Replacing an existing door lock and handle is a fairly simple process if you have the right tools and correct hardware. But what do you do if you want to install a lock on a new door or on a door that never had a lock, handle or knob? A fresh installation will require cutting and drilling both the door and into the door-frame. This process will require the right tools and precise measurement and drilling; any mistakes could end up being very costly. Listed below are the basic step for a fresh wood door lock install.
Tools needed for a fresh lock installation (wood door):
- Hammer
- 1” chisel
- 2-1/8″ hole saw
- 1” hole saw
- 1” spade bit
- Small drill bits
- Electric drill/screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Measuring tape
- Template
- Tarp
Steps for a wood door fresh lock installation:
- Lay down a tarp. While not necessary, it’s recommended that you start by laying down a tarp on the floor under the area where you will be working to make the cleanup of wood chips and dust much easier.
- Measure and mark your cuts. Most locks will come with a template to show you where to install the lock. There are also lock installation kits that you can purchase from any home improvement store that you can use as a guide for the lock installation.
- Cut a hole for the lock and/or knob. Once you’ve marked where you need to drill, you’ll need to use a power drill with a hole saw bit. If installing on a metal door it’s recommended that you go slow, use a variable speed drill, and make sure the bit you use is designed for cutting metal. Use a pilot tip on your how saw, cut through one side until the pilot bit pokes through and then, using the hole as a guide, complete the hole by cutting through from the other side of the door.
- Drill hole in the door edge. Using a spade drill bit you will next need to start a hole for the lock bolt by cutting into the edge of the door. Make sure you drill at the correct and straight angle. You can then use the 1” hole saw to complete the all the way through for a nice clean cut.
- Mortise area for the faceplate. Using a hammer and wood chisel you will need to cut a recess into the door edge around the bolt hole to install the lock faceplate.
- Install the faceplate and bolt. Drill pilot holes for the faceplate screws so that you don’t split the wood. and install the faceplate and bolt. Make sure the faceplate fits snugly and is flush with the door edge.
- Install the lock and/or knob. Install the door knob and lock making sure everything lines up correctly and then using your electric or hand screwdriver tighten the screws making sure that the screws are on the inside and not outside of the door ????
- Install the strike plate. You will need to measure and mark where on the door jam you will drill the holes and install the faceplate. Drill pilot holes for the strike plate screws so that you don’t split the wood jam when you put in the screws.
The instructions above were specifically for a wood door. Metal doors with a wood core may be a very similar install but commercial metal door may require different steps and tools.
Of course, here at Discount Locksmith we always recommend having a professional locksmith technician do any fresh lock installation for you! Our professional locksmith have the tools and experience for any door lock install and can do it quickly with a 100% satisfaction guarantee!
Brands of door locks we install and service:
- Prime-line
- First Watch Security
- Schlage
- Kwickseet
- Everbilt
- Baldwin
- National Hardware
- KOCKiT!
- LockState
- Anderson
- Ajustco
- Privex
- IDEAL Security
- Yale
- Stanley-National
- Global Door Controls
- M-D Building Products
- Toledo Fine Locks
- Barton Kramer
- Design House
- Richelieu Hardware
- Defiant
- Faultless
- Tell
- Bilco
- Gordon Cellar Door
- ResortLock
- Holmes