Homeowners, contractors, and project buyers often face the same question when choosing door hardware: should you install a mortise lock, a cylindrical (tubular) lock, or add a deadbolt? Each type has different installation requirements, security levels, price points, and suitable applications.

This guide compares the three most common residential lock types so you can choose the right one for your door, budget, and security needs.

What Is a Mortise Lock?

A mortise lock is installed inside a rectangular pocket (the mortise) cut into the edge of the door. The lock body, latch, and deadbolt are housed together in one robust metal case.

Key features:

· Lock body sits inside the door, not just in a round bore hole

· Combines latch and deadbolt in a single mechanism

· Operated by one lever or handle on the inside

· Available in heavy-duty grades for high-traffic use

Mortise locks are commonly used in villas, main entrance doors, commercial buildings, hotels, and older homes built before 1950.

What Is a Cylindrical (Tubular) Lock?

A cylindrical lock, also called a tubular lock or bored lock, is installed through two round holes drilled into the face and edge of the door. The standard face bore is 2-1/8 inches, with a latch hole of 7/8 to 1 inch.

Key features:

· Quick installation, usually 15 to 30 minutes

· Affordable and widely available

· Available in knob or lever handle styles

· Common in interior doors and light commercial use

Cylindrical locks are the most common choice for residential bedrooms, bathrooms, offices, and apartment interior doors.

What Is a Deadbolt Lock?

A deadbolt is an auxiliary lock used together with a latch lock. It has no spring latch and must be locked or unlocked with a key or thumbturn.

Key features:

· Solid bolt that resists forced entry and kick-ins

· Single cylinder (key outside, thumbturn inside) or double cylinder (key both sides)

· Can be added to existing cylindrical locksets

· Often required by insurance or building codes for exterior doors

Deadbolts are typically installed on exterior doors of houses, townhouses, and rental properties as a second layer of security.s

Mortise Lock vs Cylindrical Lock: Main Differences

Mortise locks offer superior security because the lock body is embedded deeper into the door, making forced entry more difficult. Cylindrical locks win on ease of installation and cost, which is why they dominate the residential interior market.

Mortise Lock vs Deadbolt: Which Is More Secure?

Both provide strong security, but in different ways:

· A mortise lock combines latch and deadbolt in one unit, operated by a single lever

· A deadbolt is an add-on lock that reinforces an existing cylindrical lockset

For main entrance doors, a mortise lock alone can provide sufficient security. For cylindrical lock setups, adding a deadbolt is strongly recommended to resist kick-ins and forced entry.

Cylindrical Lock vs Tubular Lock: Are They the Same?

Yes. "Cylindrical lock" and "tubular lock" refer to the same type of bored lockset. The terms are used interchangeably in the industry. Both fit into standard 2-1/8 inch bore holes and are installed through the face and edge of the door.

Which Lock Is Best for Different Home Types?

· Villas and detached houses: Heavy-duty mortise lock for the main entrance, deadbolt as backup

· Apartments and condos: Cylindrical lockset for interior doors, mortise or deadbolt for entrance

· Townhouses: Lever handle lock with deadbolt for front door

· Rental properties: Rekeyable cylindrical lock or smart lock with PIN code

· Older homes (pre-1950): Mortise lock replacement to match original door preparation

· Coastal homes: SUS304 or SUS316 stainless steel mortise lock and handles

What Buyers Should Check Before Ordering

· Door thickness (usually 35-55 mm for residential doors)

· Backset size (60 mm, 70 mm, or 2-3/8", 2-3/4")

· Existing door preparation (mortise pocket or round bore)

· Lock grade (ANSI Grade 1, 2, or 3)

· Finish preference (satin stainless, matte black, brass, chrome)

· Keying system (keyed alike, keyed different, master key)

· Environment (indoor, outdoor, coastal, high humidity)

Providing these details to your supplier early can reduce sampling time and avoid installation issues.

FAQ: Door Lock Comparison

Is a mortise lock more secure than a cylindrical lock?

Yes. Mortise locks are generally more secure because the lock body is embedded inside the door, providing stronger resistance to forced entry.

Can I replace a mortise lock with a cylindrical lock?

Yes, but you will need to fill the mortise pocket and drill new bore holes. It is often easier to replace with another mortise lock of the same size.

Which lock is easier to install?

Cylindrical locks are much easier to install and typically take 15 to 30 minutes. Mortise locks require precise pocket cutting and are best installed by a professional.

Do I need a deadbolt if I have a mortise lock?

Not always. A quality mortise lock already includes a deadbolt function. A separate deadbolt is mainly needed when using a cylindrical lock on an exterior door.

Which lock lasts longer?

Mortise locks are built for heavy use and typically last longer than cylindrical locks, especially in high-traffic environments like hotels and offices.

If you are sourcing mortise locks, cylindrical locksets, deadbolts, or complete door hardware for residential or commercial projects, share your door specifications and quantity requirements. We can recommend suitable lock types, finishes, and keying solutions based on your application.