subject: How to Install a Lockset [print this page] How to Install a Lockset How to Install a Lockset
A great way to improve the security of your home is by installing an extra lockset. Thieves are always looking for the easy score, so anything that you can do to slow their entry is a good thing, and may even act as a deterrent to breaking in period.
Installing a new lockset is a simple enough procedure that takes just a few minutes of your time. If you're not very mechanically inclined, though, don't be afraid to hire a skilled professional. Some doors come predrilled for lockset installation, but if you've gotten a brand new door, or are installing an extra on a previous door for heightened security, you may have to drill the holes yourself. We'll go over how to perform this installation on a door that needs to be drilled, as it will cover both.
To perform this installation, you'll need the following items:
Lockset
Pencil
Tape
Combination Square
Chisel
Screwdriver
Power drill with hole-saw attachment
Sandpaper
Once you've acquired all of these tools, we'll get to installing your lockset.
First, start with wrapping the paper or cardboard template around the edge of the door per the manufacturer's instructions. This should come with the lockset. Tape the template into place so it doesn't move. The template will indicate the locations for the lock cylinder hole and the hole for the edge of the door bolt. Mark the centers for these holes on the door with your pencil.
Using the power drill with the hole saw attachment, drill a hole for the specific size of the lock cylinder half way through the door on each side. Don't drill straight through the door because it will damage the veneer on the opposite side.
Now, using a smaller drill attachment bore a hole into the side of the door appropriate for the bolt until you reach the cylinder hole. Use the combination square against the edge of the door to keep the drill bit at a right angle and ensure a level hole. Use the sandpaper to smooth the edges of the door.
Now insert the bolt into the hole and place the bolt plate into position over it. Trace the plate's outline onto the door. Follow the manufacturer's instruction on how to remove the bolt and mortise so that you make sure the bolt plate is flush with the door's surface. Now use the chisel to cu the mortise. Once you've gotten it to the correct depth, insert the bolt and bolt plate and drill holes to mount the screws. Once you've got the holes for the screws, go ahead and fix the plate to the door.
Insert the outside lock cylinder so that the connecting bar fits into the assembly. Attach the interior lock cylinder and secure it in place with screws.
Now we have to move to door frame. A good way to locate the proper spot for the strike plate is to apply a little bit of ink to center of the bolt. Shut the door and try to turn the bolt. When you open the door, the outline of the bolt should be mark on the door jamb. Place the strike place appropriately around the ink, so that the imprint of the bolt lines up with the center of the strike plate. Now, with your pencil, outline the strike plate on the door jamb.
Using the same methods as before, cut the mortise for the strike plate. Use the same hole saw attachment that you used on the door to drill the bolt hole to drill out the space for the bolt. Use a secondary drill attachment to drill it all the way out. Once this is complete, create the holes for the screws and screw the strike plate into place. Sand down any unsightly wood around the plates.
There you go. You just installed a lockset. Remember, if you neither possess the time, skill or just the proper tools for this job, just call a locksmith. They'll be happy to help you make your home more secure.
