What is the difference between mortise and tubular latches/locks?


Example of a tubular latch:

nostalgic tubular latch

Residential mortise latches have been around for over a hundred years and are frequently seen in older homes. Many people enjoy mortise latches for their vintage style. Since they also have longevity, it’s common for homeowners to use them for decades. Most mortise latches have a passage latch operated by a door knob, and an integrated deadbolt operated by a skeleton key. Alternately, some mortise latches have a thumb-turn on the inside of the door, instead of a skeleton key, to operate the deadbolt. However, these older mortise locks do not provide adequate security for an exterior door, as they are easily picked.

Nostalgic Warehouse is one of very few door hardware companies that continues to sell new mortise locks. Although there is no standard length, size, or backset for these locks, most mortise locks have a 5 to 6-inch pocket in the door. Nostalgic’s “universal” mortise locks will fit most interior doors with legacy mortise locks, with little or no modification.

It’s important to note that a mortise latch and a tubular latch require two, very different door preparations. Tubular latches require 2 1/8” diameter cross-bores in the door, and 1” edge-bores. Mortise locks require a deep, rectangular pocket in the door.

Example of an interior mortise lock with a rectangular pocket and a skeleton key:

Nostalgic Latches Locks

Published on: June 14th, 2018



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