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
We're a general handyman service that turns its hand to things. We're not specialist installers.
Most of what people call out a handyman for is time and a decent pair of hands. That is what you are booking: a handyman for the hours you choose, working through your list.
£60 an hour including VAT, two hour minimum. How booking works
Bookable by the hour
- Repairs, adjustments and replacements on what is already there
- Fitting, hanging, mounting and assembling
- Small jobs batched into one visit
Take this to a specialist
- Work that needs a certificate or sign-off
- Structural work, and anything notifiable under building regulations
- Manufacturer-warranty installs that only an approved installer can carry out
Not sure which yours is? Describe the job and we will tell you
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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