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Replacement Locks
for Antique Furniture
Replacing locks on new, vintage and antique furnitureare requires understanding lock types and lock measurements.. Finding an exact replacement can be difficult however similar size locks of the same style can often be made to work. Traditional lock types are: surface mount, half mortise and full mortise styles. Each lock style has a specific use.
When measuring locks a variety of concerns come into play: lock body, lock plate, selvedge, backset, strike and lock bolt. All of these measurements should be evaluated - however the most important measurement to match is the backset so that the keyhole will line up correctly with the keyhole in your drawer or door.
Drawers use half mortise locks or full mortise locks.
- Half Mortise were most often used on 18th and 19th century furniture.
- Full Mortise Locks are occasionally used on drawers where a low profile appearance is desired.
Cabinet Doors can use a surface lock, full mortise lock or half mortise lock.
- The surface locks are the easiest to install.
- Full mortise locks are used when a minimalist appearance is desired.
- Half mortise locks are a favored traditional style often used on doors.
Lift Lid Boxes require half mortise locks with special strikes.
- Half mortise locks are available in very small sizes for jewelry boxes to large size locks for blanket chests.
When replacing a lock
Determine the lock style you need.
Carefully measure the backset: distance from pin in keyhole of lock to selvedge edge of lock
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Half Mortise Locks |
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Surface Locks |
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Full Mortise Locks
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Half Mortise Locks for Lift Lid Boxes |
