Arrow MC61 Mortise Cylinder

The Arrow MC61 is the standard 6-pin mortise cylinder for Arrow BM Series mortise locks and a range of compatible hardware - brass body, 1-5/32-inch diameter, available in four lengths, with five cam configurations that cover Arrow, Schlage, Adams Rite, and panic device applications. If you searched "mc61", "arrow cylinders", "arrow cylinder", "arrow mortise locks", or "mc 61" - this is the product.

MC61 Model Decoded

MC - Mortise Cylinder. The MC prefix identifies this as a mortise-format cylinder - the cylindrical plug that installs in the cylinder hole of a mortise lock case. It is distinct from rim cylinders (for surface-mounted hardware), key-in-knob cylinders (integrated into cylindrical knob locks), and IC cores (interchangeable core format).

61 - 6-pin tumbler, 1-inch family. The 6 designates six pin chambers for six-cut key bitting. The 1 references the standard 1-inch family of mortise cylinder lengths as the base designation. Arrow sectional keyways and competitive keyway options are also available on this platform.

MC61 vs MC61-2 vs MC61-3: The length suffix after MC61 designates the cylinder length. MC61 (no suffix) = 1-1/8-inch length. MC61-2 = 1-1/4-inch length. MC61-3 = 1-1/2-inch length. MC61-4 = 2-inch length. The correct length depends on the lock case, door thickness, and trim configuration. The most common for standard 1-3/4-inch door is the MC61 (1-1/8-inch).

"Arrow Cylinders" and "Arrow Mortise Locks": What This Cylinder Fits

If you searched "arrow cylinders" or "arrow cylinder" - the MC61 is the primary mortise cylinder product in Arrow's cylinder catalog. Arrow mortise cylinders are used as replacement, keying, or original equipment cylinders in Arrow BM Series mortise locks (BM01 through BM84 functions) and in other hardware that accepts standard 1-5/32-inch diameter mortise cylinders.

The connection between "arrow mortise locks" and this cylinder is direct: every Arrow BM Series mortise lock requires a mortise cylinder in the designated keyway to provide outside key control. When the lock ships without a cylinder (LC - less cylinder ordering), or when a cylinder needs replacement or rekeying into a master key system, the MC61 is the Arrow OEM replacement.

The Cam Matrix: The Most Important Ordering Decision

This is the detail absent from every competitor page and the most common source of ordering errors on mortise cylinders. The cam is the lever or disc on the back of the cylinder plug that operates the lock mechanism when the key is turned. Different mortise lock functions require different cam geometries. Order the wrong cam and the cylinder installs but does not operate the lock correctly.

Cam 001 - Standard straight cam: For Arrow mortise lock functions 12, 17, 22, 23, 24, 27, 32 (inside), 33, and 37. These are the functions where the key cylinder operates the latch from outside and the standard straight cam is the correct geometry. The 001 cam is the most commonly ordered.

Cam AM2 - Cloverleaf/curved cam: For Arrow mortise lock functions 11, 13, 19, 20, 21, 31, 32 (outside), 34, 38, 40, 41, 42, 44. These are the apartment/front door, storeroom, and higher-security functions that require the AM2 curved cam geometry to actuate the deadbolt or the outside lever control correctly. Function 11 (BM11 apartment) uses AM2 because the deadbolt operation requires the cloverleaf cam rotation arc.

Cam 004 - N-series and panic device cam: For Arrow N Series locks, panic device trims, and alarm hardware. Different rotation arc required for these devices.

Cam 006 - Schlage-compatible cam: For use with Schlage mortise locks. Arrow MC61 cylinders can be specified in Schlage locks when the hardware schedule calls for a consistent keyway throughout a facility that includes both Arrow and Schlage hardware.

Cam AR18 - Adams Rite cam: The MS cam format required by Adams Rite deadlatches and deadlocks (4500, 4900, MS1850S, MS1950 series). If you are installing an Arrow MC61 cylinder in an Adams Rite mortise lock, the AR18 cam is required.

Confirm the ANSI function number of your lock before ordering. The wrong cam will result in either partial rotation (won't fully lock or unlock), no operation, or mechanical bind.

"MC 61": The Space-Variant Search

If you searched "mc 61" - this is the Arrow MC61 model number typed with a space. The MC61 and MC 61 designate the same product. The model number without space is the correct format for ordering.

Four Length Options: Which to Order

The cylinder length must match the lock case cylinder hole depth and the trim configuration:

MC61 - 1-1/8 inch (28.57mm): Standard length for most Arrow BM Series mortise locks on standard 1-3/4-inch doors. The most commonly ordered length.

MC61-2 - 1-1/4 inch (31.75mm): For applications where the lock face to back trim creates a slightly deeper cylinder requirement - certain escutcheon trims, thick trim plates, or specific lock models that call for the longer length.

MC61-3 - 1-1/2 inch (38mm): For thicker doors, extended door preparations, or specific Arrow lock functions that specify this length.

MC61-4 - 2 inch (51mm): For the longest cylinder requirement - oversized doors, specialty applications, or custom hardware schedule specifications.

Always verify the required cylinder length from the lock case specification or the hardware schedule before ordering. Installing a cylinder that is too long will prevent the collar from seating flush.

Hotel Cylinder Variant: MCH61

For Arrow mortise lock functions 15 and 16 (hotel room functions), the MCH61 is the hotel-specific cylinder variant. Same body dimensions and cam options, but with hotel function-specific operation. The collar for the standard door application is the 16-113A. Specify MCH61 when the hardware schedule indicates a hotel function mortise lock.

Construction and Keyway

The MC61 body is brass, 1-5/32-inch diameter - the standard commercial mortise cylinder diameter used by most major manufacturers. The cylinder collar is furnished standard with every MC61. Scalp options: brass or bronze - the scalp is the face ring visible on the door face around the cylinder opening.

A keyway is the standard. Arrow sectional keyways are available for buildings with established Arrow sectional key control systems. Competitive keyway availability - including Schlage C, Corbin, Sargent, and other keyways - is available by consulting the factory. Six-pin tumbler construction provides a standard key-differ capacity appropriate for commercial master key systems.

Keying Options

Keyed different (standard), keyed alike, master keyed, construction master keyed, visual key control, and concealed key control are all available. The MC61 can be incorporated into any existing Arrow or competitive master key system. Two nickel silver keys furnished standard.

Specifications

Model: Arrow MC61

Type: Mortise cylinder, conventional (non-IC)

Pins: 6-pin tumbler

Body Material: Brass

Body Diameter: 1-5/32" (29.37mm)

Lengths: 1-1/8" (MC61), 1-1/4" (MC61-2), 1-1/2" (MC61-3), 2" (MC61-4)

Collar: Furnished standard (16-113A)

Scalp: Brass or bronze

Keyway: A keyway standard; Arrow sectional keyways; competitive keyways available from factory

Cam Options: 001 (straight, standard mortise functions), AM2 (cloverleaf, apartment/storeroom), 004 (N series/panic/alarm), 006 (Schlage compatible), AR18 (Adams Rite)

Hotel Variant: MCH61 for functions 15 and 16

Keying: KD, KA, MK, CMK, VKC, CKC

Keys: Two nickel silver standard

American Locksets has stocked Arrow mortise cylinders since 2001.