Mortise locks for steel doors: device, types and installation

In the modern market today you can find a large number of different door locks, each model of which has its own characteristics and differs in protection class. All these parameters are usually indicated in the passport for the product, which should be initially studied upon purchase and installation.

Mortise locks for steel doors have a number of advantages, which are the main criteria for their selection. The main advantage of these devices is that they are divided into classes depending on burglary resistance, as a result of which their cost differs, so everyone can choose the necessary structures according to their capabilities and needs.

The main benefits include the following:

• reliability of the structure;
• the presence of protective elements against burglary;
• durability;
• quality.

Currently, locks are classified according to such degrees of security as:

• I is a serial production device that is simple in design and is not a big obstacle for thieves;
• II - it is more reliable and will take longer to crack;
• III - these locks have an increased degree of security;
• IV is the most reliable mechanism with a high level of protection, it is difficult to open it even with the help of special equipment.

On the market today, you can choose any door lock that comes with a handle, with a spinner, a cylindrical, and so on. The most common are several types, each of which has its own characteristics, but also has its drawbacks.

• Suvaldnye. Nowadays, they are quite popular. Their name comes from the principle of the internal mechanism. The body is made of high quality steel plates, and inside there is a reliable locking system. In order to open the mechanism, it is necessary to use special keys that have teeth that can line up the plates in a certain order, so it is difficult to choose a master key for these types of locks. The wrench is a regular rod, which is equipped with two plates. Grooves are made on them that fit the plates inside the mechanism. Such locks are sold with various classes of protection, and the durability and reliability depends on the availability of armor plates and other points.

• Crossbar. These devices belong to the first class of safety and are equipped with a simple mechanism, and also do not require adjustment or adjustment before use. The keys to them have grooves on both sides, due to which the device can work. The peculiarity is that these types of locks can be equipped with handles, which makes it easier for the owner to enter the apartment, but also helps thieves get inside faster. Such mechanisms can be easily broken with ordinary master keys.

• Cylinder. These constructs come in different classes and types.The cheapest of them can be opened with an ordinary pin, and more complex systems are difficult to open even with special master keys. The downside of these products is that they are usually not opened, but simply broken out of the canvas. Such a shock lock falls into the room and opens access to the apartment. Therefore, such devices are not in demand.

• Electronic. If necessary, you can use an electromagnetic or electronic lock, which increases the protection class, but at the same time its connection and installation requires certain skills and knowledge. And also when connecting these types of locks, you will need to connect the room to a centralized security system, which not everyone can do. A special feature is that in the absence of power from external sources, the lock will not work.

A mortise lock for a metal door can be of various types. The most common are cylinder locks, which have several types of mechanisms in their line.

• Single row pin. At their core, these devices are code pins that are made of quality material. Inside there are plates of the correct shape with turnkey notches.
• Double row pin. Inside, there are also pins, of which there are more than in the previous version. Special double-sided keys are used to open them.
• Special. A special feature is the presence of conical milling on the key, and inside the mechanism, from 2 to 4 rows of pins can be located. All of them are located at different levels, which improves the security system of the lock and complicates the selection of ready-made options for opening.
• Cruciform. In these designs, the notches are located in the shape of a cross and a key of the same shape.
• Disc (Finnish). These are relatively inexpensive devices that can be used for installation in any type of door. They have a long service life.

When buying, it is important to carefully read the information that is presented in the passport for the product, choosing it depending on the features, functionality and characteristics of the iron door. It is important to take into account the dimensions of the canvas itself, the rating of the manufacturer of locks, because today there are many models from Chinese and domestic manufacturers. If necessary, you can choose locks in the gate, which will provide additional security and protection from intruders. Quality products must be accompanied by a certificate. All first class products are not certified, but when purchasing them, it is also worth inspecting and checking functionality.

Today, buyers are offered three types of locks. All of them have differences in fastening methods and reliability.

• Mortise. These locks are used for metal entrance doors or solid wood, which have a plane inside to accommodate the structure. Locks are quite popular but require some skill to install.
• Overhead. They have a special shape and are mounted on the canvas with screws from the outside.
• Hinged. These are separate parts in the door structure, so you can simply open them.

