How to install double sided door lock?

SG-

Hi,

I want to install a double sided door lock in the back door of our rental house. We ask the realtor at every house inspection but it never gets done. Decided to install ourselves. Can we install the lock in a rental property?What lock should I buy for the slot in the door in the pictures? Where can I buy? What tools would I need? Looking forward to all of your guidance at the earliest. Thank you.

JacobZ

Hi @SG-,

Unfortunately, the cutouts in your door are from a very old style of door lock, which is often referred to as a skeleton key mortice lock. I can't say I've ever replaced one, and I'm not even sure where you would get one. Maybe a demolition or restoration company would have one, but it would likely be a long shot that it would fit the holes.

If you wanted to install a lock on this door simply, you would need to fill these holes with bog, then cut new holes to install a modern style of lock, known as an entrance set.

Unfortunately, as you would be making alterations to the door, it is something you would need to clear with your leasing agent.

Allow me to tag @Nailbag, @Dave-1 and @AlanM52 to see if they have any ideas about your project.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

Nailbag

Hi @SG-

1. As someone who regularly does repair work for rental properties, I would avoid doing anything that may jeopardise your bond despite the fact you're essentially improving a very old doors functionality. So my advice would be to take a photo of the lock you intend to install and advise that your prepared to buy and install at your cost with the landlords approval.

2. As @JacobZ mentioned, that old keyed mortice lock doesn't have a direct modern replacement only old for old and most likely 2nd hand.

The process is as he has described which is to fill with builders bog all the way through the keyhole. Then I usually use a small off-cuts of timber to packet the mortice hole so you don't have to use as much bog. Before it goes off hard and to save a lot more sanding, I use a sharp chisels to shave off the excess. Then sand once hard. You will need to prime paint the repaired areas as bog goes on pinkish. I would give it 24hrs to fully harden. before installing the lock.

You will need a 25mm spade bit and a 54mm holes saw to install the new lock regardless of brand. When drilling with the hole saw, start on one side until the pilot bit just breaks through the other then complete the hole on the other side. This will prevent the door face from splintering out.

Nailbag

AlanM52

Hi @SG- ,

If the door lock is difficult to operate or not locking securely you can purchase a new skeleton key mortice lock.

Lane Satin Stainless Steel Mortise Entry Lock.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/lane-satin-stainless-steel-mortise-entry-lock_p4061066?store=6403

If needed ask @JacobZ for assistance to find one that fits.

If that or any other lock is to big you should be OK to enlarge the mortise with a chisel, fit the lock and if noticed there should be no complaints.

You can also do a Google search for 'exterior skeleton key mortice lock'.

https://tinyurl.com/mrytmdnh

Cheers

JacobZ

Hi @SG-,

Apologies, during my initial research, I didn't notice that the lock @AlanM52 mentioned had the key holes in the side of it, so as long as everything lined up, it would likely work.

In saying this, there's a pretty good chance you would have to make some alterations to the door to make things fit, so it is best to run things by your real estate agent.

Jacob

AlanM52

CC: @SG-,

Short story... A few years ago a family member wanted me to help out a friend of hers with the same job on a property in Nar Nar Goon.

Her friend was renting a fair bit of the large farm house with elderly Ozzie owners and we all went around the front to check if it's OK to change the lock and the lovely lady of the house said of course, that you for doing that.

I measured up took some photos and we headed off to the the nearest Bunnings which I think was Pakenham .

With a bit of chisel work everything fitted OK and while packing up my daughter came around to inform the lady of the house had served refreshments on the verandah - nice. While chatting the grumpy hubby returned home and started to whingeing that something had been done without him knowing and the sharp response from the missus was - chill out and sit down. We suspect he may have spent the night in the chook house.

Cheers

SG-

Thank you very much for the guidance Jacob. Sounds like a challenging project. Wouldn't want to upset the real estate people. I will analyse carefully before jumping into it.

SG-

Hi Nailbag,

Sounds like a very complicated endeavour. Plus would not want to upset the real estate people. Will take your advice on board. Thank you for the valuable guidance.

SG-

Awesome! Will take measurements and see if this fits without having to disturb anything. If it is a simple installation I will proceed with it. Thanks heaps!

SG-

Thanks Jacob. Will see if fitting the lock in there is straight forward. Otherwise I will leave it as it is like all of you experts have advised.