It is possible to choose a safer method for opening mortise locks, which will allow both the mortise lock and the door leaf itself to be preserved intact. Opening mortise locks: understanding the types.
Most often, the following types of lock models are installed as mortise locks:
- Lever tumbler locks – in this case, you can try to open the lock yourself using lock picks; for this, you need to take a wire or an old key and make a small hook or rake pick from it.
- Then you can try to insert the wire into the keyhole and, after that, lift a lever tumbler of the lock and carefully turn it.
- If you managed to do this, you can try to turn the remaining plates.
If your mortise lock is of a different model, for example, the cylinder type mechanism:
- First, it is worth making a special blank key for bumping by removing all the structural teeth or excess indentations from it;
- After that, you need to carefully insert the blank key into the lock and, with rotational movements up and down, jiggle this blank;
- Then you can try to turn the blank key sharply; the lock might open because a pin will fall into the required groove, thereby replicating the pin of the pin tumbler lock or cylinder.
Opening mortise door locks: to open it yourself or to entrust it to professionals
Opening mortise locks: difficulties when attempting to open them yourself:
- Not everyone understands hardware; what type of lock is installed, lever tumbler or cylinder. Pay attention to the key: if it is long with large teeth on both sides, like a butterfly, it is a lever tumbler lock, and if it is flat, with indentations in the form of grooves and holes, then it is most likely a cylinder lock.
- Opening a lock with levers (plates), numbering 6 or more, is not an easy task even for experienced masters;
- Excessive force during bumping is not needed; the blows should be applied lightly and accurately, without much strain.
If you doubt your abilities, it is best to entrust the opening of mortise locks to professionals. A master will do this job several times faster, without damaging the door.
You should not entrust lock opening to self-taught masters who claim they can do the job in a few minutes, as such a service should be performed by professionals with the necessary equipment and specific skills.