Drilling Holes for Door Locks

Remove the template that came with the lock. With the door open, position the template on the door, according to the manufacturer’s directions. Tape it in place. The template shows you where to drill the holes in the door for the lock. Most door locks are located 6 inches above the door handle.

Mark the centers of these holes with a pencil. When all the holes are marked, remove the template from the door. Also mark around the template, in case you need to put the template on the door again.

Equip the drill with the correct size hole-saw attachment. Line up the point of the drill with the pencil markings, and turn the drill on to full speed. Use the hole-saw attachment size indicated on the manufacturer's directions.

Cut through the door, holding the drill so the hole-saw bit is level. Do not cut all the way through or you could damage the veneer. Drill only to the point where the drill comes through the door, then stop. The door should be braced so it will not move as you drill through.

Drill through the other side of the door by lining up the center hole with the point of the drill. Do not hold the saw-hole blade against the door until the drill is running, or the drill may jump against the door.

Equip your drill with a spade bit. Line up the tip of the spade bit with your marked hole on the edge of the door; this makes the hole for the bolt. Drill until the drill bit appears through the hole you drilled first. Use the spade bit size indicated on the manufacturer's directions.