Embed the door lock. Installing a lock on an interior door with your own hands. Inserting locks into a metal door without damaging the entrance leaf

16.09.2023

What to do if the newly purchased interior door does not have a lock? It's not a problem. It is quite possible to embed a lock into an interior door yourself. This will be discussed in detail later in the article.

General information

So where to start? First of all, it is necessary to measure the width of the vertical bar of the new canvas. After this, you can purchase a lock for the interior door.

Important information

The vertical beam of the door must have a certain thickness. It is at least 40 mm. Otherwise, installing a lock on the interior door makes no sense.

Product types

Currently, there are many types of locks for interior doors. There are models that are embedded separately from the handles or together with them. The technology used to embed locks into interior doors depends specifically on the type of product. Let's look at an example. Locks of the first category are installed in this way: first, the mechanism is mounted, and then handles are mounted on the outer and inner sides of the door. Simple closing designs are also available for sale. We are talking about ordinary latch handles. Their design is simple. However, inserting locks into interior doors in such cases is a rather problematic task. This will require some experience, as well as special tools.

Installation features

Installing locks on an interior door yourself is not such a difficult task. However, it is recommended not to rush and do everything very carefully. Before you cut a lock into an interior door, you need to prepare your tools. In particular, you will need a screwdriver, a chisel, and a drill with a drill bit. Next, we’ll look at how to embed a lock into an interior door in the traditional way.

Work algorithm

As a rule, the handle is located approximately in the middle of the door. Before embedding the lock into the interior door, you need to measure one meter from the floor. This way the place for the future pen is marked. Next, you will need a drill for work. In this case, you will need a feather drill. Using it, a hole is made in the end of the door for the lock. In this case, the required drill diameter is selected. As for the depth of the hole, it is commensurate with the length of the mechanism itself. After this, at the end of the door you need to mark the place for the support plate. In accordance with this contour, a flat area is selected using a chisel. Using a drill, a hole is made where the handle will be located. During the work process, you must be careful and careful. As soon as the drill appears on the other side of the door, you need to stop. Next, the resulting hole is used as a center. Thus, drilling continues, only on the other side of the door.

The final stage

Some people think that you can drill right through the door. However, in this way the canvas can be severely damaged. Installation of a lock on an interior door is carried out in a pre-prepared place. Next, the holes for the screws are marked. You only need to drill according to the markings. Self-tapping screws are screwed into the resulting holes, on which the mechanism is attached. After this, the handle is inserted and the cover intended for the tongue is installed.

Mounting features

Door handles are installed on both sides of the door. Installation of decorative overlays is also necessary. The latter are attached using self-tapping screws. Next you need to fix the rod. It must have a square or hexagonal cross-section. The rod is designed to connect door handles on both sides. Then you need to close the door. After this, the position of the lock tongue is marked on the jamb. Its length is calculated using a ruler. Next, all measurements are transferred to the door jamb. The receiving pad is applied to the applied marks. All this is outlined in pencil. Holes are drilled in accordance with this contour. Next, the seat for the overlay must be brought to the desired shape. This is done using a chisel. Next, the cover is installed and secured using self-tapping screws. Here's how to install a lock on an interior door.

Finishing touches

Finally, you should check how well the door lock closes and opens. If such a need arises, the tongue of the lining is bent or rearranged itself. This mortise process is a great option for a simple wooden door. Thanks to it, the mechanism can be inserted into any convenient place. At the same time, doors made from other materials require a slightly different approach.

Features of MDF options

To fit a lock into such a door, you must have theoretical knowledge and certain experience. It's all about the location of the additional wooden beam (at a height of a meter directly from the floor). In this case, the rest of the door leaf is hollow. Thus, if you try to install the mechanism at a different height, you can hopelessly damage the structure. For this reason, this task is best left to professionals. They have the necessary tools and experience to ensure that the door maintains its attractive appearance.

Working with a router

Using this manual device, locks are inserted into interior doors and hinges are installed. There are different types of milling cutters. Most often, mortizing a lock involves using a universal immersion tool. This work can be done even by a person who has picked up a router for the first time. Many people associate this tool with a bulky, expensive machine. In reality we are talking about a compact vertical machine. It is very convenient for manual use.

