right-handed doors.
The keyed mortise cylinder is not included in this lock. This lock is designed for steel or aluminum framed entry doors and accepts standard (A/R) cams.
Consumers have reported that this lock is made from quality and is a perfect fit. The installation is simple and consumers say they feel more secure with the long deadlock. Overall they feel that this product works smoothly.
This black mortise lock seems to work well for those who use it, especially those using it on retail storefront doors. It is strong and durable and comes at a decent price.
Another great thing about this lock is it can be reversed. Increase your door security by purchasing your long bolt lock today!
Pros
- Good price
- Solid construction
Cons
- Cylinders are missing
- Latch and face are not flush when the door is unlocked
- The locking bolt can be too long in some cases
5. Guard Security Gotham Heavy Duty Mortise Attached Lockset
This heavy-duty lockset by Gotham has the mortise attached. This right-hand lock is polished brass and is also available as satin chrome as well as a left handle.
This lockset was designed to complement your current home décor. It was constructed from durable material and has a reliable mechanism. This system works best for keeping your business and home locked down.
Consumers are happy that this lock looks great and is super easy to install. They believe it’s made with great quality materials for the price. It works perfectly as a replacement for old mortise locks that no longer work.
This lockset is perfect for updating the locks on an old door or changing the locks on your new home. The majority of these locks are re-keyable and they only take a few minutes to install.
If you’re looking for a lock with good-quality parts that will last a long time, then this is just the right set for you. Purchase your lockset today and start replacing those old worn-out locks. Make your old doors function like new ones right away!
Pros
- Well assembled
- Simple installation
- Looks nice
Cons
- Might take a little work for the lock to fit on an old door
- The deadbolt length is a bit long
- The inside handle has more play in it than it needs to
6. Pella 2 Point Bolt Mortise Lock Body
This 2-point bolt mortise lock body by Pella is for storm doors. It has a white color and this latch is perfect for a replacement if your original storm door latch wears out.
Consumers are happy with this lock because it works great and it fits perfectly. It makes worn doors seem brand new. It’s also easy to install and will rid you of any problems you are having with your Pella storm door latch.
This lock body is designed to replace all of your Pella storm doors whenever your old one breaks. Older doors tend to have trouble with latches over time, but as soon as you start having difficulty with your current latch you can order one of these lock bodies. Buy one today and get your storm door working properly today!
Pros
- Fits great
- Works excellent
- Simple installation
Cons
- N/A
7. Prime-Line E 2497 Mortise Keyed Lock Set with Glass Knob
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This mortise Keyed lock by Defender Security has a glass knob and works great for those who are replacing antique locksets and other parts.
This set fits doors with a 2-3/8 inch backset. This set is classic bronze but it is also available in satin nickel and polished brass.
Consumers like that this lock is solid and feels nice when the handle is turned. The door locks solidly click when you shut the door. They appreciate that this beautiful set fits their older doors. Overall they are happy with this lovely look and its price.
New purchasers should consider thread-locking adhesive on the set screw will prevent your knob from slipping. Another thing to note is that on your modern doors, you might have to hollow out your mechanism box area.
Use this knob lock set to replace or update your current interior door hardware. This set is easy to install on both your new and vintage doors. Purchase this beautiful mortise deadbolt lock today to instantly improve the look of your doors.
Pros
- Includes 2 keys
- Easy to install
- Doesn’t jiggle
- Solid construction
Cons
- Cover plates seem a bit flimsy and easily bend when you tighten the screws
- Adjustments will have to be made to use this on modern doors
What is the Mortise Lock?
These types of locks are referred to as higher security locks and they can be opened with a key from the inside or outside. These locking systems can also be combined with other security systems to help protect your home.
These locks might be best used for children’s rooms or entry doors to your home. If you’re deciding between a mortise and vs cylindrical lock, here are a few advantages and disadvantages to consider:
Advantages of a Mortise Lock Include:
- Hard for intruders to open
- Comes in different sizes
- Looks nice
- Dual locking system. Doors with these locks can be locked from both sides
- Passage function. Add this lockset to your kid’s room so that the door is secured closed without locking
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Disadvantages of a Mortise Lick Include:
- The installation process is more involved
- Price is higher
- Not compatible with all door thicknesses
- If a replacement is needed, then the entire lock has to be completely taken out
Factors to Consider
Door thickness:
Take your door measurements first because a commercial mortise lock set needs a certain thickness to be installed. You don’t want to order a lock that is either too big or too small.
How many keys are included:
Find out how many keys are coming with your lockset and also if the lock can be re-keyed.
Acceptable doors:
Make sure the lockset you want can be used on the type of door you need it for.
Not all mortise locksets work on all door types, especially entry doors. When you identify that your mortise lock can work on a door, you’ll still need to verify that it’s okay for either an interior or exterior door.
Knob style:
Consider where you are installing your lockset and pick a doorknob that compliments the area. Stainless steel and brass are probably best for budget purchases, but there is also the option of cutting glass or diamonds.
Durability and materials:
Longer-lasting materials are brass and stainless steel, but you can always aim for a pretty finish coating that contributes to durability as well.
Installation
You might need to hire a professional for your perimeter doors. A miss-installed lock can lead to failed security which is very detrimental to a door that leads to the outside.
If you are unsure of the installation of this heavy-duty lock, consider hiring a locksmith to complete the installation or service properly. Be confident that you are securing your home.
Take a photo of your current mortise bolt work before you start the replacement so you know where to put everything.
Learn how to identify some of the problems that could be wrong with your mortise so you can figure out what the problem is
Conclusion
If you’ve finished reading this compilation of mortise locks then you are a lot better off than the average mortise lock shopper. The final step is deciding on which mortise lockset will provide the best security for you so you can purchase one.
Burglary is becoming more and more common in all neighborhoods, so now is the best time to go ahead and invest in a locking system that will benefit you and your family. Take your door thickness measurements, and think about what type of lock you need, how many, the age of your doors, and where they will be installed.
If you’re nervous about installation, remember to contact a locksmith, especially for your perimeter doors. Check out the reviews to make sure you’ll be happy with your purchase and then invest in a mortise locking system that will keep you and your family safe at all times.
