How to Assemble a Skeleton Key Door Lock

Removing Existing hardware

• 1

  Unscrew the screws attaching the existing door plate with a power drill and driver bit.

• 2

  Unscrew any screws securing the knob to the door lock with a power drill and driver bit. Some knobs are secured in place by Allen head screws and require an Allen wrench for removal.

• 3

  Unscrew the screws holding the lock mechanism in the side of the door with a power drill and driver bit.

• 4

  Unscrew the screws holding the door lock plate against the door jamb with a power drill and driver bit.

• 5

  Remove all hardware from the door lock and slide the door lock sideways out from the door.

Skeleton Key Lock Assembly

• 6

  Hold the skeleton key lock face plate against the door and trace the keyhole and doorknob hole with a pencil.

• 7

  Drill out the keyhole and doorknob hole through the door with a power drill and drill bit.

• 8

  Insert the lock mechanism into the side of the door. If the cavity in the door is not large enough, expand the hole by drilling mortise holes above or below the existing hole with a power drill and drill bit. Chisel out the edges of the mortise holes until the skeleton key lock mechanism can fit.

• 9

  Place the plate over the locking mechanism on the side of the door and screw it in place with a power drill and driver bit.

• 10

  Screw the face plate in place with a power drill and driver bit so the doorknob hole and keyholes match the holes in the faceplate.

• 11

  Insert the doorknob post through the lock mechanism.

• 12

  Attach the doorknobs to the doorknob post and secure them in place with an Allen wrench or power drill and driver bit.

• 13

  Hold the jamb plate against the door jamb and trace the bolt holes with a pencil.

• 14

  Drill mortise holes in the marked bolt holes in the door jamb with a power drill and drill bit.

• 15

  Chisel out the mortise holes with a hammer and chisel until the bolts can fit.

• 16

  Screw the door jamb plate in place with a power drill and driver bit.