How to Repair a Mortise Lock?

Whether you’re looking to replace your old lock with a new one or simply fix a door that’s not opening properly, there are a number of ways you can do it. In many cases, you can perform the work yourself with the right tools and know-how. However, if you have no experience with fixing locks or your lock is complicated, you might want to call a locksmith for assistance. 

(Searching in Google “locksmith“? Contact us today!)

Mortise locks are one of the most popular types of locks. They are installed indoors and attached to the door with screws through the face plate and into the door’s edge. They are also available in decorative styles. When the lock isn’t working properly, you might find the bolt stuck in an extended position, the lock will not open or the handle won’t release. Luckily, most mortise locks are very easy to fix. You only need to know a few basic repair techniques. 

First, you need to remove the lock’s faceplate from the door. This will require the use of a small screwdriver. You can also use a heat gun to loosen the paint. Once the faceplate is removed, you can remove the internal knobs and levers. These are usually secured by screws, but may be secured by a threaded sleeve or set screw. 

Once the internal parts are removed, you’ll want to clean the parts with a soft cloth to remove any debris and dust. You should also use white lithium grease on the pivot points. This will help improve the security of your lock. If you don’t have any of these, you can try to buy a glass knob with a spindle from a hardware store. 

Once you’ve removed the interior knobs, you can remove the external lever. In order to do this, you need to remove the set screws that secure the knob to the knob shaft. You should also take out the latch, which is part of the door that opens with the knob. If the latch is still locked in place, you can file a slot in the strike plate to allow the latch to be reinserted. You can also remove the strike plate if it is damaged. 

Once you’ve removed the interior and exterior levers, you can remove the cover plate. If the cover plate is damaged, you can replace it. You can also replace the strike plate. If the strike plate is not damaged, you can fill the hole with wood putty. 

Once the cover plate is removed, you can clean the inside of the lock. Using a heat gun will help to release any paint that’s been stuck on the inside. If you find any other broken parts, you may need to replace them. 

Before reinstalling the lock, you’ll want to clean the edges of the door. This can help prevent rust. You may also need to drill holes in the edge of the door to remove any loose parts. 

When reassembling your lock, you’ll want to make sure that the knobs and lockset are installed perpendicular to the door face. You should also make sure that the spindle is perpendicular to the door’s face.