Mortise latch is considered as one of the most used door hardware. With a handle on either side, it simply acts like catch. It is fitted to internal and external door alike. Mortice latches are available in different lengths and finishes. The finishes in which these hardware are available are polished brass, satin chrome, polished chrome, electro brass, silver enamel, bright zinc etc.

Types

On various basis Mortice latches can be classified as:

Tubular Mortise latch
Tubular mortice latches are both round and tubular and are easy to fit. They are fitted in a round hole which is drilled into the door edge. The length of the latch fix the distance of the door handle from the door edge.

The latch also consist of spring inside which helps in putting the latch into the frame without any effort. The spring used are generally stronger that helps in keeping the door handle horizontal when not being turned. fitting of latches need drilling into the edge of the door. The diameter of the latch vary so it will be better you check all the aspects before you start drilling.

Once the drilling is completed, mark the hole position for the handle spindle by holding the latch against the face of the door and drill from each side separately in order to form a hole which will clear the spindle bar as it turns. now adjust the latch and secure with screws. at the end you can fit the latch plate to the door frame.

Box Mortice

The box mortice is not so common because it requires rectangular mortice to be drilled and chiseled into the door edge. Due to this fact people are preferring more the option of tubular latch. Despite this it can be said fairly that box mortice latches are more stronger and durable and for the long term use they can be a better choice.