What are the different types of mortice locks, and why and when would you use each?

A mortice lock is a type of locking mechanism that is set into a cavity (or “mortice”) within the edge of a door, making it flush with the surface.

There are several types of mortice locks:

• • 5-lever locks

    These are used in high-security settings such as front doors.  Inside the lock there are 5 levers. These five levers are designed to align with the key’s cuts, allowing the lock to be engaged or disengaged only when the correct key is used. The more levers a lock has, the more complex the locking mechanism is. This makes it harder pick or manipulate the lock and provides a higher level of security. Due to this 5-lever locks are sometimes a requirement for insurance. There are 2 types of 5-lever mortice locks – the sashlock and the deadlock. The sashlock has an integrated latch and deadlock, whilst the deadlock is simply the deadlock by itself.

  • 3 lever locks

    These are designed in the same way as the 5-lever locks, however with just 3 levers that align with the key’s cuts making them a less secure key lock. Use these for low-security settings such as internal doors that need to be locked, such as cupboards you don’t want children accessing or services cupboards. Again it comes in both a sashlock and deadlock version.

  • Euro locks

    These feature a cylindrical core, or “euro cylinder,” which is typically removable from the door for easy replacement or re-keying. The cylinder is the part of the lock where the key is inserted and turned to operate the lock. Euro locks are suitable for both high and low security settings and are very useful for if you are wanting to key alike or master keying locks.

  • Bathroom locks

    Bathroom locks do not come use a key for locking, and instead use a WC turn and release. These are good for providing privacy, but they provide minimal to no security. These are therefore mainly used in bathrooms, changing rooms etc.

Our range of mortice locks come in 16 finishes meaning we have a solution to suit every interior style. We want to make sure your door has a full set of matching ironmongery from the handle, to hinges, to mortice locks.