Cutting locks into a metal door: choosing the most reliable mechanism

Today, metal doors are installed much more often than wooden ones. This is easy to explain, since they provide a high level of security for the home. The only weak point of such doors can be called the native locks that come with them. They are often changed after the installation of the structure. You can do this operation yourself. Inserting locks into a metal door requires an understanding of the design of locking mechanisms, as well as knowledge of their types.

Install lock in a metal door you can do it yourself

What kind of lock to put in a metal door?

The modern market offers many options for locking devices from different manufacturers. The range of these mechanisms is incredibly wide. All modern devices used to protect the home can be divided into three large groups, depending on the design features:

• cylinder;
• levers;
• electrical.

Cylinder lock is the best option

In order to answer the question of which lock to install on the door, it is necessary to study the main parameters by which these devices are selected. First of all, you need to pay attention to the material from which the locking mechanism is made.

Note! The lock must be of high quality and strong enough.

Another important parameter is the class of resistance to burglary. Products that belong to different classes differ from each other in their protective characteristics. Not all of them are suitable for installation on a metal entrance sheet. To protect an apartment or a private house, it is recommended to purchase models belonging to the 3rd and 4th class.

The most popular option is the cylinder lock. Installing such a device in a metal door is not difficult.In addition, cylinder models are very easy to use. Quality products of this type can last a long time without breakdowns.

Lever locks are not afraid of the effects of climatic conditions and the ingress of small particles

Installing a lock on the front door: types of locking devices

Cylinder locks are opened by means of convenient keys, which have reciprocal holes for pins located inside the mechanism. It is quite difficult to hack such a device using a set of master keys. However, cylinder locking devices have one weak point: they are not resistant to strong shocks. Thus, the secret of such a lock can be simply knocked out. In order to protect your home from the penetration of unauthorized persons, it is necessary to close the lock with a special armor plate.

If you wish, you can install a lock on the front door, which has different characteristics and belongs to the lever type. The design of these devices implies the presence of steel plates. When the lock is opened, these elements are lined up in a certain order, specified by the manufacturer. When choosing a lever mechanism, you need to pay attention to the quality of the material from which such plates are made and their quantity.

Devices powered by electricity are the most technologically advanced. Of course, this is reflected in their value. The price for these devices is the highest. The design of such locking mechanisms determines the version of their unlocking. Such devices are much more difficult to put on the door yourself. Electrical locks during installation require a professional approach.

To additionally secure the house from the penetration of unauthorized persons, you need to close the lock with an armored pad

In order to open the electronic lock, a special panel with numbers can be used, which involves entering a code. Sometimes such locking mechanisms are unlocked with a key fob or card. Do-it-yourself installation of a magnetic lock on a door is a difficult undertaking. It is quite difficult for a person without experience to cope with such a job. The most expensive representatives of this group are able to recognize the biometric data of the host.

Note! To ensure maximum protection of the home, experts advise installing 2 locks on the entrance canvas. The use of cylinder and lever mechanisms allows you to protect the front door from burglary.

Replacing the lock in a metal door: types of products depending on the installation method

The building materials market is replete with various locking mechanisms. Another parameter by which these devices are differentiated is the installation method. Depending on the installation method, the following types of shut-off devices are distinguished:

• waybills;
• mortise;
• built-in.

Surface mounted locks on a metal door are characterized by ease of installation

Overhead. A fairly common method of installing locks on iron doors. In this case, the mechanism is not integrated into the door leaf, but is hung over it. This method of installation is simple, since it does not require the organization of a niche in the door.

Mortise. The most popular option for locking mechanisms. This method allows you to preserve the appearance of the door, but it also has some disadvantages. The main disadvantage of integrating the locking device into the door leaf is the complexity of this process. Do-it-yourself installation of a mortise lock requires some experience and training.

It is quite difficult to do this work on your own. Mortise locks are best used in metal sheets. Such a device requires the installation of an armor plate. This plate is mounted on the door lock in order to protect the structure from drilling.

Built-in.Such mechanisms are integrated into the body of the door leaf directly at the stage of assembly of the structure. As a rule, door manufacturers use rather cheap devices, the degree of protection of which is questionable. When buying a door with a built-in locking device, it is recommended to think about replacing it.

