How to Install a Door Latch

Whether you're installing a new door or providing basic maintenance on an existing door, installing a door latch is a common home improvement project. While there are many different kinds of door latches, the manner in which they function will be fairly similar. Most door latches involve a latch piece that's secured to the door by way of a mortise plate. You can find the tools and equipment necessary to install a door latch at your neighborhood hardware store.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Door latch kit
• Mortise plate
• Screws
• Pencil
• Chisel
• Hammer

1. Lay the new door latch and mortise plate against the edge of the door. Trace its perimeter using a pencil. Stencil a guide for both the length and width of the latch and plate.

2. Chisel out the portion of the door you've marked with pencil. Start by using the chisel to score the edges. Score the area within the borders as clearly and precisely as possible.

3. Use the chisel to scrape out the splintered and scored wood within your pencil marks. Clear an impression in the wood that's wide and deep enough that the mortise plate can fit snugly inside it.

4. Check to see whether the mortise plate and door latch will fit inside. You may have to repeat the chiseling several times in order to guarantee that the latch and plate lay flush with the wood's surface.

5. Lay the latch and plate within the chiseled portion of the wood.

6. Hold the plate and latch in place and test to see whether the door will open and close properly. The door latch's curved end should meet the doorjamb or strike plate.

7. Use the screws included in your door latch kit to secure the latch and mortise plate into the space you've chiseled for it. Take care not to screw too tightly, as this cause damage to the wood and look sloppy.

Tips & Warnings

• While the basics steps needed to install a door latch are similar, the individual specifications of your door latch or mortise plate might require special attention. Consult any included installation guide to see whether your door latch needs to be installed in a certain manner.
• The sharper your chisel, the more easily you'll be able to carve a space for your latch and mortise plate. A dull chisel can lead to sloppy, imprecise edges. While you'd probably still be able to install the door latch as planned, it will look unprofessional.