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Rim Lock Installation

Rim locks are among the easiest types of locks to install, as they are designed to be mounted on the surface of a door. Most locks require you to bore holes through the front and side edges of a door to accommodate the bolt or lock cylinder. The bolt of a rim lock retracts into the surface-mounted housing when unlocked and slides into a surface-mounted retaining bracket when locked. The assembly can be mounted with screws alone, simplifying the process and eliminating the need to drill deeply into the door.

Things You'll Need

  • Masking tape
  • Electric drill
  • Drill bits
  • Screwdriver bit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Close the door and place the lock template across the seam between the door and the wall or trim. Tape the template into place.

    • 2

      Drill a small hole through each of the mounting holes on the template; then remove the template.

    • 3

      Hold the lock set up to the door and line the drilled holes up with the screw holes on the lock. Insert a screw into each of the holes; then drill them into the wall to secure the lock to the door.

    • 4

      Repeat the process to mount the other side of the lock to the wall or trim.