DIY Door Latch

Drilling the Latch Hole

• 1

  Set the door on its side on two saw horses.

• 2

  Tap a nail into the door edge at the intended location of the latch hole, then remove it. This marks the location for drilling. New doors will come with a piece of paper over the latch location.

• 3

  Insert a 7/8-inch spade bit into your drill. Make a hole in the marked location on the door. Alternatively, place a jig over the door in the handle location and secure it into place using nails. This will mark the hole locations.

• 4

  Fit your drill with a 2 1/8-inch diameter hole bit and drill the large hole for the knob and lock set, parallel to the latch hole. Drill halfway through on each side.

Install the Latch

• 5

  Place the latch onto the latch hole. Tighten the screws down.

• 6

  Place a chisel around the perimeter of the latch and hit it gently with a hammer to mark the latch location.

• 7

  Chisel out wood from the marked latch location, using a chisel and hammer, a little at a time, so that the latch plate is recessed in the door. Hold the chisel at a sharp angle and tap it gently with a hammer to remove the wood.

• 8

  Put the latch into position and screw it down.

• 9

  Place the two portions of each knob together and attach them using the provided screws.