Guide to installing a lock

As we have seen in the article “ Types of locks ”, there are many different types of locks . Therefore, in this guide we explain how to install any type of lock that a door may have. As you might expect, each lock is installed in a different way .

Install a mortise lock

A mortise lock can be installed either on a wooden door or on a metal profile . This guide applies to any interior and exterior door lock. Next we are going to see how to put a lock on a wooden or metal door (it is the same process):

• If you have a lock on the door, remove it by unscrewing the lag screws at the top and bottom and the central screw that secures the cylinder. If you do not have a lock, measure the depth of the recess to see the height and depth measurements that the lock may have and thus begin to have an idea of ​​the measurements of the product.

• Once the height and depth measurements have been taken, there are 2 measurements that are key to making the right choice. The first is the “ entry ”. You can filter this measurement on any collection page of our locks and refers to the distance between the profile of the lock (plate seen from the outside) to the center of the keyhole.

• The second measurement is the “ wheelbase ”. This measurement refers to the center of the shaft where the handle is inserted to the center of the shaft where the key is inserted. You can also filter this measurement on any of our pages about door locks and thus be more accurate in your search for the lock you need.

• Once the measurements are taken, you have already done most of the work. Now you only have to choose the color of the lock and the edge : straight or oval. Many times, when it comes to locks, we consider it important to change the lock we have for an identical one from the same brand. Our advice is that we do not pay so much attention to the brand of our lock but more to the measurements . As long as the measurements fit your door, the lock will help you fit it into them.

• Once you are clear about the measurements, the finish and the edge of the door, you will only need to choose the type of closure and the type of cylinder that you want to install in the lock.

• Once everything has been chosen, and with the lock in hand, insert the security lock into the door recess . Screw the lock at the top and bottom to anchor it to the edge of the door and pass the cylinder through the corresponding hole. From the edge of the door, right in the center of the lock , insert a screw to fix the cylinder and with this, all you have to do is place the strike plate on the door frame and check that the lock and lock fit correctly.

Note 1. If the door is on the right or left, by inserting a screwdriver through the back of the lock and extracting the latch, you can rotate it adapting it to the direction of the door in question.

Note 2. This guide is applicable to multipoint locks, parrot beak sliding door locks, cylindrical locks and any type of lock that can be mortise.

Install an electric lock

If you have ever wondered how to install an electric lock or (also called electric strike) you should know that this requires more knowledge of electricity than carpentry. Normally, most electric locks are installed on exterior or entrance doors . Obviously the strike plate must be placed in the frame and to do so it must have the necessary recessing. In addition, you must install the lock connected to a switch, an intercom and the telephone network to be able to open it remotely.

Installation is carried out as follows:

• Take the height and width measurements of the recess you have in the frame. If you don't have a hole, you can do it with a chisel and a hammer (in the case of a wooden door).

• Find the strike that fits those stockings or that fits your door frame. You can filter on our page to see measurements, finishes and brands.

• Identify the outlets you have and review the electrical specifications of the strike and power supply. Each striker has specific specifications.

• Once you have the box and know the electrical specifications, connect the cables to the strike plate and screw it to the door frame.

Install a rim lock or deadbolt

The overlay lock or deadbolt is the option you choose for doors where the installation of a mortise lock is difficult or when you want to increase the security of your doors . The advantage is that it offers the ease of installing these products on any type of door as long as the door and the frame (on the inside) are at the same height.

This lock or bolt is superimposed on one side of the door leaf and the cylinder passes through the door, thus showing itself on the other side. Its installation only requires milling the door with the appropriate diameter for the cylinder to pass through and screwing the lock on the inside. If there is an unevenness between the door and the frame on the inside, it would be necessary to make a concoction to the frame or place the lock on a shoehorn to equalize it.

Installation materials

• Screws .
• Milling machine for metal or wood.
• Hammer.
• Chisel.
• Electric drill.
• Pencil to mark points.
• Safety glasses.
• Protection gloves.

Obviously, there are more types of locks and their installation methods vary depending on the intended use. This is the case, for example, of security locks for motorhomes and vans, the installation of a lock for cabinets and furniture or the installation of a multipoint lock. If you need any lock, you can find the one your doors need in our lock catalog. Consult our extensive catalog of locks .