How to Fit a Mortice Deadlock

Measure where the lock will fit on the door., Using your measurement, mark out both the top and bottom of the latch. , Measure and mark out a vertical central line., Place a wedge under the door to prevent it from moving while you work. , Use some...

33 Steps 1 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Measure where the lock will fit on the door.

As a guide, the height of your lock should be about 1 metre high.

Step 2: Using your measurement

, This will be your guide when drilling. ,,, These will form the slot the lock will fit into. ,, These lines mark the edges of the recess you'll need for the lock to sit flush with the door. , Follow this by making a series of cuts down the centre. ,, Use a bradawl if a pencil is too wide.

Don't forget to mark both sides, as drilling from each side will prevent the wood from splitting. ,, This will form the keyhole. , If it's a bit tight, give it a gentle tap with a hammer. , This will ensure that your screws do not split the wood. , Drill pilot holes for the screws and then attach. , Use the extended deadbolt to mark the door frame.

This will show you where the strike plate needs to go. ,,,, This will form the recess the deadbolt will fit into. ,,, If so, the job is complete.

Step 3: mark out both the top and bottom of the latch.

Step 4: Measure and mark out a vertical central line.

Step 5: Place a wedge under the door to prevent it from moving while you work.

Step 6: Use some tape to mark the depth of your lock on a 19mm augur drill bit.

Step 7: Starting from the top

Step 8: make a series of holes.

Step 9: Use a chisel to smooth the sides of the slot and clean away any excess wood so that the lock will fit easily.

Step 10: Once the space is ready sit the lock case in

Step 11: add the cover plate

Step 12: and draw around all four edges.

Step 13: Using a hammer and chisel

Step 14: make a series of cuts along all four edges.

Step 15: Carefully ease out the excess to form an indent.

Step 16: Hold the lock against the door and mark the keyhole with a pencil.

Step 17: Using a smaller drill bit than before (preferably a 9mm auger drill bit)

Step 18: drill two holes one above the other.

Step 19: Use a chisel to "stitch" them together.

Step 20: Clean out any debris and push the lock into the slot.

Step 21: Attach the cover plate and use a drill bit smaller than the screws

Step 22: to create two pilot holes.

Step 23: Fit the keyhole covers on both sides around the keyhole space.

Step 24: Make sure the deadbolt works properly.

Step 25: Use these measurements to square the marks across the door casing.

Step 26: Match the strike plate to your measurements and mark around all four edges.

Step 27: Mark exactly where the deadbolt will sit.

Step 28: Use a 19mm augur drill bit to drill two holes.

Step 29: Make a shallow recess for the strike plate with a hammer and chisel

Step 30: just as you did on the door itself.

Step 31: Make sure the strike plate sits flush and then pre-drill the pilot holes before attaching with screws.

Step 32: Finally

Step 33: check that the door closes and locks.

Detailed Guide