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Welcome to 'Security'- learn about the world of locks and Security

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Mortice Locks

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Security Locks

These variations give more in lock choice, where a combination gives greater flexibility and security.  An example of such a combination could be:

  • A rim cylinder night latch, in addition to; either a sashlock or deadlock. This would give security where the door is automatically locked when it is shut by means of the night latch.  The mortice lock could then be used only when retiring for the evening or when going out and leaving the property empty. 

  • A sashlock with handles could be used at the centre of the door, with bolts top and bottom, the bolts could be surfaced mounted or the concealed type.

  • Lever HandlesAlternatively, a sashlock with handles fitted at the center of the door, with two mortice deadlocks, one at the top and bottom, all 'keyed alike' for convenience.  Having a sashlock is handy, as the handles make it easier to pull the door closed on exit.

  • The rear door would normally have a sashlock and handles, which is convenient given that this door could be in constant use and left unlocked during the day.  In addition to this, bolts are usually fitted top and bottom.

One of the problems associated with the sashlock is, that the door could be inadvertently left unlocked because it is held close by the latch.  To overcome this, a night latch could be fitted.

Being fitted inside the door means that the mortice lock is not visible and if it not visible, it's not accessible, making it much more difficult to open without a key.  When I am asked to open such a lock, where the keys are missing, the first thing I try to do is attempt to establish the make and type of lock before starting to work on it.  As you may appreciate, a mortice lock does not give too much away in this respect, it's only by the fact that I work with locks everyday, as well as having a database of information on them, that enables me to identify what I'm dealing with.  This feature of the mortice, is an important security feature in its favour.

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