Mortise locks are one of the most popular locks used on doors today. But, if you’re thinking about installing a mortise lock on your door or looking to replace an existing one, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to pick a mortise lock so that you can get the job done right.
Why Pick a Mortise Lock?
There are a few reasons you might want to pick a mortise lock. For one, mortise locks are incredibly secure and can be difficult to pick. They’re also very durable and can last for years if properly maintained. So if you’re looking for a lock that will provide maximum security for your home, a mortise lock is a great option.
Things You’ll Need
In order to pick a mortise lock, you’ll need a few basic materials. These include a tension wrench, a pick, and a hammer. You might also want to have a screwdriver on hand if you need to make any adjustments to the lock.
How to Pick a Mortise Lock Step by Step
Step 1: Finding the Keyway
The first step in picking a mortise lock is finding the keyway. This is the hole in the door where the key goes in. There are often markings on the lock that will help you find it.
Step 2: Insert the Short End of Your Tension Wrench
Insert the short end of your tension wrench into the keyway, and turn it in the direction that would unlock the door. Apply pressure to the wrench with your fingers.
Step 3: Insert Your Prybar
Now that you’ve located the sweet spot, it’s time to insert your prybar. For this part, you’ll want to use a thin, flat object like a screwdriver or a butter knife. Gently insert the blade of your chosen tool into the mortise lock at the sweet spot. Apply pressure to the handle once the blade is in place and pry the lock open.
Step 4: Apply Slight Pressure on The Wrench
With the tension wrench in place, apply very light pressure in the direction you want the lock to turn. In most cases, this will be clockwise. For example, if you’re picking a right-handed mortise lock, that would mean applying pressure to the bottom of the wrench. For a left-handed lock, you would do the opposite.
Step 5: Apply Upward Pressure:
Once you have inserted the pick and felt it contact the pins, apply gentle upward pressure. You should feel the pins move one by one until the lock “pops” open. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, it is best to leave this step to a professional locksmith.
Step 6: Remove the Tension Wrench and Prybar
Now that the pins are all set, removing the tools from the lock is time. Carefully remove the tension wrench and pry the bar, making sure not to disturb the position of the pins. If they move, you’ll have to start over from scratch.
Turn the key once the tools are out and see if the lock opens. If it doesn’t, reset the pins and try again.
When you’ve successfully opened the lock, remove the key and put everything back in the toolbox. Congratulations, you’ve just learned how to pick a mortise lock!
Some Other Ways to Pick a Mortise Lock
Step 1: Finding the Keyway
The keyway is the slit in the mortise lock that the key inserts into. In order to pick a mortise lock, you will need to insert a thin pick or tension wrench into the keyway to apply pressure or torque to the pins.
Step 2: Inserting the Pick
Once you have found the keyway, you need to insert the pick. There are many types of picks, so you must find the right one for your lock. Ensure the pick is inserted in at a 90-degree angle to the keyway.
Step 3: Pushing up On the Pins
Now it’s time to start pushing up on the pins. You will need to do this one at a time and listen for a click. Once you hear the click, move on to the next pin.
Step 4: Turning the Lock
Once all of the pins are in the correct position, you can turn the lock. If you have trouble turning it, ensure all the pins are in the correct position.
If you follow these steps, you should be able to pick a mortise lock. However, remember to practice on a few different locks before trying it on a real one.
Can You Pick a Lock With A Paperclip?
The common misconception is that you can pick any lock with a paperclip. While picking some locks using this method is possible, it’s not as easy as it seems. Most locks cannot be opened using a paperclip.
Mortise locks are a type of lock that can be picked with a paperclip. The locking mechanism is located within the lock’s body rather than on the surface. To pick a mortise lock, insert the paperclip into the keyhole and apply pressure to the top of the lock. This will cause the locking mechanism to move and eventually open the lock.
Picking a lock is not always easy, and getting the hang of it may take some practice. However, you can learn how to pick any lock with patience and perseverance.
What Is the Difference Between a Deadlock and A Mortice Lock?
A deadlock and a mortice lock are two different types of locks used to secure a door. A deadlock is a type of lock installed on the inside of the door, while a mortice lock is a type of lock installed on the outside of the door.
One of the main differences between these two types of locks is that a deadlock can be opened inside without a key, while a mortice lock cannot. Another difference is that a mortice lock is more difficult to pick than a deadlock. Keep reading for more information about how to pick a mortise lock.
Can You Pick a Lock With A Bobby Pin?
Mortise locks are one of the most common types of locks. They are used in both residential and commercial applications. A mortise lock is a locking mechanism installed into a pocket cut into the edge of the door. The key enters the lock and turns a cylinder, rotating the plug. The plug is the part of the lock that extends into the door’s pocket. The pins on the plug are raised and lowered by the key, which allows or prevents the plug from rotating.
A mortise lock can be opened with a key, but it can also be picked. Picking a mortise lock is not as difficult as you might think.
How Do You Open a Mortice Lock Without A Key?
To open a mortice lock without a key, first, try the door handle and make sure it isn’t locked from the inside. Next, look at how the door closes when it is closed. If you see that there is space between the door and the opening frame, you can use something flat like a credit card to push against both sides of the door and open it.
Finally, if the door is locked from the inside, you can use a screwdriver or other tool to pry the lock open. If you still can’t open the mortice lock, you may need to call a locksmith.
Frequently Asked Question
Are Lock Picking Tools Illegal?
There is no definitive answer, as the laws governing lock-picking tools vary from country to country. However, possessing or using lock-picking tools in most countries is illegal, as they are considered burglary tools.
Can You Pick a Lock with A Fork?
If you’re looking to pick a mortise lock, you may wonder if it’s possible with a fork. While it is possible, it’s not the most effective way to go. The tines of a fork are too thin to create enough friction to turn a mortise lock’s cylinder effectively. However, it’s worth trying if you’re in a pinch and don’t have anything else on hand.
Can All Locks Be Picked?
No, not all locks can be picked. Most locks cannot be picked. However, mortise locks are one type of lock that can be picked relatively easily with the right tools and techniques.
Can Mortice Locks Be Picked?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some locksmiths say it is possible to pick a mortise lock, while others maintain that it is not. It depends on the specific lock in question and how well it has been installed.
Can Locksmith Open Mortice Lock?
Yes, locksmiths can open mortice locks. To do so, they will use various techniques, including lock picking and decoding the lock.
Conclusion
So there you have it – our guide on how to pick a mortise lock. We hope this information will help you feel more confident in securing your home or business. Remember, practice makes perfect, so be sure to try out these techniques on some dummy locks before attempting them on the real thing. Have any questions? Leave us a comment below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
