While rim locks may not offer the best security, especially when installed on external doors, they can add a real touch of elegance and an old-style appeal. There are many modern style rim locks to choose from, however antique rim locks, or replica antiques are also a very popular choice for homeowners. Both brass and the Victorian rim lock are gaining in popularity as people look for new and interesting ways to dress up their doors. Fortunately, rim locks are some of the easiest type of locks to install, requiring very little in the way of drilling or altering the actual door.
What You Will Need
- Your lock set
- Chisel
- Drill, hand or preferably power drill
- Screws and nails (screws are often provided with the rim lock set)
- Pencil for marking
- Tape measure (if installing on a new door)
First of all determine where your rim lock will be installed. If you are simply replacing a lock, you can install it where the older lock was installed. If installing on a new door, measure up from the floor to determine the height.
Mark with a pencil where the lock will go.
Drill a hole in your door for the spindle. Make sure that the hole is big enough for the spindle to fit so that it can spin freely, but make sure that it is not too big or the door lock will not work efficiently.
Using the drill and chisel, make a keyhole. You do this by drilling a hole at the top and bottom of the keyhole, and then using a chisel, remove the wood between the two holes.
Install the lock on the front of the door, using the screws provided with the lock set.
Install the keeper, or strike plate. This is installed in the door frame and is the place where the latch will fit into.
Attach the doorknobs on both sides of the door, connecting them via the spindle. They will either snap into place, or you will be provided with screws to use to attach them.
Attach the rosette on the interior of the door, using provide screws.
As you can see it is a fairly quick and easy process to install a rim lock, and it should be done by a fairly competent handyman in less than an hour.