How to Fit a Door Handle and Lock

Fitting door hardware seems simple, but getting it right makes the difference between a door that works smoothly and one that sticks, rattles, or doesn't close properly. Here's how to do it well.

Types of Door Furniture

Lever on Rose

Modern style. Lever handles mounted on a round plate (rose). Clean look, easy to fit.

Lever on Backplate

Traditional style. Levers mounted on a long backplate. Can include keyhole. Covers more of the door.

Knobs

Round handles, various styles. Less accessible than levers (not great for those with grip difficulties).

Lock Types

• Tubular latch - Basic latch, no lock
• Bathroom lock - Thumbturn inside, emergency release outside
• Sashlock - Latch plus keyed deadbolt
• Mortice deadlock - Deadbolt only, no latch

Tools Needed

• Tape measure and pencil
• Square
• Drill with spade bits or flat bits
• Chisels (sharp ones)
• Screwdriver
• Hammer

Fitting a Tubular Latch

Mark Position

1. Mark handle height (typically 1000mm from floor)
2. Square the line across the edge of the door
3. Mark centre of door thickness on this line

Drill the Latch Hole

1. Use a spade bit matching latch diameter (usually 25mm)
2. Drill horizontally into the door edge at your mark
3. Drill to depth of latch body plus a few mm
4. Keep the drill straight

Drill the Spindle Hole

1. Mark spindle hole position on door face (from latch instructions)
2. Drill through from both sides to prevent tearout
3. Hole size usually 16mm or 20mm

Recess the Faceplate

1. Insert latch and mark faceplate outline
2. Score the outline with a knife
3. Chisel out recess to faceplate depth
4. Latch faceplate should sit flush with door edge

Fit the Latch

1. Insert latch, checking follower hole aligns with spindle hole
2. Screw faceplate in place
3. Test mechanism moves freely

Fit the Handles

1. Insert spindle through latch follower
2. Attach handles, ensuring they're level
3. Tighten fixings
4. Test operation

Fitting the Strike Plate

1. Close door and mark where latch meets frame
2. Mark strike plate position
3. Drill latch recess hole in frame
4. Chisel out strike plate recess
5. Screw strike plate in place
6. Test door closes and latches properly

Fitting a Mortice Lock

Same principles but more complex:

1. Mark lock position on door edge
2. Drill series of holes for lock body
3. Chisel out mortice to accept lock
4. Insert lock, mark and chisel faceplate recess
5. Drill keyhole on both faces
6. Fit lock and escutcheons
7. Fit corresponding strike box in frame

Common Mistakes

• Drilling off-centre (latch doesn't align)
• Chisel recess too deep (faceplate sits below surface)
• Strike plate misaligned (door doesn't latch)
• Handles not level (looks wrong, may affect operation)
• Using wrong size spindle (handles loose or stiff)

Tips for Success

• Measure carefully - twice
• Use sharp chisels (blunt chisels tear wood)
• Test fit before final fixing
• Take your time on visible surfaces

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