Oklahoma Locksmith Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of a mortise lock?

1. To secure doors against unauthorized access

2. To beautify door aesthetics

3. To allow for easy key duplication

4. To provide an emergency exit

The correct answer is: To secure doors against unauthorized access

The primary purpose of a mortise lock is to secure doors against unauthorized access. Mortise locks are designed to be installed within a pocket, or "mortise," in the edge of the door, providing a high level of security and durability. This design allows for thicker, heavier components, which contribute to a more robust locking mechanism compared to simpler locks. The complexity and solidity of the mortise lock make it a common choice for external doors, where security is of utmost importance. While aspects like aesthetics and ease of key duplication can be considered secondary benefits in the context of mortise locks, they do not primarily define their main function. Mortise locks may enhance the appearance of a door, but the essential role they serve is to provide secure locking against unauthorized entry. Additionally, although mortise locks can facilitate key duplication, this aspect doesn't influence their primary purpose. Emergency exit functionality is not a characteristic of mortise locks, as they are typically used for securing rather than facilitating quick exit options.