The following can be done using a router:

Niches for locks and hinges have been prepared.
Curly profiles are cut out.
The edges of the workpiece are aligned.
Grooves of any shape are cut, as well as gutters.

What do you need to install a locking mechanism on an interior door yourself using a router? Here is a list of required tools:

Chisel.
Hammer.
Square.
Roulette.
Drill.
Screwdriver.

Progress

The door leaf must be secured in a vertical position on its side. This is done using a slipway. This point needs to be given due attention. It will be inconvenient if you have to constantly support the door while installing the lock. Then markings are made for the tongue. The lock is attached to the door leaf. In this case, the drawn line should pass through the center of the hole. Using a pencil, mark the lower and upper parts of the bar. The same is done to install the lock body. Next, straight lines are drawn at the end of the canvas. This is done using a square. The recess for the mechanism is selected using a manual milling cutter. Cutting more than necessary is not recommended. To do this, masking tape should be applied to the outside of the marking below and above. It will become a kind of limiter. Then another cutter is inserted into the tool, which matches the size of the plank. Next, the required depth is adjusted. It should correspond to the thickness of the plank. A recess is carefully made in the center. Next, you need to prepare the socket for the lock body. Using a router, a straight line is drawn strictly in the center of the marking. Then the intended holes are made with a drill. The remaining wood is removed using a hammer and chisel. The walls of the lock seat are leveled. It is necessary to check how well the mechanism fits there. Next, the handles and the lock itself are installed.

What if there is no cutter?

It is quite possible to fit a lock into a door without this tool. Ordinary tools are required, which almost everyone probably has. However, in some cases, installation will not be possible without a cutter. In particular, this applies to the insertion of a latch lock. Such mechanisms require the presence of a neat hole.

Replacing locks

You will have to resort to it if the keys are stolen or lost. This is due to the fact that they can be used by attackers. It is better to prevent unauthorized entry into the apartment.

Mortizing a lock is a rather labor-intensive process, carried out by specialists taking into account many features.

Mortise mechanisms are considered today the best option for ensuring a reliable security system. According to statistics, the vast majority of break-ins occur when simple locking mechanisms are installed on the door. To improve the security of the door, it is necessary to install a lock that has a modern security system. A mortise lock is installed directly into the body of the door, and only the keyhole or latch protrudes from the outside.

The locks are inserted taking into account the design features of the lock, the material of the door itself, as well as other nuances (the presence of a pattern, the specifics of the fit, etc.), so it is better to entrust the work of inserting the locking mechanism to a professional.

A specialist who knows technology and uses professional tools will help you choose the optimal lock model, select the most successful location of the lock structure in the door leaf and perform the insertion itself with high quality.

How to mortise locks

High-quality insertion of locks into metal and wooden doors requires the use of professional tools and specialized devices. This ensures the most reliable and accurate result of the master’s work, in which the door leaf fully retains its original aesthetic appeal.


	Inserting a castle into a new location (wooden door): 1500-3000 rub.

To install a lock, professionals use a specialized template for inserting locks, eliminating the risk of damage to the door due to a tool that has come off. The template included in the master’s arsenal limits the movement of the tool and allows the position for the lock to be cut out most accurately and efficiently, thereby significantly reducing the risk of damage to the door leaf. The use of templates during work is extremely important, since currently mortizing a lock is performed using high-power power tools. One wrong move can lead to damage to the door leaf.

Locking mechanisms can be inserted into both metal and wooden doors. Each technology has its own specifics, so it is better to entrust the work to a professional. It is easier and faster to embed a locking mechanism into a wooden door than into a metal one, however, even here problems can arise if you do not approach it competently. Thus, an uneven insert can significantly spoil the appearance of the door. Inserting locks into a metal door is a complex, labor-intensive job, which is almost impossible to perform efficiently without experience.

Since the cost of services directly depends on the complexity of the task, the material of the door and the technologies used when inserting a lock into the door, the price of the work may vary.

Mortise locks - price for services
Inserting a lock into a new location (metal door).	2000-3000rub.
Inserting a lock into a new location (wooden door).	1500-3000rub.

The Zamok-Moscow company offers professional services for installing door locks.

