![]() Although the configuration of the latches and the bolt (if there is one) give some clues, you can’t usually determine, just by looking at the mortise lock trim, how the mortise lock functions. Entrance, classroom, classroom security, office, passage, and storeroom functions are most common for schools and hospitals, however, there are myriad other operations available for locking and unlocking doors. Mortise locks can function in multiple, enigmatic ways.Still, the subsequent installation of the external trim can be baffling if the installer is inexperienced. Anderson Lock installation techs use a mortising jig to make precise cutting of the pocket a simple operation. BTW, installation of mortise locks is usually NOT a DIY project. Mortise lock ‘bodies’ are mysteriously hidden inside a pocket, cut into the edge of the door.Mortise locks are assembled from many curiously odd-shaped, mechanical parts and enclosed inside a heavy-gauge steel case, punctured with circular and square holes that appear to represent a secret code.Why Mortise Locks Are So Mysterious: Our 5 Reasons At Anderson Lock, we’ve gathered 5 fun-to-read and informative reasons why the mortise lock is so mysterious, and we debunk the mysteriousness of this functional lock set. You’ll find, however, that the intricate design and function of such a lock make the mortise quite mysterious. You could leave one key in each lock or on a hook next to the door.You may be wondering, “What is a mortise lock?” Basically, a mortise lock is a type of lockset used in commercial security settings. Once you find the key(s) that work in your doors, you can buy more online or visit a salvage shop and get the matching vintage versions. It's not guarenteed one will work, but the odds are with you. If you're in a similar situation, I highly recommend you get these keys and try them in your locks ( with the door open □). We tried them in our locks at the Farmhouse and one worked! I have to admit, the key felt a little squirrelly in the lock, and I was thankful we tried the key while the door was open, since it was easier to lock the door than unlock it. Isn't that convenient?! So we bought the three basic keys at Hippo Hardware, which you can conveniently find online and I’ve included links to below. Essentially they are "master keys" for old homes. How to find a skeleton key for your old lockĪccording to the old-house guru I spoke to, there are 3 skeleton keys that account for about 90% of interior door locks (no such luck with exterior locks, btw). Speaking of parts, there are the 3 parts of any skeleton key:īow - the ring part at the end of the key that put a key ring through and/or hold.īarrel - the long tube that connects the bow to the bit of the key.īit - the teeth at the end of the key that insert into the lock. These keys got their name because they're stripped down to their essential, basic parts, like a skeleton and not because they look like one (although they kinda do, right?). But most of us think of the turn-of-the-century variety that were popular in older homes. Skeleton keys are technically any key that fits many locks. But before I get to that, let's run through a few basics about skeleton keys. ![]() Last year I was at the amazing Hippo Hardware in Portland while working on Winnie’s bathroom, and I asked one of the employees this question: "How do you find a skeleton key for the interior door locks in your old house?" And turns out there is something you can do without getting out any tools. All photos of our Farmhouse master bedroom, sources here
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