You can identify a mortise lock by opening the door and looking at the edge. It has a long metal faceplate that is usually about 4 to 8 inches tall. Behind the faceplate is a large lock body hidden inside the door.

The larger lock body allows the latch, deadbolt, and keyed lock to work together as one unit. Mortise locks became widely used during the second half of the 1800s, which is why they are commonly found in older and historic homes.

Yes. The mortise cylinder is the removable part where the key goes. It can be replaced without replacing the lock itself. The new cylinder comes with new keys and can also be keyed to match an existing key.

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Yes. A mortise lock can last 50 to 100 years or more, and many installed in the late 1800s are still working today. Tubular locks are lighter duty and generally have a shorter lifespan.

Mortise locks cost more and require specialized installation. Because of that, homeowners often invest in a mortise lock for the main entrance and use standard tubular hardware on the rest of the doors.