The insertion of a lock into an interior door is carried out by experienced craftsmen who know all the nuances of technology.

Requires a minimum set of tools:

Drill
Chisel 19 mm
Crown diameter 50 mm
Spade drill 23mm wide
Drill bit for wood or metal 4 mm
Hammer
crosshead screwdriver
And a pencil

So, let's start cutting into the lock.

Drill a hole in the center with a 4mm drill bit.

We place the lock flush with the door and make a mark according to the fact

We drill through the hole with the same drill, maintaining a right angle.

Using a 50 mm crown we make a cut on one side of the door.

Attention!

Your specific case may require a different size crown.

Let's finish on the other side.

We take a self-tapping screw of a suitable length, close the door along the door frame and through the 50 mm hole, insert the self-tapping screw into the remaining 4 mm hole and, using pressure, make a mark in the door frame.

Using a 23mm feather drill, we cut a hole at the mark to a depth sufficient for the lock latch to engage.

Using the same drill, we drill a hole for the lock along the mark.

We insert the lock and make a mark with a sharp pencil to recess it into the door leaf.

Using a chisel, we make notches strictly according to the marks and make a selection so that the lock sits in the pocket, then we fasten it with self-tapping screws.

We begin to assemble the lock, insert the outer part into the grooves (as a rule, it does not require disassembly).

Then carefully remove the decorative “cup” sitting in the grooves, then press the latch and remove the handle.

We connect the two sides with screws.

We insert the handle so that the latch operates.

Snap the decorative “cup” into place.

We attach the striker, make a mark, use a chisel to remove the excess and screw it on.

Done!))) A correctly embedded lock closes freely by pressing the door leaf until it slams.

Video explanation for installing the lock

Instructions for installing a door lock (knob)

1.Marking the door

Apply markings on the door leaf to install the knob (lock) according to the template. Recommended distance from the floor is 965 mm.

2.Marking holes

After you have made the markings, drill two holes: 50 mm in diameter for the knob (lock) handle and 23 mm in diameter for the latch mechanism.

H. Installing the strike plate

Install the strike plate at the same height as the latch so that the additional tongue of the latch remains recessed into the body of the latch when closing, which is an obstacle when pressing.

4 Disassembling the knob (lock)

To disassemble the knob (lock), use a special key to press the spring-loaded latch at the place where the handle is attached and remove it.

5. Latch length adjustment

6. Installing the latch

Install the latch into the groove of the door (make sure that the bevel of the latch is directed towards closing the door). Install the cover plate with the rod so that the rod and coupling sleeves fit exactly into the grooves on the latch body.

7. Installing the knob trim(castle)

First, slide the inner jujube cover plate onto the rod and secure it with screws (or screws). Then screw on the outer part of the trim.

8. Handle installation

Install the handle so that the groove on the rod coincides with the groove on the knob handle, press the handle until it “clicks.”

9. Rearranging the mechanism in the halyard handle

For models of latches with a halyard handle (versions 01 and 03), installation is also provided for both left and right doors. To do this, it is necessary to remove the cylinder mechanism and the fixing mechanism from the handle body and swap them (according to the figure), in accordance with the side of the door opening.

Installation procedure.

1. Determine the installation location of the knob and apply markings, following the template and installation instructions.

2. Using the installed latch body, mark the installation location of the strike plate on the door jamb and select a groove for the strike plate.

3.Install the strike plate and secure it with screws.

4. Alternately check the operation of the knob from outside and inside the room.

5. For models of latches with a halyard handle (versions 01.03), installation on left and right doors is also provided. To do this, it is necessary to swap the locking mechanism and the cylinder mechanism from the handle body.

As you can see, fitting a lock into a door is not such a difficult task, the main thing is not to rush.

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Photographer: Vladislav Mazitov

The most common situations:

Installation of a new entrance door;

Installing a new mechanism on an old door;

Wear or breakage;

Replacing the lock if an attempt to open it is detected or the door keys are lost;

Installation of interior doors.

Installing door locks into a metal door

Metal entrance doors are usually sold with a set of locking devices and keys. If you are completely satisfied with the quality and price of the door leaf, but would like to add an additional lock to the door or replace one of the existing ones, you can do this at any time.

