How to Choose the Right Door Lock: Handle Lock vs Mortise Lock vs Rim Lock

Handle lock, mortise lock, or rim lock? Here's how these three common door lock types differ, so you buy the right one the first time.

21 July 2026 · ~2 min read

Why the lock type matters

Not every door needs the same kind of lock. The right choice depends on the door material, how the lock is fitted, and how much security you need. The three most common types you'll find in a hardware shop are the handle lock, the mortise lock, and the rim lock - and mixing them up is one of the most common buying mistakes.

Handle lock

A handle lock combines a lever handle and a locking mechanism in one unit, usually fitted through a hole bored into the door face. It's the most common choice for internal doors, main doors, and office doors because it's straightforward to fit and gives you a handle and a lock in a single fitting.

Good for: bedrooms, offices, main doors
Fitting: bored straight through the door face
Typical strength: standard to main-door duty, depending on the model

Mortise lock

A mortise lock sits inside a pocket (a "mortise") cut into the edge of the door, rather than through the face. It's usually paired with a separate handle or lever on the outside. Because the lock body is recessed into the door itself, mortise locks are common on heavier, higher-security doors.

Good for: main entrance doors, doors that need extra security
Fitting: recessed into the door edge - needs more precise carpentry than a handle lock
Typical strength: generally higher-duty than a basic handle lock

Rim lock

A rim lock is mounted on the surface of the door rather than cut into it, usually on the inside face, and is paired with a rim cylinder or knob on the outside. It's a practical option when you don't want to (or can't) cut into the door itself.

Good for: wooden doors where you want to avoid mortising, added or secondary locks
Fitting: surface-mounted, no deep cutting required
Typical strength: varies by model, often used as a secondary lock alongside another lock

Quick comparison

Simplest to fit: rim lock (no mortising) or handle lock (bored, not recessed)
Most integrated look: mortise lock (fully recessed, nothing visible on the door face)
Best for a second layer of security: rim lock added alongside an existing handle or mortise lock

Buying tip

Bring or measure your door's thickness and the backset - the distance from the door edge to the centre of the handle or cylinder - before you buy. Sizes and finishes vary between models, so it's worth confirming fit before you commit to one.