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How to Install a Door Latch: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners


Published Date: Aug 25, 2025

If you’ve got a screwdriver and a bit of patience, you’re already halfway to installing your door latch. Whether you’re setting up a latch on a brand-new door or fixing one that’s been giving you trouble, this guide by Sure Lock & Key will show you how to install a door lock latch.

Tools You’ll Need to Install a Door Latch


Tools You’ll Need to Install a Door Latch
A smooth installation starts with having the right tools within reach. If you’re ready to learn how to install a door latch — not just in theory, but hands-on — here are the basics you’ll want to gather:

  • Screwdriver – to tighten or remove screws (either Phillips or flat-head, depending on your latch)
  • Tape measure – to measure height and mark placement
  • Pencil – for marking drill or chisel points
  • Latch kit – usually includes the latch, screws, and strike plate
In many cases, these tools will be enough. However, if you’re working with a new door or fixing holes that don’t quite line up, the technicians at Sure Lock & Key recommend using a drill. A chisel and hammer may also come in handy — they’re typically used to carve a shallow recess so the latch or strike plate sits flush with the door or frame.
Tools You’ll Need to Install a Door Latch

Step 1: How to Mark and Drill for a Door Latch


How to Mark and Drill for a Door Latch
Start by measuring the standard height for the latch — usually around 36 inches from the floor. Mark that spot on the edge of the door using a pencil.
Then grab your drill and the right bit — usually 7/8”, or whatever your latch kit suggests — and make a hole for the latch body. Keep it centered. Don’t rush this part — a clean fit depends on good placement.
Once that’s done, you’ll need a second hole through the front of the door, where the handle or knob will go. This one should connect with the first so everything lines up properly when it’s time to fit the latch.
If you’re new to drilling, try wrapping painter’s tape around the bit to mark your depth — a simple trick that helps prevent going too deep.

How to Mark and Drill for a Door Latch

Step 2: How to Install a Door Latch Plate So It Sits Flush


Slide the latch into the hole and trace around the faceplate with a pencil. To install the door latch plate properly, use a chisel to carve a shallow recess so the plate can sit flush with the edge of the door.
Once it’s lined up, screw the latch plate into place. When installed correctly, it helps the latch move smoothly without catching or sticking out.

Step 3: How to Put a Latch on a Door Without Gaps or Misalignment


How to Put a Latch on a Door Without Gaps or Misalignment
Slide the latch into the hole and make sure it lines up with the knob hole. Once it feels snug and centered, go ahead and attach the knob or handle using the instructions that came with it. Give it a turn to make sure the latch moves the way it should.
Now gently close the door to see where the latch hits the frame — that’s where your strike plate goes. Mark the spot, then drill a pilot hole and carve out a small recess, just like you did earlier on the door edge.
Once the recess is made, screw the strike plate into place. Test the latch again to be sure everything catches smoothly without rubbing or sticking.
If you’re ready to move beyond the latch and install the full locking system, our full tutorial on how to install a door lock covers everything from handles to locking hardware.

How to Put a Latch on a Door Without Gaps or Misalignment

How to Install a Screen Door Latch on Lightweight Doors


Installing a screen door latch is typically easier than installing one on a solid-core door. Most models mount directly to the surface using a few screws — no chiseling or heavy tools required.
Hold the latch in place while the door is closed to make sure it lines up with the strike plate. Mark the holes with a pencil, then screw it in using a power drill or screwdriver. Once installed, test the latch to confirm it catches securely and the door closes without gaps.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Assembling a Door Lock


Common Mistakes to Avoid When Assembling a Door Lock
Even a small misalignment can throw everything off. If you’re learning how to assemble a door lock, here are a few common mistakes that can cause problems during installation:

  • Not measuring accurately, which can lead to poor alignment
  • Skipping the latch plate recess — if it’s not flush, the latch may stick or jam
  • Over-tightening screws, which can strip the wood or warp the hardware
Not everything has to be DIY. If the mechanism isn’t operating smoothly, it may need a few expert adjustments. A licensed locksmith for residential doors can make quick adjustments and ensure everything is aligned and functioning properly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Assembling a Door Lock

Summing Up


Whether you’re learning how to install a door latch for the first time or replacing an old one, these steps can help you get it done with confidence. With the right tools, careful alignment, and a little patience, installing the latch, plate, and strike is a project most homeowners can manage on their own.
Still, you don’t have to do it alone. Sure Lock & Key is a family-owned company with decades of experience, known for friendly service and dependable results. From first-time DIY jobs to situations that call for a professional, we’re here whenever you need us.

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