Locks Explained · Mortise
Mortise locks, explained — for Old Kenner homes
Cast iron cases, brass hardware, skeleton keys and the reason most Old Kenner front doors have been on the same lock for a century.
Mortise locks are the rectangular lock cases cut into the edge of pre-1930 doors. Common in Old Kenner, Rivertown and higher-end custom homes. Service $165 to $395 (which is what we usually recommend). Modern replacement mortise from Emtek or Baldwin runs $395 to $695 fitted — but if the original still works, keep it.
How a mortise lock is different
A modern deadbolt is a cylinder bored through the face of the door with the bolt mechanism attached inline. A mortise lock is a rectangular metal case that sits inside a hollow cut (the “mortise”) in the door edge itself.
| Modern deadbolt | Mortise lock | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutout | Two circular bores | Rectangular pocket in door edge |
| Case material | Steel | Cast iron and brass (pre-1940) or steel (modern) |
| Latch and deadbolt | Separate | One integrated case does both |
| Serviceability | Replace when worn | Individual parts replaceable |
| Cost fitted | $195–$395 | $165–$395 (service) or $395–$695 (new) |
The single most important thing to understand: a working pre-1940 mortise lock is almost always worth keeping and servicing rather than replacing. These were built to be rebuilt.
Old Kenner and Rivertown
What we see on pre-1930 doors here
The historic core of Kenner — Old Kenner between Third and Fifth Streets, and Rivertown down toward the river — has the highest concentration of original mortise hardware in the city. Common brands from that era:
- Corbin — cast iron cases with brass or bronze escutcheons. Serviceable, keys still cuttable.
- Sargent — similar era, similar quality. Very common on 1900-1930 Kenner homes.
- Yale — both bit-key and early pin-tumbler variants. Individual parts still available.
- Russwin, Reading, and P&F Corbin — regional variants. Skeleton key.
If any of those names appear on a front door escutcheon in your Old Kenner house, do not let anyone replace the lock. Service it.
Skeleton keys, bit keys, and what still works
Pre-1900 mortise locks were mostly warded (skeleton key) or lever-tumbler mechanisms. Not high security by modern standards, but often part of the character of a Kenner Creole cottage or shotgun.
- Yes, we cut new skeleton keys on our vintage bit-key machines. $15 to $45 per key.
- Yes, they still work reliably if the mortise is serviced.
- No, we do not recommend them as the only lock on a house you leave for weeks — add a modern deadbolt as a second lock, keep the mortise as day-to-day.
Modern mortise: Emtek, Baldwin, Rocky Mountain
Higher-end new construction in Kenner (Chateau custom builds, Laketown lakefront homes) often specifies modern mortise. Better internals than budget bored deadbolts, better aesthetic, more expensive.
| Brand | Where you see it | Typical price fitted |
|---|---|---|
| Emtek | Chateau, Laketown custom builds | $395–$595 |
| Baldwin | Same tier | $395–$695 |
| Rocky Mountain | Higher-end custom | $495–$895 |
We service and can source parts for all three. If you own one and it needs work, ring us — most Kenner locksmiths do not stock these parts.
Questions
Mortise lock questions
What is a mortise lock?
A rectangular lock case mortised (cut) into the edge of the door, with a keyway and thumb turn on the outside face and a strike box in the door frame. Different from a modern cylinder deadbolt which is bored through the face of the door. Common in American homes built before 1930 and in higher-end custom builds today.
Where do I see mortise locks in Kenner?
Almost everywhere in Old Kenner (pre-1930 housing), Rivertown (historic core), and on the original front doors of some Chateau Estates custom builds. Modern mortise locks (Emtek, Baldwin, Rocky Mountain) show up in higher-end Laketown builds and custom Chateau homes.
Can a mortise lock be repaired?
Almost always yes — cast iron and brass parts are individually replaceable and the design was intended to be serviceable. Full service (clean, re-spring, re-pin, lubricate, key cutting) runs $165 to $395. Modern replacement mortise locks are generally worse than the ones already fitted, so we service before we replace.
My mortise lock takes a skeleton key. Can you cut new ones?
Yes — we have vintage bit-key cutting equipment. $15 to $45 per key. Not every locksmith in Kenner can do this. Common request from Old Kenner residents.
Should I add a modern deadbolt to my mortise door?
Usually yes — but keep the original mortise as the primary lock. Fit a good Grade 2 single-cylinder deadbolt above or below it. That gives you modern security without destroying original hardware. $195 to $395 fitted.
My mortise thumb turn is loose. Fixable?
Yes. Loose thumb turns are typically a worn set screw or a stripped spindle — both are individually replaceable. $85 to $145 depending on the specific mechanism.
What is the difference between old and new mortise locks?
Old mortise (pre-1940) uses cast iron cases and warded or lever mechanisms. Modern mortise (Emtek, Baldwin) uses steel cases with modern pin-tumbler cylinders. Both are better than budget bored-cylinder deadbolts. Old ones are more repairable, new ones are more pick-resistant.
Mortise lock in an Old Kenner or Rivertown home?
Ring us before you replace it. Service is almost always the right answer.