Mortise? Rim? Who knows!
🔐 Rim Housing vs. Mortise Housing
| Feature | Rim Housing | Mortise Housing |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Outer casing for rim locks (surface-mounted) | Outer casing for mortise locks (installed in a cavity within the door) |
| Installation Type | Surface-mounted | Embedded into a door's mortise pocket |
| Common Use Cases | Retrofit applications or external mountings | Built-in door systems in commercial buildings |
| Core Compatibility | SFIC, LFIC (Best, Falcon, Schlage, etc.) | SFIC, FSIC (Best, Falcon, Schlage, etc.) |
| Material & Durability | Typically solid brass, tamper-resistant | Durable brass, designed for high-use areas |
| Security Role | Encases and protects the lock cylinder externally | Encases and protects the lock cylinder internally |
| Application Environments | Commercial buildings, institutions, where surface installation is viable | High-security institutions (government, education, healthcare, commercial) |
| Installation Complexity | Simpler to install on existing doors | Requires precise door prep and often professional installation |
| Maintenance | Regular inspection needed for wear and security | Routine checks ensure performance and security integrity |
🧩 Key Differences
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Mounting Location: Rim housings are surface-mounted, whereas mortise housings are embedded into the door.
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Complexity: Mortise housings are more complex to install and require a pre-cut cavity.
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Use Case Preference: Rim is often used for retrofitting or external access; mortise is preferred for integrated, high-security systems.
✅ Similarities
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Both are durable, secure, and designed to house interchangeable lock cores.
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They’re used in similar high-security commercial environments.
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Both require regular maintenance and professional installation is often recommended.