Your old front door looks great and will last for many years to come, but you want to add a more modern lock to it with a higher level of security? This is the best way to save a lot and not have to buy a new product. Changing the locks is enough. It happens that an existing lock is difficult to open for children or elderly people - in this case, you need to carefully select a new model, taking into account its functionality and ease of use.

Any breakdown of the door lock requires immediate inspection by a specialist: trying to open the door yourself using available tools will only complicate the situation. Perhaps the mechanism can still be saved: in this case, the mechanism is repaired or its parts are replaced. Our technicians repair, replace and install door locks, and arrive when called with a set of professional tools that may be required. After examining the breakdown, the specialist will determine whether repairs will help or whether replacement is necessary. There will be no extra expenses or promotion for a more expensive service: this is contrary to our principles of fair work.

Lost your keys? This is a clear reason to install new locking mechanisms. Even if you have spare kits. Lost keys can be used by intruders: the cost of inserting them is not commensurate with the threat of entering the apartment. If you cannot open the door to your apartment and there is reason to believe that someone tried to open the lock, first call the police. When opening a damaged locking mechanism, the technician can destroy the evidence that is required - first, the device will be examined by an expert, and only then can one proceed to dismantling the old one and installing a new lock.

Interior doors are made of solid wood or wood veneer or have a laminated coating. Usually the locks are built into the door handles, but sometimes it becomes necessary to embed an additional lock into the door leaf. If there are small children in the house, you need to choose the mechanism especially carefully: children often close with a latch from the inside. With a high-quality insert into the interior door, the decorative coating is not damaged: there should be no cracks or chips.

Mortise locks: price for work

The temptation to save on installing locks is understandable and understandable, especially when working with interior doors. A chisel, hammer and screwdriver can be found in any home arsenal. However, if you do not have experience with self-installation, “trying the pen” - installing handles or a locking device on an expensive door can give an unexpected result: the lock will be skewed, gaps will remain, and the door leaf will be damaged. Our price for insertion work starts from 800 rubles.

It will only be possible to cut into a metal door if you have extensive experience and special tools. The cost of installing a lock depends on several factors:

Type of locking mechanism;

Complexity of the device;

Door thickness;

Additional work (protection against drilling, etc.).

Simply put, the more complex and secret the mechanics, the higher the price of the work and vice versa. The operator will tell you the range of costs for dismantling, repair and insertion services.

Our craftsmen have extensive experience and install lock structures of any complexity - from key to mechanical and electronic coded. Interior door, garage door, armored metal door to an apartment or office - we will install the lock quickly and in strict accordance with the technology. But before installing the mechanisms, you need to choose and buy them - and approach this with the utmost attention.

Consult a specialist before purchasing a product: you should not rely entirely on the seller’s opinion. His task is to sell you the product in any case. And you need to choose a convenient, practical and reliable lock for your task. If necessary, we will always advise and recommend suitable models to you.

Have you ordered the installation of interior doors, but for some reason did not install locks on them? Don't worry, you can do this kind of work yourself. Next, we will show you step by step how to embed a lock into an interior door, but since locks are different, you will learn how to correctly embed a lock in 2 options, with your own hands and with a minimum set of available tools.

Fitting a lock into an interior door with your own hands is a very real task for a home craftsman.

In specialized departments, the number of different types of locks and constipations dazzles the eyes, however, specifically for interior doors, there are only 2 types of locks:

A regular latch with a handle, which is designed to simply fix the door leaf in the opening. Often such mechanisms are installed in services or in the kitchen. They differ from their competitors in that there are no keys. At most, they can have a rotary lock;

Latch locks are not intended for permanently locking doors.

The second option can already be called a full-fledged lock with a set of keys. In apartments and houses, such locks are rarely installed on interior doors. Most often, this type of door lock is used in offices where there is a need to lock department doors.

Major installation of a lock on an interior door requires a set of keys.

Relatively recently, such a curiosity as a magnetic lock appeared on this market. It is inserted in exactly the same way as a regular one, but it works a little differently. There are 2 magnets installed, one in the lock, the second in the strike plate. When closing the canvas, they are attracted and the doors click into place.

