Fitting handles, latches and locks
Choose the lock for the room first, then a handle that suits it: a latch for most rooms, a bathroom lock where privacy matters, a key lock for an office or store room.
| What you need | Latch | Bathroom lock | Key lock (sashlock) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holds the door shut | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Locks | No | Thumb turn inside, release outside | Key |
| Handles | Lever or knob | Lever plus WC turn and release | Lever plus key escutcheon |
| Typical rooms | Living rooms, bedrooms | Bathroom, toilet | Office, store, utility |
Backset and centres
Two measurements decide which lock fits your handle:
- Backset is the distance from the door edge to the centre of the handle spindle. Latches come in two common sizes, a 64 mm (2.5 in) and a 76 mm (3 in) case. Use the longer one with handles on a wide rose or a backplate, so your knuckles clear the frame.
- Centres is the distance between the handle spindle and the keyhole or turn on a lock. It must match the handle's backplate or escutcheon spacing, so buy the lock and handle as a matching pair.
Fitting a tubular latch and lever handles
- Mark a line across the door edge and both faces at handle height, usually around 1 metre from the floor, matching other doors in the house.
- Use the paper template that comes with the latch to mark the spindle hole on both faces and the latch hole on the edge.
- Drill the edge hole for the latch body and the cross hole for the spindle, working from both faces so the wood does not split.
- Push the latch in, mark round its faceplate, and chisel a shallow recess so it sits flush. Screw it in.
- Fit the spindle, then the handles each side, and tighten them evenly.
- Close the door gently to mark where the latch meets the frame, and cut the recess for the striker plate there.
Fire doors: only use locks, latches and hinges marked for use on fire doors, and follow the door's certificate for any fire protection pads behind them.
Not sure which handle and lock to pick? Call us on 0208 599 0200 or visit our showroom at 946 Eastern Avenue, Ilford.
See it before you buy: try our doors, handles and frames in a photo of your own doorway with Door-R-View, or call us on 0208 599 0200.