When it comes to ordering door hardware the fun part is choosing the right style of door handle to suit both your budget and taste. There are many sites that offer a full range of door handles as well as my own site where we offer a very extensive range of custom door handles.
The less enviable task though is deciding what type of locking mechanisms to choose. In a previous piece I discussed the choices for interior passageway and privacy doors so here I will be focusing on entry doors.
Increasingly smart homes are being designed to be electronically opened by remote digital devices. However, even with the onset of digital technology the homeowner will still be deciding whether to use a mortise lock or tubular deadbolt which will still function when the power dies.
Mortise Lock: Is typically a larger lock that sits inside a pocket that is cut into the door. The lock has a metal case and part of this locks superior security comes from the very heft and size of the metal box that contains the lock mechanism. The lock boxes made by Accurate Lock are extremely sturdy and they are made with ports one for the door lever’s spindle, the other for the cylinder lock and one for the turn piece. The lever or knob port is the “hole” through which the spindle of the door lever or knob passes and which will have a door lever or knob, one at each end. By depressing the lever or turning the knob, the latch or tongue of the lock will be “thrown” thus holding the door shut. The door can be locked by using a key inside a cylinder which when turned will throw the bolt. If you are on the inside of the door and want to lock the door you can do so either by using a key if you have ordered a double cylinder or by using a turn piece to throw the bolt.
The less enviable task though is deciding what type of locking mechanisms to choose. In a previous piece I discussed the choices for interior passageway and privacy doors so here I will be focusing on entry doors.
Increasingly smart homes are being designed to be electronically opened by remote digital devices. However, even with the onset of digital technology the homeowner will still be deciding whether to use a mortise lock or tubular deadbolt which will still function when the power dies.
Mortise Lock: Is typically a larger lock that sits inside a pocket that is cut into the door. The lock has a metal case and part of this locks superior security comes from the very heft and size of the metal box that contains the lock mechanism. The lock boxes made by Accurate Lock are extremely sturdy and they are made with ports one for the door lever’s spindle, the other for the cylinder lock and one for the turn piece. The lever or knob port is the “hole” through which the spindle of the door lever or knob passes and which will have a door lever or knob, one at each end. By depressing the lever or turning the knob, the latch or tongue of the lock will be “thrown” thus holding the door shut. The door can be locked by using a key inside a cylinder which when turned will throw the bolt. If you are on the inside of the door and want to lock the door you can do so either by using a key if you have ordered a double cylinder or by using a turn piece to throw the bolt.
Tubular deadbolt with keyed cylinder – we have already written about tubular latches but when used in conjunction with a cylinder, a key is used to turn the tumbler or cylinder which throws the deadbolt. As mentioned above it is possible to have a double cylinder which would allow you to lock your door from either the outside or inside but this type of cylinder can be a fire hazard when needing to rapidly escape unless you have a key always available. If you have a propensity to loosing keys I would not recommend this option and would suggest a turn piece rather than key be used to throw and release the deadbolt.
Some of the factors to consider when choosing an entry lock:
Location and level of security needed - this is clearly a personal decision with some homeowners feeling more comfortable with keyed mortise locks on all entry doors with others feeling comfortable with tubular deadbolts on less visible doors such as the patio doors.
Local condominium and co-op by-laws – may require a particular type of mortise or tubular latch that meets egress requirements set by local fire and building departments.
Cost and ease of installation- even if you consider yourself a handy person I do not recommend that you try and install a mortise lock as you need the right tools to cut a fairly large 6” x 3” x 1”pocket for the mortise. So not only will this type of lock cost a lot more you will definitely need to have it professionally installed unless you are ordering a new door in which case the door manufacturer may offer this as an option.
Some of the factors to consider when choosing an entry lock:
Location and level of security needed - this is clearly a personal decision with some homeowners feeling more comfortable with keyed mortise locks on all entry doors with others feeling comfortable with tubular deadbolts on less visible doors such as the patio doors.
Local condominium and co-op by-laws – may require a particular type of mortise or tubular latch that meets egress requirements set by local fire and building departments.
Cost and ease of installation- even if you consider yourself a handy person I do not recommend that you try and install a mortise lock as you need the right tools to cut a fairly large 6” x 3” x 1”pocket for the mortise. So not only will this type of lock cost a lot more you will definitely need to have it professionally installed unless you are ordering a new door in which case the door manufacturer may offer this as an option.
