Safety + Security
Fitting a Door Lock
It's vital to protect your home with good quality locks. Ideally, fit two locks - a mortise deadlock that can be locked from both sides a third of the way from the bottom and a cylinder rim lock a third of the way from the top. Here is an easy guide to fitting a cylinder rim lock on a door.
Time to complete job: A morning - but leave plenty of time so the door isn't left unsecured overnight.
Approximate budget: Good quality cylinder rim locks cost from about £25.
You will need:
- Drill
- Cylinder rim lock
- Chisel
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Mallet
- Screwdriver
- Drill bit set
- Flat bit
- Ruler
- Junior hacksaw
- Masking tape
Always buy a cylinder rim lock that can be deadlocked and is marked BS3621. This means it has been tested to simulate 30 years use and has passed anti-picking and forcing tests.
For professional advice, visit the Master Locksmiths Association.
Step 1: Mark the position
Tape the paper template provided to the door and mark the lock body and screw hole positions.
Step 2: Drilling the hole for the lock
You will need a wide flat bit (normally 32mm or 1.25in) to drill the hole for the lock.Secure the door in a portable workbench and set your drill on a fast speed to reduce splintering. When the point of the drill bit protrudes through the other side of the door, stop and finish the hole from the other side to stop the wood splintering.
Tip: Check the cylinder fits the hole. You may need to sand and file the edges of the hole for a good fit.
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