The Traits of a Mortise Cylinder

Degol: The Traits of a Mortise Cylinder

1. Threading

The cylinder will have threading the outside of the device, which is similar to the threads on a screw. In order to secure it, you will have to rotate the device so that it threads into the corresponding grooves on the lock body. Other than the rotation of the lock cylinder, there is nothing else that is fastening it to the lock body. Nothing will need to be done on the other side of the door. Once you have oriented the cylinder by screwing it in, the lock will function.

2. Cam

The tailpiece for a mortise cylinder is flush against the back of the lock. Most often it will have a circular shape with a small rectangle coming out of it (resembling a flat Ping-Pong paddle). The round section will be fastened onto the cylinder with screws. When the plug is rotated, the rectangular end will move and open the lock. A downward turn of the cam unlocks the device by depressing a button within the lock body. The depression of that button is what opens the lock. The existence of a cam is apparent if the removed cylinder can rest flat with the keyway pointing up toward the sky/ceiling.

3. Interior Lock body

The lock body of a mortise cylinder is its greatest defining characteristic. The name mortise refers to a hole, or recess, which is designed to fit a corresponding piece. In the case of a mortise lock, this hole is cut into the side of the door to fit the mortise lock body. The size and shape relation of the mortise resembles a VHS tape. In the event that the allusion to antiquated technology does not paint the picture, take a look at the door when it is open.  Examine the length of the door that lines up with the strike plate. More specifically investigate where the deadbolt and/or latch bolt extends from. If the size of the faceplate is approximately the size of your hand then that is an indication that it uses a mortise cylinder. For glass doors, your mortise may use an Adams Rite deadlatch. The mortise, in this case, will be significantly smaller, not in length, or height, but in width. The main takeaway is that the lock body resides inside the mortise of the door.