8 Steps to Install a 3-Point Lock
Summary
– Step 1: Remove the old locking system
– Step 2: Drill the cylinder location
– Step 3: Install the central lock
– Step 4: Attach the rods
– Step 5: Install the central strike
– Step 6: Install the top strike plate
– Step 7: Drill the floor location
– Step 8: Finishing touches
The installation of a 3-point lock often responds to “security” concerns to protect oneself and regulatory to comply with the home insurance contract.
The 3-point lock should be installed by someone with some DIY experience, as this work will require the complete dismantling of the old locking system, filling almost all the holes, and drilling the new lock.
Here are some tips on how to properly install a 3-point lock.
Materials needed to install a 3-point lock.
Wood chisel
Pencil
Hammer
Tape measure
Spirit level
Sandpaper
Wooden paste
Drill
Screwdriver
Hacksaw
Hole saw
Trestles
1. Remove the old locking system
Before installing a new lock, it is necessary to clear the door and place it on trestles so that you can remove the old lock:
– Unbolt the door.
– Unscrew the parts of the locking system located on the door frame.
– Remove the handle on the door and the lock.
– Fill in any holes left after disassembly with wood filler.
– Once dry, sandpaper the wood filler.
2. Drill the cylinder location
After removing the door and placing it on trestles:
– Position the lock on the door or the lock template provided by the manufacturer.
– Mark the location of the cylinder on the door.
– Drill the cylinder hole with a hole saw or large drill bit.
– File the hole with sandpaper and check that the cylinder fits into the hole.
3. Install the central lock
– Still using the template, mark the location of the screws that will secure the lock.
– Drive a nail very lightly into the center of each marked hole. Then remove the pin. This step allows you to make a centring hole for the lock. This is very important to have a “level” lock.
– Screw on the lock using the screws often provided by the manufacturer.
4. Attach the rods
– Position the rods above and below the lock.
– Measure the length of the rod (from the top of the lock, the set you previously screwed in) to the top of the door.
– Cut the rod with a hacksaw if necessary or modify the length if it is a telescopic rod.
– Screw on the rod holders. Pay particular attention to the verticality of the two rods.
5. Install the central strike plate
If you had removed your door to place it on trestles, it is time to reassemble it on the frame because you must install the striker plates, the elements that will receive the moving parts of the lock:
– Position the central strike plate. To do this, close the door and mark these locations on the door frame.
– Mark the fixing holes.
– If necessary, notch the location with a chisel.
– Drill the locations for the strike mounting screws.
– Screw in the center strike.
6. Install the top strike plate
To install the top strike plate, proceed as follows:
– Locate the location of the future strike plate.
– Notch the door frame with a chisel so that it can receive the moving part of the lock.
– Screw the strike plate onto it.
7. Drill a hole in the floor
The bottom part will not receive the strike plate because the mobile part enters the floor. It will be necessary to cut with a drill to make the moving part penetrate the floor.
– Place the lower strike plate on the floor and mark the locations to be drilled.
– Drill successive holes in the floor with your drill to clear a location for the strike plate. Use a drill bit.
– Check that the bolt (moving part) fits into the floor and through the strike plate.
– Screw the strike plate to the floor.
8. Finishing work
The finishing work will be mainly painting.
If the hole is slightly too large, you may need to do a little re-sealing around the cylinder.
It is possible to add a peephole and a door opener to complete the secure locking system:
– The peephole requires simple drilling and is placed at about 1.60 meters high (for the finished floor).
The door opener requires fixing two elements (6 screws) on the frame and the sash.
