Can You Convert Your Door to Accommodate a Different Lock Type?

If you’re considering switching from a cylindrical lock to a mortise lock (or vice versa), you’ll be glad to know that there are hardware solutions available to make the transition smoother. Conversion kits and wrap plates—often supplied by hardware brands such as Don-Jo and Rockwood—are designed specifically for modifying existing door preparations. These plates cover any excess holes or marks, providing a clean surface for your new lockset and ensuring secure fitment.

Depending on your door’s material and previous lock installation, you might also need mortise lock installation kits or remodel plates. These products help retrofit older doors to support the lock type you prefer, minimizing the need for extensive carpentry work. For best results, always ensure you select hardware that matches the thickness and dimensions of your door.

By investing in the right conversion tools, you can update or upgrade your door’s security without the hassle or cost of replacing the entire door.

Components of a Mortise Lock Installation

A typical mortise lock installation includes several key components that work together to provide security and durability:

• Lock Body: This is the main mechanism, fitted into the pocket (mortise) cut into the edge of the door.
• Lock Trim: The visible part of the lock—such as levers, handles, or pulls—which can be customized to match your door’s style.
• Strike Plate: Mounted on the door frame, this plate reinforces the area where the latch or deadbolt enters, boosting overall security.
• Keyed Cylinder: This cylinder allows the lock to be operated by a key, enabling you to lock or unlock the door securely.

These components combine to create a robust lock system that’s often chosen for high-security needs and exterior doors.

Can You Replace a Cylindrical Lock with a Mortise Lock?

If you’re considering upgrading your door security from a cylindrical lock with a deadbolt to a mortise lock, you might be wondering if it’s possible—and what’s involved. The short answer is yes, it is possible, but the process requires some attention to detail.

What’s Involved in the Switch?

Unlike cylindrical locks, mortise locks require a specially cut pocket (the “mortise”) that’s larger and more complex than the holes used for cylindrical locks. This means:

• Door Modification: You’ll most likely need to have the door professionally modified to accommodate the mortise lock body. The existing holes from your cylindrical lock and deadbolt will be too small and differently shaped.
• Installation Hardware: In some cases, special wrap plates or remodel plates—prepped for mortise locks—can cover up any marks or gaps from the old lock, ensuring a clean, secure fit.
• Expertise Needed: Given the precision required, it’s often best to consult with a locksmith or a door hardware specialist, especially if your door is solid wood or features decorative panels.

Is It Worth It?

While the process is more involved than a straightforward swap, the enhanced security and classic appearance of a mortise lock can be well worth the investment—especially for exterior doors.

Which Type of Lock is Right for You?

The best type of lock for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a high-security lock for your exterior door, a mortise lock is a good option. However, if you are on a budget or you need a lock for an interior door, a cylindrical lock may be a better choice.

Additional Considerations

When choosing a lock, it is also important to consider the following factors:

• The type of door you have: Mortise locks are typically used on wooden doors, while cylindrical locks can be used on both wooden and m...

The Impact of Improper Installation on Cylindrical Locks

It's important to note that proper installation plays a crucial role in the longevity and reliability of a cylindrical lock. If the lock is not installed perfectly straight—meaning it isn’t both level and perpendicular to the door’s surface—several issues can arise. An off-kilter installation can cause uneven pressure on the internal components every time the lock is operated. Over time, this misalignment leads to excessive wear and tear, making the lock prone to malfunctions or even premature failure.

In other words, even though cylindrical locks are relatively easy to fit, taking shortcuts or ignoring manufacturer guidelines during installation can compromise both their function and security. To ensure the lock operates smoothly and lasts as long as possible, always follow the recommended installation steps and double-check that the lock sits flush with the door.

The Importance of Door Preparation Standards in North America

Understanding how doors are prepared—or "prepped"—for locks plays a big role in your installation options. In North America, most residential and commercial doors come pre-drilled for cylindrical locks. This widespread practice is rooted in convenience and cost-effectiveness: cylindrical locks are not only industry standard but also simple to install and replace.