Mortise locks preserve the appearance of the door

In what cases is the insertion of locks into a metal door?

The replacement of the locking mechanism is most often performed in the event of an old device failure. However, there are other reasons that can lead to the installation of the lock. Some situations can happen suddenly, so it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with them. So, when might it be necessary to replace the locking device?

Purchasing a new door. Most often, new canvases are sold without locking mechanisms. However, you can also find designs that come with door locks. Do-it-yourself installation of a metal door is a rather complicated process. To implement this measure, you should study the installation instructions.

Helpful information! Experts recommend purchasing canvases without door locks. In this case, it becomes possible to install a mechanism that is individually selected for a specific situation.

Loss of keys. Another common problem that often causes replacement of the locking mechanism. Of course, duplicates can be ordered in such a situation, but as a precaution it is recommended to replace the instrument. Installation of a door lock on the entrance iron doors in this case is desirable.

After breaking, it is better to install a new lock without delay

Replacing a broken product. Most often, low-quality cheap models that are made in China fail. But even an expensive device can wear out over time. The most common problems with locking devices that lead to their replacement are breakage of the lock and deformation of the crossbars.

Replacing an unreliable device. A person who is not versed in locking mechanisms can purchase a model that has weak protection against unauthorized entry. This often becomes the reason for replacing the lock. It is also worth noting that every year new models are released, the quality and reliability of which are getting better and better.

Breaking into. This situation is the most unpleasant. In case of intrusion of unauthorized persons into the apartment, it is necessary to change the lock without delay. You can also replace the core. It is much easier to install the front door lock cylinder than to completely change the mechanism. In some situations, the best solution would be to dismantle the old door leaf along with the lock installed in it.

Transfer of the apartment to new owners. In this case, replacing the device is considered a simple precaution. You should not be sure of the decency of the old owners, since they can enter the apartment if they wish.

One of the reasons for replacing an old lock with a new one is product breakdown

Replacing the lock yourself is a rather difficult undertaking that requires precision and certain knowledge. If necessary, you can contact a specialist who will carry out a quick and high-quality insert of the locking device into the door leaf.

Installing a lock on an entrance metal door: preparing tools

Before starting the installation of the locking mechanism in the door leaf, it is necessary to perform certain preparations. It is very important to choose the right tools with which the lock will be inserted into the door.

The most important device is an angle grinder (angle grinder), which is popularly called a grinder. Competent selection of the nozzle allows you to simplify this process. To work with a metal blade, cut-off wheels are used, adapted for this material.

When cutting iron, there is a possibility of metal shavings getting in your eyes. To avoid this, you need to wear glasses or a special shield. Compliance with safety measures is a mandatory point of work. In order to install a lock on the door, you will also need to prepare an electronic drill and a set of nozzles for it. The device is fixed using self-tapping screws.

One of the essential tools for cutting a lock into a metal door is a drill.

Note! Screws can be tightened either manually or with a screwdriver.

In addition to the above tools, other devices are used. A marker is used for marking, and a building ruler or tape measure is used for measurement, and it is also worth preparing a file. Before starting the installation, it is necessary to measure the thickness of the metal sheet of the door leaf. This parameter will allow you to determine the feasibility of installing a particular locking device. For example, if the sheet is less than 4 mm thick, an oversized device can deform it.

Inserting a lock into a metal entrance door requires care. Before starting work, it is necessary to draw up a preliminary drawing. And also it is worth studying the step-by-step installation instructions and following them.

Installing a lock in a metal door: preparation for installation

Before proceeding with the installation of the lock, it is necessary to carry out preparation, which includes several successive stages. First of all, you need to determine the optimal location of the locking device. The recommended distance from the floor to the castle is 100 cm.

The distance from the floor to the castle must be 1 m

Next, you need to do the markup on the canvas. For this, it is necessary to lean the body of the locking mechanism against the intended place of installation of the lock. On the iron door, you can make a mark with a marker or using any cutting tool.

At the next stage, you need to designate two borders of the cutout - the lower and the upper. To do this, you need to make two holes with a drill. It is important to remember that the indicator of the drill section in this case should be equal to the thickness of the locking mechanism body. Before starting work, it is recommended to mark the areas in which drilling will be carried out.

