How to Install a Pin Tumbler Lock on a Cabinet

Open the lock package and study the instructions. Many locks come with a template that serves as a guide to help you determine where to install your lock and strike. If yours has a template, position the template on the inside of your cabinet door or drawer as shown on the template and hold it in place with tape. If not, position the lock near the middle of the cabinet or drawer, but steer clear of dividers and rails. The edge of the lock body should sit flush with the edge of the cabinet door or the top of the drawer.

Hold the lock in place and trace around it using a pencil, then remove it from the door or drawer. Skip this step if you have a template taped to the door.

Measure the distance from the center of the keyhole to the edge of the lock on each side. Transfer these measurements to the tracing you made in step two to locate the center of the lock mounting hole.

Refer to your instructions to determine the diameter of the mounting hole, or simply look at your template.

Use a spade bit or hole saw to drill the mounting hole. If you use a hole saw, drill a pilot hole first with your drill by positioning the bit over the center of the mounting hole that you marked on the door. Use the pilot hole to guide your hole saw as you cut halfway through the door, then move to the other side of the opening to cut the rest of the way through.

Feed the lock through the mounting hole from inside the cabinet or drawer so the cylinder fits inside the hole. Use your drill to predrill holes for the fasteners at the locations indicated on your lock body.

Add screws to the pilot holes so the heads of the screws face inside the cabinet or drawer to hold the lock in place. Use the screws provided with the lock so they don't protrude through the face of the cabinet.

Align the strike with the lock body on the inside of the cabinet or drawer. The strike should sit on the frame of the cabinet so the door or drawer will not open when the strike engages the bolt or latch. Drill pilot holes for the strike and use the provided fasteners to secure the strike in place.

Close the door or drawer and use your key to test the operation of the lock.