However, this standardization means that switching to a mortise lock can require additional modifications to your door. Because mortise locks need a specially cut pocket within the door edge, retrofitting them into a door originally prepped for a cylindrical lock often involves extra time, effort, and expense. Unless there is a major shift in consumer demand or building regulations, cylindrical lock prep is likely to remain the default for most new doors in North America.

For anyone considering upgrading to a mortise lock, it’s worth factoring in the extra costs and work associated with changing the door prep.

Which Lock Has the Key in the Doorknob?

If you've ever noticed a key slot positioned right in the center of a doorknob or door lever, you're looking at a cylindrical (or tubular) lock. With these locks, the key mechanism is built directly into the knob or lever itself, making it convenient and easy to use—no extra holes or complicated setups required. This straightforward design is a big reason why you'll often find cylindrical locks on bedroom, office, and bathroom doors.

How to Determine Door Handing

Before choosing a lock, it's helpful to know the handing of your door, as this can affect both selection and installation. Door handing refers to whether the door is left-handed, right-handed, left hand reverse, or right hand reverse. Here’s a simple way to figure it out:

1. Stand Outside (Keyside): Always determine handing from the outside—or the key side—of the door.
2. Check the Hinges:
   • Hinges on the Left:
     • If the door opens away from you (push to enter), it's a Left Hand door.
     • If the door opens toward you (pull to enter), it's a Left Hand Reverse door.
   • Hinges on the Right:
     • If the door opens away from you (push), it's a Right Hand door.
     • If the door opens toward you (pull), it's a Right Hand Reverse door.

Knowing your door’s handing ensures you pick the right lock and hardware, saving time and hassle during installation.

What is a Cylindrical Lock?

A cylindrical lock, also known as a tubular lock, is a type of door lock that is inserted into a hole drilled through the door. Cylindrical locks are less secure than mortise locks, but they are also less expensive and easier to install. They are commonly used on interior doors and other areas where high security is not a major concern.

How Cylindrical Locks Work

Cylindrical locks are designed to be installed through the door, with a knob or lever on either side. When you turn or depress the knob or lever, the latch retracts, allowing the door to open.

Simple Installation

One of the main advantages of cylindrical locks is their relatively quick and straightforward installation. To install this type of lock, two holes are drilled:

• One through the face of the door for the lock chassis
• Another through the strike edge of the door for the latchbolt

Unlike mortise locks, cylindrical locks don’t require a large, time-consuming pocket to be chiseled out, making them a practical choice for residential and light commercial settings.

Where You’ll Find Them

Cylindrical locksets are a familiar sight in homes, offices, and on interior doors—anywhere that balances ease of use and convenience over top-tier security.

What is a Mortise Lock?

A mortise lock is a type of door lock that is embedded into a pocket, or "mortise," that is cut into the edge of the door. This design makes mortise locks more secure than cylindrical locks, as they are more difficult to force open. Mortise locks are typically used on exterior doors and other high-security areas.

A typical mortise lock installation consists of several key components:

• Lock body: This is the main mechanism, installed inside the mortise cut-out within the door.
• Lock trim: The visible hardware on the door, which can be a lever, handleset, or pull, depending on design preference.
• Strike plate: Mounted on the door frame, the strike plate reinforces the holes for the latch or deadbolt, helping to secure the door when locked.
• Keyed cylinder: This part operates the locking and unlocking function of the lock body, letting you secure the door with a key.

The combination of these elements not only enhances security but also offers flexibility in style and function, making mortise locks a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications where durability and protection are paramount.

When it comes to securing your home or business, choosing the right type of door lock is essential. Two of the most common types of locks are mortise locks and cylindrical locks. While both serve the same purpose, they have distinct differences that can impact their suitability for your needs. In this blog post, we will explore the key differences between mortise locks and cylindrical locks to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Mortise Lock?

A mortise lock is a type of door lock that is embedded into a pocket, or “mortise,” that is cut into the edge of the door. This design makes mortise locks more secure than cylindrical locks, as they are more difficult to force open. Mortise locks are typically used on exterior doors and other high-security areas.

