May
29
How To Install A Handleset. Part Two: Door Preparation
When you’re installing a handleset from Baldwin Hardware or one from the other manufacturers we carry at A Touch Of Brass like Emtek or Schlage, how well you prepare the door is critical to a successful installation.
We’re using a two-piece sectional handleset with a bottom latch and a top dead bolt as an example for this series. As I mentioned last week, these are popular because they are flexible. Sectionals can be used on any type door since the spacing between the top and bottom sections can be adjusted randomly.
Step #1
The door should be hung at this point. Simply pull it toward you to check whether it’s both plumb and level. Look at where the door contacts the jam. The spacing should be even from top to bottom. If it’s not, adjust the hinge screws. If necessary reset the hinges.
Step #2
Using the hole template that comes with the handleset and fold it around the door with the center of the 2 1/8” diameter bottom hole 38” from the floor. Tape the template in place.
Step #3
Next determine the backset distance. This is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole. The most common backsets distances are 2 3/8” or 2 3/4”. Use the hole template to mark the center point. Then find positions A, B, C, D and E on the template and mark them.
Step #4
Attach the 2 1/8” Bore Hole Saw and very carefully drill holes A and B into one side of the door until the drill bit sticks out slightly from the opposite side. Then finish the holes by drilling from the opposite side. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Be absolutely sure that you drill the holes at a precise 90° angle.
Step #5
Using a 1” spade bit or hole saw, carefully drill the holes marked on your template in the edge of the door. For a 2 3/8” backset, drill the holes 3 1/2” deep. For a 2 1/4” backset, make the holes 3 7/8” deep. I’ve found an easy way to make sure you drill to the proper depth is to place a piece of masking tape on the drill bit at 3 1/2” or 3 7/8” from the tip.
Step #6
Next drill the bottom hole using a 5/16” bit exactly at your pencil mark.
Step #7
Insert the latch into hole and use a utility knife to make guidelines around the latch plate for when you chisel the door edge. Again, make sure these marks are parallel to the door edge. Repeat for the dead bolt hole. The scoring marks should be as deep as the depth of the latch and dead bolt plates so that when you are finished chiseling
The plates will be flush with the door.
Step #8
Grab your 1/2” chisel and create a cavity for the faceplate that is 5/32” deep. I always try to chisel toward the inside edge of the score marks. Work slowly, removing only a small bit of wood at a time.
Once you have the cavities for the holes deep enough so that the latch plates fit snugly and are flush with the door edge, your door is ready for the next step: Final handleset installation.
If you ever have any questions about choosing or installing handlesets from Baldwin Hardware or any of the other lines we carry, please contact me directly through the “Ask Jim” feature on this website or by calling 1-800-272-7734. We’re always here to help you.
To review the tool checklist from my last article, click here
For background on handlesets, see these previous posts:
Choose The Right Front Door Handleset
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