How To Fit A Tubular Latch

Step-by-Step Guide For Mortice Fitting A Tubular Latch

Follow a professional carpenter as he takes you through the steps for fitting a tubular latch. Our helpful DIY guide lists all the tools you will need as well as how to properly mortice fit the latch.

Video Highlights

0:00 Intro
2:06 Tools Required
2:28 Measurements
2:50 Drilling
3:10 Prepare Latch for Install
3:43 Chiselling
3:59 Fixing the Latch
4:06 Installing the Striker Plate
5:14 Outro

Choosing a Tubular Latch

The type of tubular latch you choose to fit will depend upon whether you are installing a lever handle or a door knob, and whether the handle/knob is sprung or unsprung.

Lever Handles: These are usually fitted with a 2 or 2.5 inch tubular latch. Most lever handles are sprung, therefore a standard tubular latch is adequate to give a positive return to the handle.

Door Knobs: In order ot prevent knuckles rapping on the door surround, a longer tubular latch is required for a door knob. A minumum of 3 inches is recommended, with a 4 inch tubular latch being the ideal size for fitting with a door knob. Most door knobs are unsprung, and will require a double sprung heavy duty tubular latch for optimum function.

How To Fit A Tubular Latch: Tools Needed

Before you start, make sure you have these tools for the job: pencil, tape measure, set square, craft knife, chisel, electric drill, pilot drill, countersink bit, and a 20mm & 10mm Forstner drill bit.

Tools required for fitting a Tubular Latch

Step 1. Taking Measurements

Once you have decided on the correct positioning of your lever handle or door knob, mark a line on the edge of the door with a set square where the tubular latch will be fitted.
Mark the hole where the mortice bar will fit and transfer the lines on each side of the door.

Step 2: Drilling with a 20mm bit

With the door held securely in place, drill a hole into the edge of the door using the 20mm drill bit.
Make sure you drill deep enough to accomodate the length of the latch.

Step 3: Drilling with a 10mm bit

Using the 10mm drill bit, drill the clearance holes on either side of the door for the mortice bar to connect the two sides of the lever handles/door knobs.
Remember to drill from both sides rather than straight through to avoid any break out.

Step 4: Prepare Latch For Installation

Offer the latch up to door.
Making sure that it is square, mark the x2 fixing holes with a pencil.
Drill the pilot holes.
Using the countersink bit, remove the excess materials to allow the latch to fit flush against the door.

Step 5a: Cut Around Latch

Offer latch back to the door.
Fix in place with screws.
Using a sharp craft knife, carefully cut around the latch plate and then remove latch.

Stage 5b: Chisel Excess

With a sharp chisel, remove enough material to ensure the latch fits flush against the wood.
Using the countersink drill bit, countersink both holes to allow the plate to fit snugly.