How to Install Entry Door Hardware
Entry door hardware is designed to serve an aesthetic and a functional purpose. Because it is one of the first things people will see when they visit your home, you'll want entrance hardware that's visually appealing. It should match your door and the surrounding exterior decor. The hardware should also be able to keep your family secure, and should be easy for all members of the family to operate. Many homeowners choose handlesets for their entry doors. They feature attractive pull handles along with a deadbolt and latchbolt for extra security. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Entry handleset
- Tape
- Drill
- Tape measure
- Hole saw
- Utility knife
- Chisel
- Hammer
Instructions
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1
Choose a handleset. These locks are available from many manufacturers, and can be found in various styles and designs. Look for a style that complements the style of your door, and try to match the finish of your existing hinges and other hardware. Consider for solid steel or brass units, which will hold up better against rain and moisture than cheaper plated models.
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Open the lock package and remove the paper template. Read the instructions on the template to determine where to place it on the door, then fasten it to the door using tape. This template will provide guidance to help you drill holes and install the lock successfully.
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3
Use a hole saw to cut three holes in the front surface of the door. The top two holes will be larger, as they are meant to hold the deadbolt and latch. The bottom hole is smaller, and is used for fastening the base of the handle.
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4
Cut two small holes in the edge of the door according to the directions on the template. Use a hole saw for this task, or add a spade bit to your drill. These holes allow the deadbolt and latch to pass through the side of the door and reach the strike.
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Pre-drill any remaining holes for screws or fasteners as shown on your template.
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6
Place the latch mechanism into the middle hole on the edge of your door. Hold it firmly in place and use a utility knife to scribe around the perimeter of the latch plate. Repeat this process using the deadbolt, which should be inserted into the top hole on your door.
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Chisel the wood from inside these scribed areas so you will be able to recess the latch plates. The wood should be removed to a depth that's equal to the height of each plate. This will ensure that the plates lies flush within the edge of the door.
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8
Insert the latch and deadbolts back into the appropriate holes in the door and fasten them in place by driving screws into the plates on the edge of the door.
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Install the handle on the front of the door, screwing it in place using the included fasteners. Make sure the thumb latch lines up with the appropriate slot within the lock body. Attach the interior trim using the provided screws, making sure to line up the connecting rods or cylinder tailpieces as directed on your template.
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10
Connect both halves of the deadbolt to the door by lining up the connecting rods. Insert screws from the interior side to fasten the deadbolt in place.
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Place both strike plates on the edge of the frame according to the locations on the template. Scribe around each plate with a utility knife and then chisel out the wood so you can recess these strikes in the frame. Drill a hole for the bolt/latch in each strike using your hole saw or spade bit. Screw the strikes in place and test the lock to ensure the project is complete.
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