How To Choose the Lock For the Front Door | Build.com Blog ...

Choosing between a mortise lock and a tubular lock (like this handleset from Omnia) could take a little research.

OK, it might not be a timeless debate, and it probably won?t split political parties or rip families apart. But when it comes to safety in your home, it?s as good a question as any other: Are tubular locks ?better? than mortise locks?

Tubular locks can be found on doors everywhere, especially interior residential and office doors. The most common types of tubular style locks are single and double cylinder.

The security level for most applications is outstanding and tubular locks are usually easy to install and replace as long as standard bore holes are already cut in the door: Make sure your new latch has the correct backset length (the measurement from the edge of the door to the center of the bore hole), then simply follow the installation instructions.

If you?re looking for the most secure type of entry set, it?s gotta be the mortise lock. A special cut in the door allows a longer and thicker mortise to slide into the door pocket for superior protection.

Mortise locks are the most secure type of residential lock.

Mortise locks were real common prior to 1940 (before the introduction of bored cylindrical locks), but are still available today in single cylinder, double cylinder, and dummy set.

These types of locks need special door preparation, so if your door isn?t currently cut to fit a mortise lock, you?ll need a mortise saw to cut into the door so the lock fits properly. Not all mortise locks have the same dimensions, so take careful measurements prior to any door alteration.

Those are the tubular and mortise locks basics. Whatever your unique door hardware security needs, you can be sure to find everything at Build.com.

Let the debate rage on?

Until next time, Happy Home Improving!

Source: http://blog.build.com/door-hardware/1117

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