How To Measure A Door Lock - Mortice and Euro Cylinder
Do you know how important it is to measure a door lock before buying or installing one? Think about it - an incorrectly sized lock could leave your home vulnerable to intruders, cost you extra money in repairs and installations, and even break the aesthetic of your entryway. Measuring the correct dimensions of a door lock can be a tricky task if you don’t have any prior experience with locks and hardware installation.
Accurate measurements ensure that the new lock fits properly and securely in the door. In this guide, we will show you how to measure a door lock step-by-step. Let's get started.
Types of Common Door Locks in the UK
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Mortice Lock
The Mortice lock is one of the most common types of door locks in the UK, especially in commercial and industrial buildings. This lock type consists of a latch with two parts that fit together when the door is closed and then locked using a key from the outside. The lock mechanism is located within a mortice or cavity that is cut into the edge of the door.
Mortice locks typically have a keyhole on the outside of the door and a latch or bolt that extends into the door frame when the lock is engaged. The mechanism is usually operated by a key that is inserted into the keyhole, which turns a series of internal pins and levers that release the bolt or latch. Mortice locks are generally considered to be more secure than other types of locks, as they require a key to be turned in the lock to both lock and unlock the door.
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Euro Cylinder Lock
Euro Cylinder locks are cylinder-shaped locks that are usually fitted to the doors of homes, apartments, and other types of buildings. These locks are typically installed within the door itself and have a keyhole on one side and a thumb turn or keyhole on the other. The lock mechanism is contained within a cylinder that is inserted into the door and secured in place with screws.
These locks can be operated using a key, which turns a series of pins inside the cylinder to either lock or unlock the door. One benefit of Euro Cylinder locks is that they can be easily replaced or upgraded without having to replace the entire lock mechanism. This makes them a popular choice for homeowners and landlords who want to improve their home security.
Steps on How to Measure A Door Lock
It is not the same process to measure both the door locks because of their different shape and mechanism. Let us check out how to measure each door separately.
How to Measure Mortice Lock
Measuring a mortice lock involves determining the size of the lock case and the size of the keyhole. Here are the steps to measure a mortice lock:
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Measure the Length of the Lock Case
This is the metal housing that holds the locking mechanism. Measure the length from the outer edge of the faceplate to the back edge of the lock case.
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Measure the Width of the Lock Case
Measure the width of the lock case from one side to the other. This is typically 16mm, 20mm, or 25mm.
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Measure the Keyhole
Measure the diameter of the keyhole or the width of the keyhole plate. This will help you determine the size of the key required.
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Check the Backset
The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the lock case. Make sure the backset matches the measurement of the lock case.
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Check the Handing
Determine if the lock is left or right handed. This will determine the direction in which the latch bolt will be installed.
How to Measure Euro Cylinder Lock
Measuring a Euro Cylinder lock involves determining the size of the cylinder itself, as well as the size of the door it will be fitted in. Here are the steps to measure a Euro Cylinder lock:
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Remove the Existing Cylinder
Use a screwdriver to remove the fixing screw on the lock body and pull the cylinder out of the door.
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Measure the Overall Length of the Cylinder
Measure the total length of the cylinder from one end to the other. This will give you the overall length of the cylinder.
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Measure the Length of Each Side of the Cylinder
Measure the length of each side of the cylinder separately. This will give you the split measurement of the cylinder.
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Measure the Size of the Fixing Screw Hole
Measure the size of the fixing screw hole in the cylinder. This will ensure that the new cylinder you purchase has the correct size fixing screw.
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Measure the Size of the Door
Measure the thickness of the door to ensure the new cylinder will fit properly.
Euro Cylinder locks are available in a variety of sizes, so it's important to measure accurately to ensure you purchase the correct size lock.
Final Thoughts
The anatomy and measurements of door locks can seem complex to many individuals who aren't familiar with them. However, with a little bit of instruction and guidance, it is quite possible to identify and measure the key components of any door lock. To high in good quality door locks and latches for your doors, check out Emerald Doors. Additionally, we provide good-quality internal doors and external doors that you can get at a reasonable price!
FAQs on Measuring A Door Lock
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What are standard door lock measurements?
Standard door lock measurements vary depending on the type of lock being used. Common locks may have a backset of 2-3/8” or 2-3/4” for latch bolts and deadbolts, respectively. For knob locks that use a standard 2-1/8” hole, one can typically find faceplate sizes ranging from 1-1/2” to 4” long and 7/8” to 2-1/4” wide.
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Are all door lock holes the same size?
No, not all door lock holes are the same size. The size and shape of the lock hole in a door can vary depending on the type and brand of the lock being used. There are different types of locks, such as mortise locks and euro cylinder locks, each with their own unique lock hole size and shape.
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How do I choose a door lock?
When selecting a door lock for your home or business, there are some important factors to consider. First and foremost, you'll want to look at the level of security offered by each lock. Along with security, be sure to also consider the longevity, cost, and aesthetic appeal of any locks being considered.