Install a Door Lockset

Skill Level: Beginner
Whether you're planning a major interior painting and decorating project or just want to spruce up the look of your home, installing doorknobs and locks is one of those finishing touches that makes a world of difference. There are many styles and finishes to choose from and it's a project that is easy to do! Here are the basics for installing a lockset on a door with an old lockset, and for installing a set on a new door.

Materials List

Phillips screwdriver	For new doors only:
Passage doorknobs (closets)	2 1/8" Hole saw and 7/8" spade bit
Privacy locks (bedrooms, baths)	Electric drill
Exterior lockset (exterior door)	Tape measure
	Hammer
	Wood chisel

Step 1. Remove Knob and Rose
Remove the inside knob by depressing the catch (a wire spring, small button, or tab) in the neck of the knob. Next, remove the rose (also called a faceplate) by depressing the spring-catch and pulling the rose toward you. (If you have a one-piece knob-and-rose, remove the two screws in the rose to free both the interior and exterior knobs.)
Caution: Hold on to the exterior knob to prevent it from falling and marring your floor.

Step 2. Remove Reinforcing Plate
Remove the two screws that secure the reinforcing plate (if any). As you do, the outside knob is released. Some reinforcing plates may screw onto the lock cylinder.

Step 3. Remove Latch Bolt Assembly
Remove the two screws that secure the latch bolt assembly and pull it out. You are now ready to install the new set.

Step 4. Install the Lockset
To install the new set, reverse this entire procedure starting with Step 3.


Lockset Installation for New Doors Only:

Step 5. Drill Holes
If you are installing a lockset in a new door, use a tape measure and the template supplied to locate the hole centers. Next, use a drill to bore holes for the cylinder and latch bolt. To avoid splintering when boring, start drilling the hole on one side of the door and stop when the hole saw's pilot bit penetrates the door. Then complete the hole from the other side of the door.

Step 6. Mortise Door and Jamb
Insert the latch bolt; trace its outline on the door edge; and remove it. Chisel about the mortise so the plate will be flush with the door edge. Similarly trace the strike plate on the jamb. Before you mortise the jamb, use a 7/8-inch spade bit to bore a 1/2-inch deep hole for the bolt. Next, refer to Step 4 to install the lockset.
Put some lipstick on the end of the latch bolt; retract the bolt as you close the door. Hold the door closed and turn-and-release the knob several times. The lipstick on the jamb will help you locate the strike plate accurately.