Related article:

Metal door lock: choosing a reliable device to protect your home

Features of devices. Burglary resistance class. Characteristics of cylinder, lever, crossbar and combined locks. Selection recommendations.

Then you need to make two cuts with the grinder. They must pass clearly along the lines marked earlier. The opening for the locking mechanism must correspond to its dimensions. This work is very important. After organizing the opening, you can start installing the device. To answer the question of how to insert a lock into a door, it is recommended to study step-by-step instructions and expert advice.

In some cases, it may be necessary to widen the opening. This happens due to errors when cutting with a grinder. For this work, you can use a file.

It is necessary to ensure that the opening for the lock corresponds to its size

Helpful information! You can simplify the process of expanding the opening with an electronic grinder.

Installing a lock on a metal door: the main stage

The installation of the lock begins with the location of the device box in a previously prepared recess. Next, you need to mark the points into which the screws will be screwed. After marking, the holes are prepared.

At the next stage of inserting the lock into the iron door, a keyhole is made. In order to cut it, you will first need to make a markup. A grinder is used to organize the well.

Then the locking mechanism, inserted into the groove, is fixed with screws.At the end of the installation, you need to make sure how well the castle works... It is recommended that you test each key in the kit. The installation procedure of the locking device does not end with its fixing with screws.

The last step lock installation fixing the device with screws

After checking the functionality of the lock, you need to organize the fixing of special overlays. This operation requires precision. Incorrectly fixed pads can prevent the key from entering the keyhole. In order to securely fix the pads, you should first determine the center of the hole.

The final stage of installing the lock on an iron entrance door is the installation of a striker. This element is fixed to the door frame. Its function is to hold the crossbars. Before starting the fastening of the striker, it is necessary to make holes for the locking elements.

Replacing the lock in a metal door in an apartment: the final stage

The final stage of the installation of the locking mechanism is the installation of the fittings elements. These include handles and pads (for boreholes and crossbar holes). In order to carry out the installation of the handles, you will need to attach the pads to the fixation point and mark the points at which the fasteners will be organized.

Next, you should drill holes in the metal sheet. In this case, the drill diameter should be slightly larger than that of the screws. The next step is to mount the handles and tighten them with screws. This will provide the required reliability.

It is imperative to check the operation of the door handles, they should not jam

After that, it is mandatory to check the operation of the fittings. The handle should not jam, and its movements should be smooth. Installing a door lock on the front door also requires the installation of overhead elements.

Overhead parts not only perform a decorative function, but also regulate the location of the locking elements, as well as the key. Before you start fixing the cover on the door frame, it is necessary to make grooves in the well for the crossbars of the mechanism. To do this, you need to make a markup. It is quite easy to make a mistake when marking the holes on the door frame, so you should be careful.

First, you need to mark two points of the grooves (top and bottom). Then the cuts are made. For this, an angle grinder is used. The cuts are parallel. The gap between them must be removed with a drill. It is important to remember that the groove depth must be 2 mm greater than the size of the crossbars. After mounting the striker, check the locking mechanism. This completes the installation of the lock.

Compliance with safety regulations during installation of the shut-off device

Before starting to insert the locking mechanism into the door leaf, it is necessary to study the safety instructions. This is an important point to pay attention to, especially if the work is performed by a person who does not have the appropriate qualifications. Working with tools that operate on electricity itself requires some precautionary rules. For example, it is recommended that you wear special protective gloves. This will eliminate the possibility of electric shock.

When cutting the lock into a metal door, for safety, you must use protective glasses and gloves.

Note! In order to simplify the installation of the locking mechanism, a special lock-in kit is available. These kits include cutters and hexagons.

Do not touch the drill or angle grinder with wet hands. It is strongly not recommended to install the shut-off device using faulty tools.All electronic devices should be checked before starting work - and only after that you can start the tie-in.

In addition to gloves, safety goggles are required. When cutting metal with a grinder, sparks can get into your eyes. If necessary, you can cover your face with a special mask. These means of protection can be bought at any specialized hardware store or you can place an order online.

