Mortise Lock Installation for CT Homes and Businesses

6940460468_8af9bb8d7a_o
Image via whykkk on flickr Creative Commons License

A mortise lock is different from other types of locks in that it is installed inside the edge of the door itself. When the door is ajar, only the face plate is visible. The lock has notches and levers that make the lock difficult to pick. A mortise lock with five or six levers is nearly impossible to open without a key. Mortise locks are available in several sizes.

How a Mortise Lock Works

A mortise lock can be locked on the inside and outside. It can only be opened with the key in the cylinder. The key will cause the pins inside the lock to line up and release the bolt.

The lock consists of a lock body that is inside a mortise cutout of the door; a lock trim, such as a door knob, pull, or levers; and a strike place where the bolt fits into a hole in the frame and a keyed cylinder locks and unlocks the door. In order to install a mortise lock, the door needs to be at least 1.75 inches wide.

Why Home and Business Owners Choose Mortise Locks

Mortise locks are more common in older doors. They have an antique look, which makes them more aesthetically pleasing to some home and business owners than other types of locks. Mortise locks are also chosen for their sturdy design and ability to deter intruders.

A mortise lock can be designed with a passage function so it can be opened without a key. This makes it a good option for a place such as a child’s bedroom or a bathroom to avoid accidentally locking the door.

Get an Estimate for Mortise Lock Installation in CT

All American Locksmiths is a full-service residential and commercial locksmith company serving customers across Connecticut. We have installed high-security mortise locks in many homes and businesses across the state. To learn more about the benefits of mortise locks or to get an estimate for mortise lock installation at your Connecticut home or business, call All American Locksmiths today.

Benefits of Keyless Entry Systems for CT Businesses

pin-reader-1006678_1920

Keyless entry systems are becoming more and more popular for businesses as owners and managers recognize the benefits they offer. Keyless entry using codes, access cards, or key fobs can improve security and make it easier for owners and managers to make changes and restrict access to certain people without having to spend money or change equipment.

Better Security

Keyless entry does a better job of controlling access to a building than traditional locks that can be picked or bumped. A keyless entry system can keep a record of who enters a building or room and when so that people in charge will be able to identify intruders more easily.

Keyless entry can provide better protection for confidential documents and expensive equipment than a lock and key. With a record of everyone who enters and exits a building or room, it will be easy for managers and business owners to know who was in an area, which can deter attempts at theft.

Avoid the Need to Change Locks and Copy Keys

A keyless entry system can allow business owners to eliminate the need to change locks and copy keys. It can be expensive to change locks if someone is no longer working for the company but still has a key, and the cost of copying keys to replace ones that are lost can add up. With keyless entry, these expenses can be avoided. If a person leaves the company for any reason, his or her access can easily be restricted. An access card or key fob that is lost can be deactivated electronically.

Monitor Employees’ Hours

Employers can more easily monitor the number of hours that employees work using a keyless entry system. With employees using key cards, fobs, or codes in order to gain access to the building, the manager will have a record of exactly how long each person is on-site.

Get a Quote for a Keyless Entry System for Your Business

All American Locksmiths provides keyless entry systems for businesses across Connecticut and in Westchester County, New York. A keyless entry system using access codes, cards, or key fobs can improve security at your business, protect your employees and valuable property and documents, and give you peace of mind. To get an estimate for keyless entry system installation, contact All American Locksmiths today.

Reasons Why Your Deadlatch Isn’t Working

deadlatchA deadlatch is a feature that can prevent someone from opening a lock with a credit card or picking it with a sharp tool. In order for a deadlatch to work properly, it has to be depressed when the door is closed. If the deadlatch is not depressed, or if it falls into the strike opening, it will not work, making your home vulnerable to burglars.

Misalignment Can Cause a Deadlatch to Fail

The most common cause of a deadlatch not working correctly is poor installation. The person who installed it may have left too much of a gap between the door and the jamb. This can make it easy to pick the lock. There should be a gap of about 1/8 inch between the door and the jamb.

Any pressure against the deadlatch when it falls into the strike opening can break the deadlatch or cause it to fail. If the gap between the door and the jamb is off, it can usually be corrected by adjusting the strike position or putting shims behind the strike.

You can tell if there is a problem with the deadlatch when you slowly close the door. If the door swings in, you can look at how the latch operates as you close it from the inside. The latch should move into the strike opening, but the deadlatch should not. If you hear two separate clicking sounds when you close the door, this can indicate a problem.

Weather Stripping Can Cause a Problem with a Deadlatch

Weather stripping used for insulation can also cause a deadlatch to not work correctly. Heavy weather stripping can become compressed when the door closes. The deadlatch may work if the door is closed gently, but the weather stripping may become compressed if the door is closed with more force and cause the deadlatch plunger to fall into the strike opening. The strike position will need to be adjusted to prevent this from happening.

Call All American Locksmiths to Have Your Deadlatch Repaired

If your deadlatch is not working correctly, you should have the problem repaired as soon as possible. A faulty deadlatch can compromise your home security and put your family at risk. In many cases, a simple adjustment is all that is needed to fix the deadlatch.

All American Locksmiths has helped homeowners across Connecticut with their residential lock service needs. We can find the problem with your deadlatch and make any necessary adjustments to correct it. Contact us today to have your deadlatch repaired and keep your family safe.