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How to Measure - Install Half Mortise Locks

Half Mortise Locks for furniture and cabinets: how to measure and install

What you need to know about selecting and replacing half mortise locks

Half Mortise Locks are a traditional lock style used on 18^th, 19^th and 20^th century furniture. They offer a semi-concealed appearance. The keyhole is all that is seen on furniture exterior. A simple flush plate is seen on interiors of furniture.

There are two types of half mortise locks:

Half Mortise Drawer Locks

Half Mortise Drawer Locks are fitted into top portion of drawer interior. Lock is only visible from inside of drawer.

When locked, bolt protrudes up into notched area in rail above drawer.
A strike is rarely used with this application.
Keyhole is all that is visible on drawer front.
Use with keyhole cover for a finished appearance.

Half Mortise Door Locks

Half Mortise Door Locks are handed, meaning specific right-hand or left-hand types are required. When looking for door locks be sure lock is handed according to your needs. Please note: some half mortise locks are not available in both left and right options.

Doors hinged right - bolt shoots left.
Doors hinged left - bolt shoots right.

Half Mortise Box Locks

Box locks are specifically designed for boxes and chests with lift lids. They can only be used for this type application.

These box locks require a strike plate with hooks. When lid is closed, strike-hooks drop down into lock and are secured by locking mechanism.

If Replacing a Lock: the backset measurement of the lock and the backset measurement on the box itself must match. If the box size differs from what you need, but the backset matches, reworking the mortise may make the lock workable.

Measuring Half Mortise Locks:

New Construction

Consider placement of keyhole cover on drawer, chest or box as this could affect actual keyhole location
Keyhole location determines required backset measurement for lock.
Backset: distance between selvedge-edge of lock to center-of-pin in keyhole. (see diagram above)

Replacing locks:

If you have original lock: measure distance between top edge of lock to lock pin in center of keyhole. This measurement is known as the backset.

If old lock not available, determine backset by measuring: distance from center of keyhole (where lock pin will be) to top-edge of drawer / box or side-edge of door.

The backset measurement of the replacement lock, must match backset measurement in original lock and/or keyhole location measurement in drawer, box or cabinet door.

Installing Half Mortise Locks

Half Mortise Locks for drawers & cabinet doors

Adjust position to allow for location of keyhole as it is often off center in lock

Mark location of lock on drawer or door interior

Hold lock at desired location against drawer or door interior

Selvedge edge should be level with top of drawer or edge of door

Trace outline of lock on drawer or door interior

Trace outline of selvedge on drawer top or door edge

Inspect outline for accuracy , straighten lines where necessary

Again holding lock in position, trace lock-body

Cut shallow mortise for lock plate and selvedge with router or chisel

Selvedge and lock-plate should be flush with the interior wood surface once installed

Cut lock-body-mortise. Okay if off slightly as lock-plate will cover lock-body once installed. Be sure there is ample room for mounting screws to attach lock

Use of a strike is rarely necessary on drawers and doors. Traditionally a simple mortise was cut in the wood to accept the lock bolt.

However a strike plate with hooks is necessary for boxes and chests with lift lids

Keyhole Placement

Measure distance from top of lock-plate to center of key pin

Measure distance from side of lock-plate to center of key pin

With these two measurements locate keyhole on furniture front, make sure key pin is aligned with keyhole location

Drill small pilot hole at key pin location, hold lock in position and check to make sure hole lines up with key pin

Drill hole larger to accommodate key barrel

For a finished appearance: mount an escutcheon/keyhole plate, on furniture front.

Box Locks

Follow above directions

Align strike on underside of lid

Trace outline of strike in position

Check strike alignment and make adjustments if necessary. Cut notches for strike hooks

Screw into place

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