How to insert a lock into an iron door: mortise devices

To install a mechanism that belongs to the mortise group, you will need to drill several holes in the door leaf with a drill. They are necessary for mounting the handle, organizing the keyhole and installing the device itself. Such work has a certain sequence, from which it is not recommended to deviate.

For the correct installation of the mortise lock yourself, you must carefully study the instructions

How to insert a lock into a door? First, as in any other case of installing a locking device, markings should be made on a metal sheet. When choosing the distance from the ground to the mechanism, it is recommended to pay attention to individual preferences. The standard distance is 1 m.

The installation process of mortise mechanisms is more complicated than installing overhead locks. In order to do this work yourself, you need to study the instructions and clearly follow it. It is also recommended to watch videos on this topic. An illustrative example will allow you to answer the question of how to cut a lock into a metal door without making mistakes.

After completing the marking, it is required to mark the boundaries of the niche on the end side of the iron sheet. In this case, you need to focus on the dimensions of the locking mechanism. Next, drill the edges of the markings and cut out a notch with an angle grinder. It is recommended to file the edges obtained after organizing the niche. This will align and smooth them.

The next step is the direct installation of the lock into the niche. Further, the points corresponding to the location of the fixing elements are marked. After that, they must be drilled.

After installing the lock in a metal door, it is important to check how the device works

Note! The edges of the holes into which the screws will be installed can be machined with a tap. This tool is used for threading and allows you to correctly drive the lock into the door.

On the inside of the metal sheet, it is required to make a hole that will be used to install the handle. In turn, the outer side of the door must have a key cut (keyhole).

After fixing the device, it is very important to immediately check how it works. If any malfunction is detected, the mechanism in the door leaf is adjusted. The final stage involves the installation of a striker on the door frame.

How to insert a lock into a door: overhead mechanisms and features of their installation

Installation of overhead models has some peculiarities. The main difference between such devices is the installation option, which is determined by the design. Locks of this type do not integrate into the body of the door, but are fixed on its surface. Consider the sequence of actions when installing the overhead mechanism.

Padlocks do not fit into the door body, so they are much easier to install

First, the points are marked at which the fixing elements, pins, and also the well will be located. It is worth noting that overhead devices are usually mounted higher than mortise ones. This is necessary due to the presence of a latch. Installing a patch lock is a simple process that is not difficult to do with your own hands.

Next, you need to mount the pins on the iron door, which are used for fasteners.Then you need to make a hole for the exit of the door lock well. It should go out to the outside. On the opposite side of the door leaf, you will need to hold the lock fasteners with pins.

The next stage is testing the operation of the locking device. If it functions correctly, then the fasteners are screwed in. At the final stage, an overlay is installed and holes are organized on the pipe (under the striker). Among other things, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the video materials that clearly demonstrate the installation of a lock on an iron door from start to finish.

The installation process of the overhead device is most preferable if the work is done by hand. Do not forget that even in this case, there are many nuances that cannot be ignored.

When installing a patch lock, the door leaf practically does not suffer

How to replace a door lock in a metal door: cylindrical type

Cylinder models are the most common. In the modern market, you can find many modifications of these devices. The advantage of mechanisms belonging to this group is that they are equipped with a core, which is in the form of a cylinder.

Note! If the key is lost, it is not necessary to install a new locking mechanism. In this case, it is enough to change the lock cylinder in the metal door.

Replacing the core is not difficult. Let's consider how this process is performed in stages. The first step is to dismantle the old larva. After removing the lock, you need to open the locking mechanism. For this, special keys are used.

You do not need to remove the rest of the device. The screws that fix the door lock plate from the end side of the metal sheet must be unscrewed.

If the key is lost, only the cylinder lock cylinder can be replaced

Then, using the key, you need to close the lock. Further, in the central part of the tongue, the screw is unscrewed. The next step is to pull the larva up. This operation is performed using a key, which, as a rule, must be turned 40 °. This completes the installation of the front door lock cylinder.

It should be noted that in some cases, dismantling the old core is difficult due to the presence of various kinds of damage. In this situation, the extraction of the secret is carried out in two stages. In the first stage, it is drilled out. The second stage involves knocking out the old damaged larva from the castle.

