Cylinder Locks vs Mortice Locks in Warehouses: Which Works Best? 

With so much to do in a warehouse, it can be easy for security to become an afterthought. If you are in charge of a warehouse’s security, though, you need to pay close attention to your locks. What type of locks do you have in place just now? Most warehouses will have either a mortice […]

With so much to do in a warehouse, it can be easy for security to become an afterthought. If you are in charge of a warehouse’s security, though, you need to pay close attention to your locks. What type of locks do you have in place just now? Most warehouses will have either a mortice lock or a cylinder lock. Both have their functions, but it can be tough to determine what is right for your warehouse. 

To help you understand the difference between mortice locks and cylinder locks, we contacted Locks & Handles. As specialists in lock mechanisms, we wanted professional insight into the matter. If you are struggling to choose between a cylinder lock and mortice lock for your warehouse, read on. We will break down the professional insight we received so you can make an informed decision.

What Makes Warehouse Lock Types So Difficult To Choose?

In a warehouse, you have several issues to consider when choosing your locks, including:

• The depth of your security budget: how much can you afford to spend on locks?
• The frequency with which a door is used: can you get away with ‘lesser’ locks?
• The type of door you are buying a lock for: Is this door compatible?
• The layout of your warehouse: where do you need to prioritise? 

Warehouses are often visited by many people on any given day. You could have staff coming and going, as well as suppliers, visitors, VIPs, health & safety consultants, etc.

That means you need locks that are easy to use yet extremely durable. In some door types, a mortice lock may be preferable – especially for doors leading to areas holding high-value assets or even main entrances into the warehouse proper. For some internal doors, such as staff rooms and areas behind more comprehensive security systems, a cylinder lock might work.

Let’s compare the features of both lock types so you can make an informed decision for every door in your warehouse.

Cylinder VS Mortice Locks For Warehouses: What’s Best?

The challenge with deciding between a mortice deadlock and a lock with a cylinder is context. There is no universal answer; some doors will be more suited to a mortice, while others suit a cylinder. 

Cylinder Locks

The first choice for most warehouse security teams will be a cylinder lock. These are simple lock systems operated by a lever or doorknob. They are much like the doors we find in our homes, and as such, come with many of the same pros and cons.

Compared to a mortice lock, cylinder locks are generally quite limited in terms of security depth. They have only a single locking mechanism, making them easier to manipulate and break into. At the same time, they are much easier to use and install. You also don’t need to create a pocket for the lock to fit into, meaning less work is required and less risk of collateral damage during installation.

Warehouses should only consider installing a lock with cylinder protection if they are looking to protect less valuable internal areas. Cylinder locks are great for doors in areas that are secured by a mortice lock door or a door with access control functions, like a keypad. If they are your sole line of defence against a break-in, though, a cylinder lock is less likely to provide the robust protection you desire.

Quality is more variable, though that means if you invest a little more into a quality cylinder lock, you might get a lock system that is close to a mortice lock in terms of durability and longevity. 

Mortice Locks

Mortice locks remain highly popular with warehouse security teams looking to bolster the strength of internal security. These tend to be more expensive and also come with more challenging installation requirements. For example, DIY installation is rarely recommended; hire a locksmith if you want to have a 5-lever mortice lock fitted. 

Why? Mortice locks need to have a pocket – or mortice – cut into the door itself. The lock is then fitted into the door itself, making the lock part of the door as opposed to a simple external add-on. There will be a double-locking system here, likely a deadbolt and a latch. As such, there are two areas that someone would need to break through if they wished to manipulate your mortice lock.

Generally, you will pay more for a mortice lock than you would for a cylindrical lock. They provide multi-point locking systems, though, and are also far less prone to wear and tear. You might also find it easier to pair mortice locks with smart lock systems and other security implementations. Since they require two different parts to be manipulated to open, these locks are also more suitable for meeting health & safety codes and security compliance requirements; insurance, for example, often demands a 5-lever mortice lock on all of your most important doors.

If you are willing to spend a little more on your warehouse security, it is rare for a cylinder lock to beat a mortice lock. They tend to provide better value for money in the long term, too, because they last longer due to the heavy-duty nature of the mechanisms, including the springs. Mortice locks make the most sense for the busiest areas of your warehouse, or where you need security. 

Mortice VS Cylinder Locks: Making The Right Decision For Your Warehouse

There is no perfect answer here, but most would suggest going with a 5-lever mortice lock. These should at least be your choice of lock for external doors or for doors protecting high-value areas of your warehouse. 

For less high-value areas or areas already protected by a door with a mortice deadlock, though, cylinder locks can still be a worthwhile choice.

Whatever type you buy, make sure that you buy Grade 1 locks, as these provide the highest level of security and compliance with building code regulations. Also, be sure to set up a routine inspection for your locks; both cylinder and mortice locks require regular maintenance. 

If you are unsure what would be best for your warehouse, consult with a local locksmith for insight.