The Willow entry sets are configured for use with a mortise lock and keyed cylinder deadbolt. Why are these sets not configured for use with a less expensive tubular latch is a question we are often asked and will try to answer in this post.
First point to make is that we only use Accurate’ s mortise lock which is made here in the US by a company that has been making superior locks for over 50 years. The lock is a complex 4lb mechanism contained in a robust 4” x 6” x ¾” case that sits inside the door and acts as a highly effective security barrier.
The mortise lock has a series of portals that allow the lock to perform multiple functions.The picture below shows the deadbolt, latch, and toggle .
When the key is turned inside the cylinder it throws the deadbolt into the strike in the door jamb thereby locking the door.
The latch keeps the door closed and it is operated by the thumb latch which when depressed retracts the latch and when released throws the latch, the same task would be performed by a lever if the Willow thumb latch and lever combination were used. When the mortise lock is supplied the configuration of latch to latch or latch to lever needs to be specified so that the lock interior is built correctly.
The toggle acts as a second locking mechanism and one that works independently of the deadbolt. The toggle when pushed inward releases a mechanism that prevents the latch from locking. This allows the door to remain closed but not locked allowing guests to open the door without a key being needed. If the toggle is placed into a flush position it will throw the latch thereby locking the door without activating the deadbolt.
In a subsequent post we will explain the other functions this clever lock performs.