To open such a mechanism you need to turn the handle or key. The solution is certainly interesting, but it is not in great demand among people. Firstly, the price of a magnetic door lock is higher, and secondly, not everyone likes such automatic locking, plus various metallic debris is attracted to them.

Installing magnetic locks on interior doors is not yet very popular.

Self-installation of locks in 2 options

We’ve decided on the locking models, now let’s talk about how to install them yourself in interior doors. But first, let's look at the tool, since in both cases the set is the same.

Minimum set of tools

To install a lock on an interior door, you don’t need many tools, plus all the tools are relatively inexpensive; often every home craftsman has such a set.

Electric drill;
Screwdriver or set of screwdrivers;
A pair of chisels with a sting of 10 mm and 20 mm;
Tape measure and pencil;
Hammer;
A 23 mm drill bit for wood, or better yet a set of 10 – 25 mm drill bits;
A wood bit with a diameter of 50 mm and an adapter for an electric drill for this bit.

Installing locks on interior doors does not require a large number of expensive tools.

Option number 1. Install a light latch

We begin installation, as usual, with markings. The distance from the bottom edge of the door leaf to the core of the lock according to the rules is 950 mm. In office buildings, it is advisable to adhere to it so that the fireman does not get nervous, but at home it can be placed at any height.

Often on such latches the distance from the side edge of the blade to the center of the mechanism is 60 mm. But it is better to clarify this parameter in the instructions for the mechanism, because the insertion depth may differ in different models.

Information on the lock's insertion depth is in the instructions for it.

Now, using a square or the same tape measure, we transfer the side mark to the center of the end of the door leaf and make a mark.

To drill a strictly horizontal, even hole on an already installed door, it is advisable to firmly fix the leaf. The easiest way is to insert a couple of wedges on both sides between the floor and the canvas. Then insert a feather drill (23 mm) into the drill and drill a horizontal hole along the length of the mechanism.

Be careful, the slightest misalignment to the right or left can cause the drill to come out from the side and irrevocably damage the blade.

To cut a hole on the front of the canvas we will need a wood crown. Insert it into the drill and start drilling according to the markings. But at first the hole is not drilled all the way through, but only until the moment when the central drill of the crown comes out from the back side. After that, pull out the crown and do the same on the back side.

The moment of drilling the blade with a crown on both sides is very important; if you try to go through the entire blade on one side, then when it comes out, the crown can seriously damage the back side of the blade.

Now you need to insert the lock into the end hole and outline the perimeter of the lock plate. Make sure that the bar is in a strictly vertical position.

The stock for the lock's end plate is cut out using a chisel. Be careful not to go too deep, often 1 - 1.5 mm is enough. If you accidentally choose a groove that is too deep, you can place a piece of cardboard or paper under the bottom.

To firmly secure the mechanism, it must be inserted into the hole and secured with two self-tapping screws. Self-tapping screws will fit much better if you first mark the entry points with an awl or drill holes with a thin drill.

Option No. 2. Put a permanent lock

We will not repeat the marking technique for this type of lock again, since any locks on interior doors are installed at the same height. But it is highly undesirable to install permanent locks hanging, so you will need to remove the door leaf from the awnings, then install and secure it with the end up.

Unlike a simple latch, a capital lock has a rather large mechanism. We will select the groove for it using the same feather drill; to do this, we need to mark the center line at the end of the blade. Then we select a feather drill according to the thickness of the lock and drill a series of holes to the depth of the lock.

When the hole is completely selected, all we have to do is select the stock for the lock face plate. The sampling technology is identical and we have already talked about it above. Next, screw the lock, insert the handles into it and mount the decorative trims.

A few words about installing the strike plate

The technique for installing the strike plate for a small latch and a major lock is no different. If you have mastered the insertion of the lock into the canvas, then installing the strike plate on the lock will not cause you any difficulties.

First, a hole is marked on the loot and drilled for the lock tongue. Then we apply the counter strip to the loot and trace it around the perimeter. Now all that remains is to cut out the stock under the bar with a chisel and screw it on with self-tapping screws.

Installing a strike plate is often not difficult.

Conclusion

Fitting a lock into an interior door is not a tricky task and any home craftsman can do it. The main thing is not to forget about the little things that we pointed out in the article.