How to replace a lock in a metal door: lever mechanism

Devices of this kind are manufactured by various companies. Experts recommend buying models that belong to the European type of locks. This can be explained quite simply: such mechanisms are better repairable than their domestic counterparts.

Models that are produced by Russian companies, in case of failure, most often require a complete replacement. In turn, European lever locking mechanisms do not need this. In the event of a malfunction of such a lock, you just need to replace the core.

Many models of locks of European companies do not require the installation of a new core, since there is a possibility of re-coding their levers

Before starting work, you need to study in detail the instructions for repairing the lock in a metal door. The installation and replacement of the lever mechanism has its own characteristics that cannot be ignored. The first step in replacing this device is to dismantle the case. To do this, you need to open the door, which will open the transom element.

Next, the core structure is dismantled. It is necessary to extract the following elements from it: armored cover, handle, bolt, and key.In this case, decorative parts of the structure do not have to be removed.

Note! Replacing the core of the lever mechanism is a more complicated undertaking than installing a lock cylinder in a metal door.

After dismantling the core, you need to unscrew the screws securing the structure and pull out the old part. Next, a new core is installed and fastened. Many European models of locking mechanisms do not require such intervention, since there is a possibility of re-coding their levers.

Installation of the core of the lever device is more technically difficult than installation castle larvae

Installation of an electromagnetic lock on the front door

Electromagnetic devices are fundamentally different from traditional locking mechanisms. The design features of such devices determine their installation. They consist of two main elements: the main part and the counter plates. Before starting the installation, you need to designate the area on which the magnetic lock will be located.

In order to determine the location, it is necessary to attach the main part of the mechanism to the iron sheet. Next, stick the stencil on the area corresponding to the location of the counter plate. Then the points are marked at which the fixing elements will be mounted.

The next step in installing a magnetic lock on the front door involves drilling holes for the clips. After organizing the holes, you will need to screw the plate to the metal sheet. For this, special washers are used.

In order to ensure good structural strength, at least 2 washers are required for each screw. It is important to remember that a washer made of steel is first screwed on from the side of the bow. Then a rubber product is applied over it. Such an installation of an electromagnetic lock on the door is considered correct and provides a high core tightness.

After installing the electromagnetic lock, it is important to check the operation of the device

The next step is to determine the place where the corner of the device will be located. To do this, you need to attach the main part of the device to the anchor element. Further work is done using a hexagon. This tool allows you to move the plate to the correct plane.

To check how correct the installation of individual components of the structure is, it is recommended to loosen the fixing bolt. With this manipulation, the device's counterplate is released. Installing an electromagnetic door lock requires professional knowledge and skills. It is quite difficult to carry out competent installation on your own.

At the final stage, the power supply is connected. It is important to remember that at the end of the installation it is necessary to check the operation of the magnetic lock. The product will not function properly if the plate is displaced during installation. It should be located strictly parallel to the base.

How to change the lock in a metal door: expert advice

Installation of the locking mechanism on a metal sheet can be done in several ways. The order and feature of the installation process depends entirely on the type of lock. There are several important nuances that will help to perform error-free installation of the locking device.

To prevent breakage of the lock in a metal door, it is sometimes necessary to carry out preventive checks

In order to correctly insert the lock into a metal door, one must not forget about the need to check its operation. Moreover, it is recommended to perform it after each stage of installation. Any inaccuracies made when marking or organizing fasteners can lead to displacement of the structure. As a result, the mounted locking mechanism will not work correctly.

Note! A high-quality lock is a guarantee of protection of the home from the penetration of unauthorized persons. There are other additional measures to enhance home protection. For example, if desired, you can install an alarm system and surveillance cameras.I.

To answer the question of how to cut a lock into a metal door, you need to study photo and video materials on this topic. Preventing breakdowns of locking devices involves periodic preventive checks. Experts recommend lubricating the mechanism from time to time.

Installing a locking device on a metal sheet requires knowledge of many nuances. To select an installation option, you must take into account the type of door and the type of lock. You should not purchase cheap models of locking devices, since in this case there is a high probability of buying a defective product. During installation, you should constantly check the correct position of the lock.