How to Install a Lock on a Jewelry Armoire

Mark the position of the lock on the front of the armoire by placing the lock in position and marking its boundaries with a razor knife. Use a chisel to remove the waste from the marked area. Make sure that the mortise is as thick as the outer flange of the lock.

Mark the area where the cup of the lock will fit. Use a Forstner bit that is as thick as the cup of the lock to remove the waste from this area. Remove the rest of the waste with the chisel. Do it slowly and carefully.

Extend the recess on the back piece of the armoire to fit the top of the lock. Mark the area and remove the waste with chisel. Be gentle as you remove the wood from the front lip along the front edge of the mortise because it breaks easily.

Mark the position of the key hole by pressing the lock firmly into the mortise. Drill a hole at the spot and check the fit of the lock. Press the key on the pin of the lock on the other side of the wood. Use a razor knife to carve out the whole for the key and its escutcheon. Stop often to check if they fit precisely before cutting and filing more wood. Once the hole is complete, use a clamp to push the escutcheon into the armoire.

Mark the boundaries of the strike plate on the door of the jewelry armoire. Use the chisel to remove the waste. Then fit the plate into the armoire.