How to...Home Page

DONALD BROS. (IRONMONGERS) LTD.

Fit a Door Lock Main Page

Helping You Help Yourself...

Fitting a deadlocking cylinder lock

  • The instructions given here are for fitting a cylinder lock to a new door. If you are replacing an existing lock the procedure is similar, but the holes will have been cut already.
  • Start by choosing where to put the lock - this should be at a convenient height about two thirds of the way up the door. Locks should always be fitted to the closing stile (the upright on the side of the door furthest from the hinges). Do not fit a lock where the central rail joints the stile as you risk weakening the joint.
  • Using the template supplied, mark the cylinder and fixing holes for the lock.
  • Check the instructions that come with the lock to see what size hole you need to drill for the cylinder. Use a brace fitted with an auger bit, or fit a spade bit in an electric drill. Drill from both sides to make a neat hole.
  • Pass the cylinder mechanism through the hole from the outside, and secure it to the mounting plate on the inside face of the door, using the connecting screws provided. The screws may have to be cut to length with a junior hacksaw. Screw the plate to the door.
  • Check the length of the metal strip which protrudes through the door. This operates the latch, and is designed to be cut to suit the thickness of the door. If necessary, trim the strip with a junior hacksaw and file the end smooth.
  • Fit the lock to the mounting plate, making sure the metal operating strip fits neatly into the mechanism and the key turns freely.
  • Now align and fix the lock staple to the frame with the screws provided. It may be necessary to chisel a small recess in the door frame first.