Forend

The forend is the metal plate on the edge of the door that the bolt and the latch come out of. It is screwed to the door leaf and is the only part of a mortice lock you can see when the door is open.

It can be square-ended or have rounded ends, and its length and width vary from one manufacturer to another. On multipoint locks the forend is much longer, because it runs almost the full height of the door.

When a lock is replaced, the new forend must cover the recess left by the old one. If it is shorter or narrower, it leaves a gap in the timber that weakens the edge and looks untidy. That is why it is worth measuring before you buy. More under lock installation.