What is a mortise lock? The most common type of door hardware most folks have is a tubular latch like the image labeled tubular below. Tubular latches fit into a 1" cross bore and are pretty simple to install. Mortise locks, as shown in the graphic, have a larger box that slides into the edge of the door. They have a solid construction and smooth operation and are considered a high end upgrade. The locking mechanism for privacy sets is a turn button below (as shown), rather than a pin in the rosette. NOTE: Mortise locks require more specialized door preparation. Mortise locks will not fit into doors that are already prepped for standard tubular latches. Please check how your doors are prepped before ordering.

To Order: Choose Mortise Passage or Privacy From the Function Menu?

Why would you choose an interior mortise lock instead of a traditional tubular lock?

Most homes throughout the United States and Canada have doors that are prepped with standard 2 1/8" bore holes and 1" cross bores. This type of door prep is what most door hardware brands are designed to fit and is an industry standard. We have a huge selection of Emtek door hardware that will fit standard door prep. The benefit of having doors prepped in this way is that it makes it easy for the consumer to replace door hardware with another brand or style without too much hassle. These types of locks are also very easy to install requiring minimal tools.

It is common these days for the home owner to have the desire to set their home apart from the rest with something unique and different. In addition more and more home owners are looking for higher quality custom products that are more durable, operate smoother mechanically and provide a high end feel you would expect in expensive high end custom homes. Mortise locks provide this high quality feel and function people are looking for. Mortise locks aren't necessarily any harder to install than standard tubular latch door hardware, but the door prep is much different and more time consuming to do.

If you have existing doors prepped for standard door hardware - meaning 2 1/8" bore hole with a 1" cross bore - it would difficult to convert the doors to accept mortise locks. Your best bet is to install door hardware sets that are designed for that type of door prep. If you are building a new home, or replacing all of your doors and do not have them prepped yet, you might consider prepping them for mortise locks for a high end look and feel. Items found in this category are available in a mortise lock function - just choose that option from the function menu.

We also have a great selection of Emtek Entry Mortise Locks that are keyed for security on exterior doors.