Mortise Lock Operation
A mortise lock relies on a
lever or sliding bolt lock
mechanism. To operate the
lock, a key must be inserted
into the lock cylinder and
turned. When the correct key
is used, the pins within the
cylinder line up and release
the latch or bolt. The door
can then be opened freely
using the knob or lever
handle. If the wrong key is
used, the pins will not line
up, and the cylinder will
prevent the latch from
releasing. Some mortise
locks are designed with a
passage function. This means
that they do not require a
key, and can not be locked.
Instead, they can be freely
operated at all times by
turning the knob or lever.
