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What is a common malfunction of a mortise cylinder?

  1. Broken keyway

  2. Loose or missing cam screws

  3. Faulty springs

  4. Cylinder misalignment

The correct answer is: Loose or missing cam screws

A common malfunction of a mortise cylinder is associated with loose or missing cam screws. These screws are vital for securing the cam, which is responsible for turning the locking mechanism when the key is inserted and rotated. If the cam screws become loose or are missing altogether, it can lead to improper function of the locking mechanism. This could result in the locking cylinder not engaging or disengaging correctly when the key is turned, thereby affecting the overall security and usability of the lock. The other options, while they may represent potential issues with different locking mechanisms or scenarios, are not as prevalent or directly related to the typical malfunction observed specifically in mortise cylinders as loose or missing cam screws. This makes understanding the function and maintenance of cam screws essential for locksmiths when diagnosing issues related to mortise cylinders.