Mortice lock fitting in Exeter
Professional mortice lock fitting services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-160
Typical Duration
1.5-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Proper mortice lock fitted into your door for solid security. Precision cut, smooth operation, insurance-approved options available.
Real Security, Not Just A Lock
Surface-mounted rim locks? They're better than nothing. But a mortice deadlock recessed into the door - that's proper security.
Can't lever it off. Can't snap it. Just solid protection that'll outlast the door itself.
💡 Pro tip: Insurers love BS3621 5-lever mortice locks because they're proven to resist picking, drilling, and forcing. Often required for buildings insurance.
Why Mortice Beats Rim
| ✅ Mortice Lock | ❌ Rim Lock |
|---|---|
| Recessed - nothing to lever | Surface-mounted - can be attacked |
| 5+ levers = pick-resistant | Often simpler mechanisms |
| Insurance-approved options | May not meet policy requirements |
| Invisible when locked | Bulky box on door inside |
What's Involved
🔧 Precision Installation
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Mark up | Measure and mark lock position precisely |
| Cut mortice | Chisel out pocket for lock body |
| Fit lock | Test fit, adjust, secure lock case |
| Drill | Keyhole, handle spindle, faceplate recess |
| Fit keeps | Mark and chisel strike plate into frame |
| Test | Check smooth operation, adjust if needed |
📦 End Result
- Lock operates smoothly
- Key turns easily
- Bolt engages firmly
- Professional finish
- All tested and working
Pricing Guide
| Job | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 5-lever mortice | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Remove old, fit new | 2-2.5 hrs | £110-£135 |
| Hardwood door (slower work) | 2.5-3 hrs | £135-£160 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Lock itself typically £40-80 depending on spec.
When You Need This
✅ New external door - fit proper security from the start
✅ Insurance requirement - upgrading to BS3621 spec
✅ Old rim lock failing - replace with something better
✅ Period property - mortice locks suit traditional doors
Why Choose Us for Mortice lock fitting in Exeter?
Better security than surface rim locks
Insurance-approved BS3621 available
Recessed - can't be levered off
Lasts decades when fitted properly
What to Expect
Step 1: Mark & Measure
I measure up carefully, mark where the lock needs to sit, check alignment with the frame and existing holes if replacing.
Step 2: Cut The Mortice
Carefully chisel out the pocket for the lock body. This is precision work - too tight and it binds, too loose and it rattles.
Step 3: Fit & Adjust
Lock goes in, faceplate fitted flush, keyhole drilled, spindle hole for handle. Then mark and fit the keeps in the frame.
Step 4: Test & Tune
Check it operates smoothly, bolt engages properly, key turns without force. Adjust until perfect.
🔧 DIY Tips
This is a tricky one for DIY. Doable if you're confident with tools, but easy to ruin a door. Here's what's involved:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Sharp chisel set (12mm, 20mm, 25mm)
- Drill and bits (including a flat wood bit for keyhole)
- Mallet
- Square and pencil
- Hole saw or spade bit for cylinder (if fitting one)
📐 The process
- Mark center line on door edge
- Mark lock body outline (trace around it)
- Drill out waste with flat bit
- Chisel mortice square and clean
- Test fit lock repeatedly
- Drill keyhole from both sides (meet in middle)
- Mark and cut strike plate into frame
- Test, adjust, test again
⚠️ Common DIY disasters
- Drilling through the door face by mistake
- Mortice not deep enough - lock proud of door edge
- Mortice too sloppy - lock rattles
- Keyhole not aligned - key won't go in
- Strike plate misaligned - bolt won't engage
💡 Pro trick: Do a test fit every few minutes while chiseling. Much easier to remove a bit more wood than to fill gaps if you go too far. And drill the keyhole from both sides to prevent breakout on the face.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🔨 Door thickness matters: Standard mortice locks need 44mm minimum. Slimmer doors need a different solution (probably a narrow nightlatch or surface lock).
BS3621 is your friend. If your insurance specifies it, make sure the lock has that kitemark. Not all 5-lever locks are BS3621 rated.
Pair it with a nightlatch. Mortice deadlocks are brilliant for security but you need a key to get out (fire escape issue). Most people have a mortice plus a nightlatch (Yale-type) for convenience.
Hardwood takes longer. Oak, mahogany, iroko - lovely doors but much harder to chisel. Allow extra time and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between mortice and rim locks?
A mortice lock sits inside the door (I cut a pocket for it), while a rim lock mounts on the surface. Mortice locks are much more secure because there's nothing to lever off. They're also insurance-friendly - many policies require a BS3621 5-lever mortice on external doors.
Can you fit a mortice lock to my door?
Need a door at least 44mm thick (most external doors are fine). Won't work on UPVC, glazed doors, or very thin internal doors. I can tell you once I see it - send a photo if you're unsure.
Do I need to buy the lock?
Either way works. If you want a specific one, buy it first. If not, I'll recommend a good quality 5-lever BS3621 lock and grab it from the merchant. Budget £40-80 for a decent lock depending on size and brand.
How long does it take?
1.5-2 hours typically. Longer if the door's hardwood or if there's an existing lock to remove first. It's precision work - the mortice needs cutting exactly right or the lock won't operate smoothly.
Will it meet insurance requirements?
Yes, if I fit a BS3621 rated 5-lever lock. That's the insurance industry standard for external doors. I'll recommend the right spec for your situation.
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