Fitting Locks And Latches

Before we begin the process of explaining the principles of fitting a
Mortice, there are just a few questions to ask yourself, just to make
sure you are ready to go!

(1) If you are fitting new furniture to existing doors make sure you
measure your existing lock to ensure that they are of a similar size so
you don’t have to make other holes within your door. A Lever with
Backplate can sometimes cover existing holes on the vertical, but not
usually horizontally. Always make sure that the Forend/ Faceplate of
the lock/latch is greater than the one you are replacing as you can
always make the hole larger but not smaller.

(2) Make sure your lock thickness is not more than 3⁄4 of the thickness
of the door as this will weaken the door.

(3) Check that the Spindle length you have chosen is compatible with
the width of the door. Remember you can alter the length by reducing
the size by cutting, but you cannot add length.

(4) Check whether the furniture you are fixing, either new or existing,
is Sprung or Unsprung and that the corresponding lock or latch is an
acceptable match.

(5) Always measure hinge size, both width and depth, as differing
depths can affect how the door closes, causing the need for alterations.

(6) Will one system, if fitting a locking mechanism for an external
door, be enough? A determined burglar may still be able to access your
property by a heavy blow, possibly splitting the door frame. Experts
advise a number of locking systems spaced along the door to spread the
load and give strength. Other locking systems to consider for an
external door include: Hinge bolt, Rack bolt, and Night latch.

(7) Make sure, if you are fitting external doors/fittings, you have
enough time to complete the job. Finding you have no way to lock your
door by nightfall could cause serious problems!

Fitting.

This section makes the assumption that you are fitting your new
furniture, onto a new door. The same principle does apply to existing
doors, but make sure you have read points 1-7 above.

(1) Once you have decided the height for your handles, hold the
lock/latch body against the edge of the door and mark above and below
the height of the Mortice.
(2) Measure the thickness of the body of the mechanism, and mark the
measurements, either in pencil or using a Mortice gauge, centrally on
the door edge.
(3) Using tape on your drill bit as a depth gauge, select a drill bit
that is equal in size to the required opening. Drill overlapping holes
down the centre line just slightly deeper than the lock/latch body.
(4) Using a chisel, clean out any left over wood and debris.
(5) Place the mechanism in the Mortice to check the size, and adjust if
necessary. With the lock/latch in the Mortice carefully scribe around
the Faceplate with a pencil or knife and remove the mechanism.
(6) Using the outline as a template, carefully use a wood chisel to cut
around the outline. Make a series of parallel cuts with the chisel
within this area, and carefully chisel out the waste wood making sure
to keep within the confines of the recess.
(7) Hold the lock/latch flush and level against the door with the
Faceplate facing towards the Mortice and mark the central position of
the Spindle and or keyhole with a bradawl.
(8) Clamp a piece of scrap wood to the other side of the door (to avoid
splitting) and drill a hole large enough to accept the Spindle, and or
the key. Please note that these holes may differ in size, and always
remember to make sure the Rose or Escutcheon is larger than the drill
bit you are using.
(9) Slide the lock/latch into the Mortice and drive in the Faceplate
fixing screws.
(10) Insert the Spindle, and fit the furniture. Do not fix to the door
until you are sure that the Spindle moves freely. Ensure the key works
the lock, and then affix the Escutcheon centrally to the hole.
(11) Close the door and mark where the latch bolt/bolt meets with the
door frame and mark the position.
(12) Chisel out a Mortice for the bolt and Striking plate (as above)
and screw on the plate.

Please note that the guidelines on ‘fitting’ a Mortice are to be used
as a guide only, and we cannot be held responsible for any damaged
property or appliances. If you are unsure you should always consult an
expert.