How to Put in a Screen Door Lock

Hold the latching part of the lock up against the inside of the screen door about 4 to 4 1/2 feet high. Ensure that the latching mechanism extends beyond the edge of the door so it will catch the striker plate when the door is closed. Place the latching mechanism squarely on the inside of the door frame.

Mark the screw holes onto the door using a pencil and take away the latching mechanism.

Drill holes through the door on the pencil marks using an electric drill with a 1/4-inch drill bit installed.

Place the latching mechanism on the door frame and align the screw holes with the holes you just drilled. Insert the screws that came with the lock though the screw holes and through the drilled holes in the door. Hold the handle part of the lock on the outside of the door and align the screws sticking out from the other side with the screw holes in the handle. Use a pencil to mark the door frame where the mechanism for the button must be inserted through the door to connect with the latch on the other side.

Install a 1/2-inch drill bit into the electric drill and drill a hole through the outside of the door frame in the location of the button mechanism.

Fit the latching mechanism so the screw holes align with the two smaller holes and fasten the handle from the other side of the door by tightening the screws using a Phillips screwdriver. Close the door and mark the door frame where the striker plate must be installed so that the latching mechanism connects with it.

Screw the striker plate to the door frame using the screws provided and a Phillips screwdriver. Test the door to ensure the latch works.