When it comes to installing a tubular lock, proper door preparation is crucial. The door must be properly prepared to ensure that the lock is securely installed and works properly. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps involved in properly preparing a door for tubular lock installation in the US.

Step 1: Determine the retracement

The first step in preparing the door is to determine the recoil of the lock. The backset is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the lock. In the US, the standard setback for a tubular lock is 2-3/8 inches or 2-3/4 inches.

Step 2: Mark the center line

Once you've determined the setback, mark the center line of the door. To do this, measure the width of the door and mark the center point. Then, using a square, draw a line from the center point to the edge of the door. This line will be used as a reference to drill the hole for the lock.

Step 3: Mark the hole

Using the center line as a guide, mark the location of the keyhole. The hole must be drilled 36 inches from the finished floor level. The diameter of the hole should be 2-1/8 inches.

Step 4: Drill the hole

Using a hole saw, drill the hole for the lock. Be sure to drill in a straight line and clean up any rough edges around the hole. If the door is made of a material that tends to chip, such as veneer, it may help to put masking tape around the area where the hole will be drilled to prevent chipping.

Step 5 - Prepare the Latch Hole

Next, prepare the latch hole at the edge of the door. The latch hole is where the latch will protrude through the edge of the door to engage the strike plate. The standard size for a latch hole is 1 inch in diameter. Drill the hole with a spade bit.

Step 6: Prepare the strike plate

Finally, prepare the strike plate on the door frame. The strike plate is the metal plate that the latch engages in when the door is closed. The strike plate should be mounted to the door frame so that it aligns with the latch hole in the door edge. Use screws to attach the strike plate to the door frame.

In conclusion, proper door preparation is essential for a successful tubular lock installation.