What our experts say…
We’ve all been affected by changes in standards, to a degree. Here at Security Installer we are constantly bemoaning the lack of sex and violence on television, for instance. But changing standards have had an impact on alarm installers, too, you may have heard.
Since the introduction of DD243 some years ago, a great many intruder alarm installers have opted to use method 6.4.3 as their preferred entry/exit routine, in which a key operated lock at the final exit/entry point is used to disable the sequential verification procedure.
Though this particular method has its detractors, it also has plenty going for it, not least because it negates the need for any additional proximity-based receiving equipment whilst maintaining, as far as possible, the integrity of the communications link to an ARC.
With the addition of a handheld power drill, this kit comprises all the equipment necessary to install such a morticed deadlock, quickly and professionally, into a wooden door.
Part of the kit includes a dedicated long drill bit that fits into the jig to bore an accurate, neat internal hole to return the circuit cable back to the hinge side of the door. In fact the kit will cut a mortice into aluminium doors as well using suitable metal cutting router bits, though this is probably not for the faint hearted.
The kit is housed in a dedicated tough plastic case with integral handle that looks just like a regular power drill housing. The internal case is moulded to snugly accommodate the sliding jig, safety goggles, hexagonal adjustment key and space for up to six router bit containers. It is relatively light to carry, and appears to be sufficiently robust to throw into the back of the van until required.
A written instruction book is supplied with lots of pictures, though it really is not difficult to understand how the mechanism works. An experienced installer would need only to familiarise himself with the vertical and horizontal adjustments before clamping the jig to the door and making a success of the first attempt.
One important point for alarm installers to remember is that the morticer uses a quick-fit router bit rather than a drill bit, so consequently the cutting motion is applied up and down, not in and out like a conventional hand held wood cutting drill bit. The cutting action is swift and accurate with virtually no splitting of the material, even when fitted to a rebated door.
The mechanism is best demonstrated by Souber’s own web site – www.morticer.co.uk – which shows the jig in action in a two minute video. Essentially, the jig is vertically clamped to the internal and external face of the door, the top and bottom side clamps determine the internal height of the mortice, and the hex key shaft adjustment determines the depth of cut to accommodate the lock.
It goes without saying that the accuracy of the cut is governed by the sharpness of the router bit, and though these can be manually sharpened using an oil stone, it does take some practice.
The same cannot be said for the long drill bit, as this has been specially designed with a unique head and a strong shaft to cut perfectly straight every time, literally pulling itself through the width of the door without penetrating the front or rear door surfaces. The drill bit is thoughtfully available in either 950 or 1250mm lengths, at GB pound 15 and GB pound 20 + VAT respectively, and is said by the manufacturers to last for around 200 doors, before it then needs to be replaced.
We telephoned Souber with some technical questions during normal working hours. The representative was very helpful and explained the history and the development of the product – 10,000 sold worldwide over a period of nine years.