As you can see, the most reliable locks that are in demand among consumers and they can be installed in metal doors are mortise structures. If necessary, they can be additionally reinforced with metal plates located on opposite sides of the door leaf. It is important to choose such plates with a thickness of at least 4 mm in order to reliably protect the lock mechanisms from burglary. When choosing, it is recommended to pay attention to such points as:

• choose the security class of the lock;
• determine its cost, which will help to calculate your capabilities;
• select a device with different functions depending on the installation location.

And also initially it is important to understand whether the purchased mechanism can be put on this or that door, since some canvases do not imply the installation of a mortise lock, so only overhead mechanisms need to be installed in them. It is not recommended to save on the purchase, since it is the castle that will protect your home from thieves. Therefore, such savings can turn against the owner of the apartment, and a cheap lock will not stop a burglar. When choosing, it is recommended to ask the seller for product documentation, which will indicate the compliance of the mechanisms with all standards and requirements. The certificate provides information on their reliability class. And also it is worth paying attention to the manufacturer, choosing only those models that are in demand.

Currently, there are also secret locks, which are distinguished by a complex design and have an increased degree of protection. Their main difference is that the locking system and the key slot have an unusual shape, so it is difficult to pick up a master key for them. All parts in the locks are made of wear-resistant alloys, they are durable and reliable. Such a lock belongs to the line of mechanisms with a high degree of protection, therefore, it has more than a billion combinations that make it almost impossible to break it and select a master key. It is recommended to purchase and install such locks in appropriate premises where a high level of protection is required. It will not always be advisable to install such locks in an ordinary apartment, since they are quite expensive. A feature of such a lock is that the internal mechanisms are resistant to acid, therefore they can withstand various degrees of external negative influences.

Regardless of whether a mortise type lock will be used for a steel door or for entrance doors made of other materials, its installation or replacement is carried out according to certain rules. And also you will first need to prepare tools and perform such actions as:

• buy a lock;
• determine the place of its installation;
• do the job.

When installing a mortise lock, you will need tools such as:

• ruler;
• pencil;
• square;
• drill;
• Bulgarian;
• hammer;
• chisel;
• screwdriver.

This stage is the most important and responsible, therefore, it must be carried out, accurately performing measurements, which will subsequently affect the quality of the installation of the lock and its durability. Initially, you need to choose the correct location for the lock. Experts recommend mounting it at a height of 1–1.5 m from the floor. But everyone can choose this parameter individually, depending on the characteristics of a particular room and the entrance door to it. It is also important to install a lock on the paneled structure opposite the beam located in the middle of the canvas, which will help to strengthen the door structure and increase the reliability of the lock.

The calculation should be made by drawing lines with a pencil on the end of the door leaf. Further, on both sides of the canvas, it is necessary to mark the holes for the handles and the slot for the key. Using a ruler, the size of the lock itself is determined, and then these parameters are transferred to the door leaf and the necessary holes are drilled in it. If it is a steel door, then the manufacturer assumes the availability of space for installation in it, and also recommends choosing certain types of locks for this, which are suitable in terms of parameters and dimensions.

After that, it will take a little effort when using the tools. They will need to cut holes that were previously marked on the canvas. To do this, you can use a drill or a grinder, if it is a metal sheet.The connector obtained during the work must fit tightly the body of the mechanism. Further, the work is carried out as follows:

• a lock is inserted;
• fastened with screws;
• pads and handles are installed

After these measures, you can install a strike bar. The connectors on its surface must match the protrusions on the lock itself. And it is attached to the door leaf with self-tapping screws. After completing the work, it is necessary to check the functionality of the lock and turn the key or handles several times. In this case, the latches themselves on the lock should not touch the bar. It can be adjusted if necessary.

As you can see, the choice and installation of a lock for a steel door is a rather time-consuming and responsible process, therefore, a specialist should be involved in such work who will produce it or give the necessary advice. And also it is worth considering all the criteria when choosing a lock - the type of door, the type of room, the purpose of using the lock and other points that only a trained person is familiar with. The burglary resistance and class of the lock should be taken into account, therefore, without the necessary qualifications and skills, it is better to refuse to carry out such work. A guaranteed result can be obtained only with the help of correct preliminary manipulations and preparation.

For information on how to properly install a mortise lock in a metal door, see the next video.