A typical mortise lock installation includes several key parts:

• The lock body: This is the main mechanism, installed inside the mortise cut-out in the door.
• Lock trim: You can choose from various designs of levers, handlesets, or pulls to match your style.
• Strike plate: Reinforces the holes placed in the frame for the latch or deadbolt to extend into, adding extra strength to the door frame.
• Keyed cylinder: This is what operates the locking and unlocking function of the lock body.

Because mortise locks require a mortise pocket to be carefully cut into the door, installation is more complex and typically requires professional expertise. However, this extra step pays off in enhanced durability and security—making mortise locks a favorite for commercial properties, historic buildings, and anyone wanting robust protection.

What is a Cylindrical Lock?

A cylindrical lock, also known as a tubular lock, is a type of door lock that is inserted into a hole drilled through the door. Cylindrical locks are less secure than mortise locks, but they are also less expensive and easier to install. They are commonly used on interior doors and other areas where high security is not a major concern.

Installation of a cylindrical lock is straightforward: two holes are drilled—one through the face of the door for the lock chassis and another through the edge for the latchbolt. With no need for chiseling out a mortise pocket, cylindrical locks are the go-to choice in most modern homes, offices, and apartments where ease and speed of installation matter.

Their simple design features a knob or lever on each side, which retracts the latch when turned or pressed. While not as robust as mortise locks, cylindrical locks can be a reliable, practical solution for interior rooms or spaces with lower security requirements.

Understanding these construction and installation differences will help you decide which lock type best fits your needs, whether you’re upgrading your home’s entryway or outfitting a new commercial space.

A cylindrical lock, also known as a tubular lock, is a type of door lock that is inserted into a hole drilled through the door. Cylindrical locks are less secure than mortise locks, but they are also less expensive and easier to install. They are commonly used on interior doors and other areas where high security is not a major concern.

One of the advantages of cylindrical locks is the straightforward installation process. Most cylindrical locksets require a standard-sized 2 1/8 inch hole, with a smaller cross bore drilled through the door edge to accommodate the latch bolt. The good news is that the majority of modern doors come pre-drilled with these holes, making it easy for homeowners or DIYers to install or replace the lockset without specialized tools or much experience. This emphasis on convenience and simplicity is actually what led to the invention of cylindrical locks in the early 20th century, as a more user-friendly alternative to the complex mortise lock.

Key Differences Between Mortise Locks and Cylindrical Locks

• Security: Mortise locks are more secure than cylindrical locks. This is because they are more difficult to force open and pick.
• Installation: Mortise locks are more difficult to install than cylindrical locks. This is because they require a mortise to be cut into the door.
• Cost: Mortise locks are more expensive than cylindrical locks. This is due to the higher cost of materials and labor required for installation.
• Aesthetics: Mortise locks are often considered to be more aesthetically pleasing than cylindrical locks. This is because they have a more traditional and classic look.

A cylindrical lock, also known as a tubular lock, is a type of door lock that is inserted into a hole drilled through the door. Most cylindrical locks require a standard 2-1/8 inch hole (called the "bore") through the face of the door, with a smaller cross bore drilled through the edge to house the latch bolt. This straightforward installation process is one of the main reasons cylindrical locks are so popular—they were designed for simplicity and convenience, and most modern doors come pre-drilled to fit these locks. You don’t need specialized tools or advanced skills to install or replace a cylindrical lockset, making them a common choice for interior doors, offices, and areas where quick installation is important.

A cylindrical lock, also known as a tubular lock, is a type of door lock that is inserted into a hole drilled through the door. Cylindrical locks are less secure than mortise locks, but they are also less expensive and easier to install. In fact, you don’t need expensive tools or lots of experience to install or replace a cylindrical lockset, since most are designed to fit a standard 2 1/8 inch hole. Additionally, there’s a smaller cross bore hole drilled through the door edge to accommodate the latch bolt. Most modern doors come pre-drilled for these locks, making installation quick and convenient—one of the main reasons cylindrical locksets gained popularity in the early 20th century for their simplicity and practicality. They are commonly used on interior doors and other areas where high security is not a major concern.