Introduction

This lock can be used as an extra security feature to an exterior door and should be fitted well below the latch to add support to the door and help prevent a forced entry. Ensure there is ample daylight to finish the task and never leave the door unattended for obvious security reasons.

The procedure for cutting the mortice is the same weather you are fitting the lock to a new or existing door.

Step 1: Positioning the lock
Step 2: Marking out
Step 3: Cuttig the slot
Step 4: Preparing for the faceplate
Step 5: Making the key hole
Step 6: Fit the lock
Step 7: Fit the striker plate

Step 1: Positioning the lock

Measure the breath of the door to make sure the lock will fit. Avoid positioning the lock at the cross - rail joint. It is important to position the mortice lock well below the cylinder lock.

Mortice locks are made in various sizes. A typical lock body measures up to 100mm (4in) deep, but 65mm (2½in) deep locks are available for narrow breaths

A doors stile needs to be at least 45mm (1¾in) thick to take a mortice lock.

Step 2: Marking out

The better the mortice lock fits the safer the door will be, an over sized mortice lock will weaken the door stile. A mortice lock should be a snug fit in the slot or mortice only the faceplate, which is set flush with the edge, should be visible when the door is open.

Scribe a vertical centre line in the stile for the mortice. Placing the mortice on the vertical line mark the top and bottom of the mortice to indicate the length of the mortice.

Step 3: Cuttig the slot

Select a drill bit that is the same diameter as the thickness of the lock. Drill a series of overlapping holes the length of the mortice. With the wood chisel clean out the waste to leave a neat rectangular slot for the lock body.

Step 4: Preparing for the faceplate

Slide the lock into the mortice and carefully mark round the faceplate with a knife. Some locks have a separate faceplate cover that is fixed to the plate with short screws.

Cut a recess to set the faceplate flush with the edge of the door. Make a series of shallow cuts across the marked out area and, with the chisel held bevel down, pare out the waste.

Step 5: Making the key hole

Hold the lock against the face of the door with the faceplate level with the recess. Mark the centre of the keyhole with a bradawl. Drill a hole through the door (clamp a block of scrap wood to the other side of the door to prevent splitting) then use a padsaw to cut a keyhole on each side of the door.

Step 6: Fit the lock

Fit the mortice lock and try the key from both sides. If all is well, screw the lock in place and attach the faceplate cover if required. Screw the escutcheon plates over the keyholes.

Step 7: Fit the striker plate

Now fit the striker plate to the doorframe. With the door open, shoot the bolt out and close the door against the door post. Mark the position of the bolt on the frame. Cut a small mortice and recess for the striker plate in the frame.

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