If you have ever been locked out of your home because you lost or misplaced your keys, then you know how frustrating it can be not to be able to get into your own house. Luckily, there is a way to remove a mortise lock from a locked door without having to call a locksmith. With a few simple tools, you can do this yourself in just a few minutes. This article will show you how to remove a mortise lock from a locked door. Keep reading to learn how!
Door locks are a common security feature in homes and businesses. However, sometimes they can become a nuisance, especially if you lose your key or accidentally lock yourself out. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic! There is a way to remove a mortise lock from a locked door without calling a locksmith.
What is a Mortise Lock?
A Mortise lock is a lock installed into a door’s mortise, which is a recess in the door that is cut out to receive the lock. This type of lock is often used on exterior doors because it is more secure than other locks, such as doorknobs or lever-style locks. A Mortise lock is operated by a key that inserts into the lock and turns to unlock it. The key also lifts a bolt that retracts the locking pins, allowing the door to open.
Tools and Materials:
- Flathead screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Crescent wrench
- Hammer
- Putty knife
- Chisel
- Drill
- 1/8 inch drill bit
- Safety glasses
A Step by Step Guide on How to Remove a Mortise Lock From a Locked Door
Step 1: Determine if the Lock Is a Single or Double Cylinder.
To properly remove a mortise lock, you must first determine if it is a single or double cylinder. A single-cylinder lock can be opened with a key from the outside and inside of the door. A double cylinder lock cannot be opened without a key from either side of the door.
If you are not sure which type of lock you have, try inserting a key into the keyhole from outside the door. If the key can be turned, the lock is a single cylinder. The lock is a double-cylinder if the key cannot be turned.
Step 2: Find Out How the Lock Functions
To begin how to remove a mortise lock from a locked door project, it is essential to understand how the lock functions. There are three main parts to a mortise lock- the bolt, the latch, and the knob or handle. The bolt is what locks and unlocks the door. The latch is what holds the door closed. Finally, the knob or handle is what you turn to open the door.
Step 3: Determine How You’ll Remove the Lock.
There are three ways to remove a mortise lock:
- Remove the entire lock housing from the door
- Pry out the lock cylinder with a screwdriver or chisel
- Drilling out the lock cylinder
The best way to remove a mortise lock will depend on the type of lock and the condition of the door. If you are unsure how to remove the lock, try removing it using one of the three methods listed above.
Step 4: Remove the Screws Holding Housing in Place
There are two screws located on the top of the housing that needs to be removed. They can be accessed once the housing is pulled out slightly. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove them. Once the screws are removed, pull out the housing. This will expose the lock cylinder and cam.
Step 5: Remove the Cylinder from the Housing
There are usually two screws holding the lock cylinder in place. These screws can be removed with a Phillips head screwdriver. Once the screws are removed, carefully pull the cylinder away from the housing. If the cylinder is stuck, use a hammer to tap it lose.
Step 6: Drill Out the Lock Cylinder
If you cannot remove the lock cylinder using a screwdriver or chisel, you will need to drill it out. First, mark the location of the drill bit on top of the lock cylinder using a marker. This will help you keep track of where you are drilling.
Then, use a 1/8 inch drill bit to drill a hole in the lock cylinder. Be sure to wear safety glasses while drilling.
Once the hole is drilled, use a hammer and chisel to break off the top of the lock cylinder. Be careful not to damage the door while doing this.
Step 7: Remove the Lock from the Door
Now that the lock cylinder is removed, the lock can be removed from the door. If the housing is still attached to the door, use a hammer to tap it lose. Then, use a putty knife to pry off the lock faceplate. Once the faceplate is removed, the lock can be pulled out of the door.
If the housing is not attached to the door, use a hammer to tap it lose. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the lock in place. Once the screws are removed, the lock can be pulled out of the door.
Removing a mortise lock from a locked door can be tricky, but you should be able to do it without any trouble with these steps. Follow these steps carefully, and you will be able to remove your lock in no time!
Precautions:
- If the door is locked, make sure you have the key to unlock it before beginning this process.
- Make sure you know the location of the pins in the lock and what order they need to be released in, or you could damage the lock.
- Be careful when using a screwdriver as a lever – you don’t want to scrape or damage the surrounding doorframe or trim.
- Take your time and proceed cautiously – it’s better to do this job slowly and carefully than risk damaging the lock or door.
How Do You Fill a Mortise Lock Hole?
When a mortise lock is installed in a door, a hole is drilled into the door, and the lock assembly is fitted into the hole. The hole must be filled and sealed so that water and air cannot enter the door. There are several ways to fill and seal a mortise lock hole.
One way to fill and seal a mortise lock hole is to use a putty knife to apply silicone caulk around the hole’s edge. Then, use a putty knife or screwdriver to press the vinyl window flashing into the caulk. The flashing will form a seal around the edge of the hole.
Another way to fill and seal a mortise lock hole is to use epoxy putty. Apply the epoxy putty to the hole and press it into the hole with a putty knife. Let the epoxy putty dry entirely before using the door.
A third way to fill and seal a mortise lock hole is to use a plug. Cut a plug from a piece of wood and drill a hole in the center of the plug that is the same size as the hole in the door. Apply wood glue to the plug and insert it into the hole. Clamp or weigh down the plug until the glue dries.
These methods can be used to fill and seal a mortise lock hole in a door. Make sure to choose a method that will form a watertight and airtight seal around the hole’s edge.
Are Mortise Locks Universal??
Mortise locks are a type of lock that is commonly used in commercial and residential applications. They are installed into a cutout in the door, so they are also called mortise locksets. Mortise locks come in keyed and keyless versions and can be single or double cylinders.
One of the benefits of a mortise lock is that it is universal, meaning that it can be used on both right- and left-handed doors. This makes them a popular choice for many homeowners and businesses.
However, there may come a time when you need to remove a mortise lock from a locked door. Perhaps you have lost your key, or the lock has malfunctioned and needs to be replaced.
How Do Mortise Locks Compare?
Firstly, they are generally considered more secure than other types of locks due to the way they are constructed. Mortise locks are designed to be fitted into a mortise, or cavity, in the door, allowing the lock body to be fully enclosed and protected. This means that the lock is less vulnerable to tampering or forced entry.
Another advantage of mortise locks is that they are typically more durable and long-lasting than other types of locks. Because of their solid construction and high-quality materials, mortise locks can withstand years of use without losing their effectiveness or reliability.
However, mortise locks are also generally more expensive than other types of locks and may require professional installation to ensure that they are properly fitted and secure. Additionally, because of their size and design, mortise locks are not always suitable for all types of doors or applications.
How Can You Tell if a Lock Is a Mortise?
There are a few key ways to tell if a lock is a mortise lock. The first way is by looking at the shape of the lock. A mortise lock will be rectangular, whereas a traditional doorknob lock will be circular. The second way to tell is by the placement of the screws. A mortise lock will have screws on the face of the lock, while a traditional doorknob lock will have screws on the edge of the door.
Conclusion:
So, there you have it how to remove a mortise lock from a locked door. It is possible to remove a mortise lock from a locked door as long as you have the right tools and knowledge. We hope this article was helpful and that you are now able to successfully remove a mortise lock from a locked door without any trouble. Have you ever had to remove a mortise lock before? If so, we would love to hear about your experience in the comments section below.
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