How to Install a Door Latch With Attached Mortise Plate

A door latch with an attached mortise plate is a secure way to close a door. Whether you are placing the door latch in a brand-new door or installing it in an older door, the procedure is much the same.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pencil
• Sharp chisel
• Hammer
• Screwdriver

1. Remove the old door latch from the door, if necessary.

2. Hold the mortise plate up to the edge of the door where you intend to install it. Center the mortise plate over the cross-bore hole. Mark the correct position with a sharp pencil.

3. Score the pencil line you just marked with the sharp chisel. Scoring helps to keep the hole neatly shaped. Gently tap the chisel with a hammer to mark the line.

4. Use the chisel to pry out the wooden edge of the door that is within the scored area. Try not to go any deeper than 1/8 inch. Also try to keep the depth even.

5. Set the mortise plate into the area you just chiseled out. The mortise plate should be flush with the edge of the door before you proceed to the next step.

6. Slide the latch into place in the cross-bore hole. Make sure the curvature of the latch matches the curvature of the strike plate. If it doesn't, pull the latch back out and turn it over.

7. Install the external door latch hardware. Put the mortise plate in its place. Tighten the two screws that hold it in place. Make sure everything is operating correctly.

Tips & Warnings

• You may not have to do Steps 2, 3 and 4 if you are installing a door latch in an older door.