Instruction for Installing an Entry Door Lock

Preparing the Door

• 1

  Draw a straight, level line with a level and a pencil where you would want to place the center of your door lock. Draw the line on the front, side and back of your door.

• 2

  Measure the center of the line across the side of the door. Tap the end of a nail to mark the point.

• 3

  Drill a hole for the latch using a spade bit that is the same size as the latch you have purchased. Consult your door lock manufacturer's instructions to determine how deep to drill the hole.

• 4

  Determine the recommended distance from the edge of the door to the center of the door lock by looking at the door hardware manufacturer's instructions. Measure that distance along the pencil line from the edge of the side of the door to the front of the door. Tap a nail into that point to mark it.

• 5

  Drill a hole for the lock mechanism and doorknob to fit through, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Drill slowly until the bit begins to poke through on the other side. When that happens, drill from the opposite side of the door until the hole is completely bored through.

• 6

  Position the latch plate over the hole and use a level to level it out. Trace the edge of the plate with a pencil.

• 7

  Carve out a rectangular recess in the door that is just as deep as the latch plate. This will ensure that the plate does not hit the doorjamb when you close it. Use a sharp chisel to get professional-looking lines.

Preparing the Striker

• 8

  Measure the position of the latch plate from the floor to its height and position on the hung door. Double-check the measurement.

• 9

  Measure and mark that measurement on the doorjamb to properly place the position of the striker plate. Double-check the measurement.

• 10

  Place the striker plate in the proper place and ensure that it is level. Trace the outside of the plate with a pencil.

• 11

  Carve out a rectangular recess for the striker plate that is as deep as the thickness of the plate. This will ensure that it is flush against the doorjamb. Use a sharp chisel.

• 12

  Put the striker back into place and trace the inside striker hole. Chisel the smaller rectangle to create a hole that is as deep as the striker protrusion. This will give the striker a place to go when the door is closed. Consult your door lock manufacturer's instructions to determine how deep the hole should be.

Installing the Lock

• 13

  Place the striker plate over the recess and screw in the striker plate with the two striker plate screws provided in your door lock kit.

• 14

  Position the latch plate over the latch recess and screw it into place with the latch screws provided in the door lock kit. This will also secure the striker in place.

• 15

  Separate the two halves of the doorknob. Pay close attention to how they were attached. Put the outside half of the doorknob (the knob with the key hole) in the hole. Make sure that the center prong (the locking mechanism) is fitted through the striker.

• 16

  Put the inside half of the doorknob into the hole while making sure that the mechanisms are lining up properly. Turn the knobs to see if they control the striker. If they do not, pull out the inside knob and try again.

• 17

  Push the machine screws through the screw holes on the knob and screw them in place.