How To Install a Vintage Lockset

Installing a vintage lockset can add character and charm to your home while providing functional security. This process requires patience and attention to detail, but you can successfully install a mortised lockset on your door with the right tools and techniques. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains the step-by-step process of installing a vintage lockset on a solid core, four-panel door.

Understanding Vintage Locksets

Vintage locksets, also known as mortise locks, are a type of door hardware used in older homes. These locks have a recessed installation within the edge of the door, requiring you to cut a mortise or pocket into the door itself. By understanding the types and benefits of vintage locksets, you can choose the best one that suits your needs and complements your home’s style.

Benefits of Vintage Locksets

Vintage locksets offer several advantages compared to modern door hardware:

• Customization: These locksets come in various styles and finishes to match your home’s decor.
• Durability: Many vintage locksets last for years, often outliving their modern counterparts.
• Visual appeal: They can add a touch of nostalgia and elegance to your home’s interior.

Types of Vintage Locksets

There are several types of vintage locksets available:

• Box locks: These are surface-mounted locks that enclose the entire mechanism in a decorative box.
• Mortise locks: You install these locks within the edge of the door.
• Rim locks: You mount rim locks on the surface of the door.

Preparing for Vintage Lockset Installation

Before you begin the installation process, gather the necessary tools and materials.

Tools and Materials Needed

To install a vintage lockset, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

• Chisel
• Clamps
• Combination square
• Drill/Driver
• Hammer
• Portable drill press
• Scrap wood for jigs and backing
• Shop vacuum
• Spade bits
• Utility knife
• Vintage lockset

Measuring and Marking

Accurate measurements can help achieve a proper fit. Silva explains that the average height for a doorknob is around 36 inches from the bottom of the door. However, he adjusts this to 37 inches to center the escutcheon plate on the door panel.

1. Hold the lockset’s escutcheon plate against the door and mark the doorknob hole.
2. Trace the lock mortise onto the door rail.
3. Use a combination square to mark the mortise outline on the edge of the door.
4. Draw a centerline down the edge of the door for drilling accuracy.

Creating the Mortise for Your Lockset

The mortise is the recessed pocket in the door edge where the lock mechanism will sit. This step requires precision and patience to create a snug fit for the lockset.

Drilling the Mortise

Here’s how to create the mortise:

1. Stand the door on edge using a homemade vise or support system.
2. Attach a portable drill press to your electric drill for stability.
3. Create a jig from two 2x6s and two plywood blocks to guide the drill.
4. Use a spade bit to bore out the mortise, following your marked outline.
5. Vacuum out the wood chips from the mortise cavity.

Chiseling and Refining

After drilling, refine the mortise to fit the lock mechanism precisely:

1. Use a chisel to remove excess waste from the drilled holes.
2. Square up the corners and edges of the mortise.
3. Test fit the lock mechanism to achieve a proper fit.

Installing the Lock Mechanism

With the mortise prepared, you can install the lock mechanism itself.

Fitting the Lock Plate

Here’s how to fit the lock plate:

1. Insert the lock into the mortise and trace around the lock plate with a utility knife.
2. Carefully chisel out the area around the mortise until the lock plate sits flush with the door edge.
3. Test fit the lock again to create a snug, flush fit.

Drilling for the Doorknob

The final step in preparing the door is to drill the hole for the doorknob:

1. Clamp a scrap board to the backside of the door to prevent splintering.
2. Using the drill press attachment, carefully drill through the door face at the marked location.
3. Clean up any rough edges around the newly drilled hole.

Finishing Touches for Your Antique Lockset

With the lock mechanism installed, you can add the finishing touches to complete your vintage lockset installation.

Installing the Doorknob

Follow these steps to install the doorknob:

1. Insert the spindle through the lock mechanism.
2. Attach the doorknobs on both sides of the door.
3. Secure the knobs in place according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Testing the Lock

Before the job is complete, test the lock to make sure that everything works as intended:

1. Test the lock mechanism several times for smooth operation.
2. Check that the latch engages properly with the strike plate on the door frame.
3. Make any necessary adjustments for proper alignment and function.

Additional Tips for Success

To simplify the installation process and achieve a professional finish, follow these additional tips:

• Choose the right chisel: Make sure that your chisel is sharp and appropriately sized for the task to achieve clean cuts.
• Clean as you go: Regularly vacuuming wood chips and sawdust helps maintain a clear workspace, minimizing potential mistakes.
• Use a portable drill press: This tool can provide greater control and accuracy when drilling, reducing the risk of error.
• Utilize a homemade vise: A secure setup with a a homemade vise can make handling the door easier and more stable during the installation.