Guide to installing a lock

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

Installing 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 or exterior door lock. Below we will see how to put a lock on a wooden or metal door (it is the same process):

• If you have a lock on your door, remove it by unscrewing the lag bolts at the top and bottom and the central screw that secures the cylinder. If you don't have a lock, measure the depth of the recess to see the height and depth measurements that the lock can have and thus begin to get an idea of ​​the dimensions 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 “ backset ”. This measurement can be filtered on any of our lock collection pages and refers to the distance between the profile of the lock (the plate that is visible from the outside) and the centre of the keyhole.

• The second measurement is the “ center distance ”. This measurement refers to the distance from the center of the axis where the handle is inserted to the center of the axis where the key is inserted. You can also filter this measurement on any of our pages about door locks and thus better target the lock you need.

• Once you have taken the measurements, you are already largely on your way. Now all you have to do is choose the colour of the lock and the edge : straight or oval. Often, when it comes to locks, we consider it important to replace the lock we have with an identical one from the same brand. Our advice is not to pay so much attention to the brand of our lock but rather to the measurements . As long as the measurements fit your door, the lock will fit into it.

• Once you have the measurements, finish and edge of the door clear, you will only need to choose the type of lock and the type of cylinder 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 frame . Screw the lock on the top and bottom to anchor it to the edge of the door and insert the cylinder through the corresponding hole. From the edge of the door, right in the centre of the lock, insert the screw to secure the cylinder and with this, you would only have to place the strike plate in the door frame and check that the lock and the lock fit correctly.

Note 1. If the door is right- or left-handed, by inserting a screwdriver into the back of the lock and removing the latch, you can rotate it to adapt 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 mortise lock.

Installing an electric lock

If you have ever wondered how to install an electric lock (also called an 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 must be placed in the frame and for this it must have the necessary recess. 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:

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

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

• Identify the electrical outlets you have and check the electrical specifications of the lock and the power supply. Each lock has specific specifications.

• Once you have the recess and know the electrical specifications, connect the cables to the lock and screw it to the door frame.

Installing a mortise lock or deadbolt

The mortise lock or deadbolt is the option you choose for doors where installing 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 being able to install 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 placed on one side of the door leaf and the cylinder passes through the door, thus showing itself on the other side. Its installation is done by simply milling the door with the appropriate diameter so that the cylinder passes through it and screwing the lock on the inside. If there is a gap between the door and the frame on the inside, it would be necessary to either make a dent in the frame or place the lock on a shoehorn to level it out.

Installation materials

• Screws .
• Milling machine for metal or wood.
• Hammer.
• Chisel.
• Electric drill.
• Pencil for marking points.
• Safety glasses.
• Protective gloves.

Obviously, there are more types of locks and their installation methods vary depending on the intended use. This is the case, for example, with security locks for motorhomes and vans, the installation of a lock for cupboards 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 catalogue. Check out our extensive catalogue of locks .