Installation of Cabinet Locks

Take the cabinet door off the hinges. Open the cabinet door and loosen the hinge screws in the door with a screwdriver or screw gun. Pull the door away from the hinges and place on a sturdy, level surface. If installing the locks inside the home, put down a drop cloth to protect the surface.

Locate the "punch-out hole." This is a precut, round "stamp" that will be located in the top right corner of the cabinet drawer. It is put in by the cabinet manufacturer specifically to accommodate cabinet lock installation. Place a punch on the hole and tap with a hammer to dislodge it from the door. Do not strike the punch too hard or you may inadvertently damage the cabinet.

Unpack the cabinet lock set. There will be a lock, key, strike plate and retaining rings. Look at the installation manual to make sure that all pieces are present.

Insert the cabinet lock into the punch-out hole from the outside of the door. Place the retaining rings over the lock on the inside of the cabinet door. Tighten the retaining rings down with a pair of pliers until the lock is secured to the door.

Place the key in the keyhole and turn it to test the lock. It should turn the latch up and down. Turn the latch to the open position and leave the cabinet door where you installed the lock. Measure the distance between the lock's latch and the top of the cabinet drawer with a tape measure.

Place the strike plate on the inside of the cabinet door jamb the same distance from the top of the door so the latch hits the strike plate when locked. Fasten the strike plate to the inside jamb with a screwdriver or screw gun.

Replace the cabinet door. Line the cabinet door up with the hinges and fasten the hinge screws into place. Swing the cabinet door open and shut to see if it functions properly. Close the cabinet door and lock the cabinet lock. Try to pull the door open to test.