Advice replacing front door lock handleset

9 years ago

My interior door lever of the front door lock handleset (about 20 yrs old handleset) was broken. It is kwikset brand. I had been at HomeDepot and Lowes last weekend to try to get a replacement, but all new door lock handlesets are not compatible with my existing bores on the door. All of them are required to have 5-1/2" apart between door lever' bore to the deadbolt's bore. Mine is only 3-1/2". If I drill a new bore on the door, it will look like number 8 between new and old deadbolt bores.

I would be appreciate if any expert could give me advice to repair or replace door lock handle.

Thanks
Than

Featured Answer

cold_weather_is_evil

9 years ago

Won't the old deadbolt cylinder hole be covered up by the new plate, both inside and out? Then, assuming it's not an off the wall door, you can patch the latch hole on the exposed wooden edge with a dowel, drill a new latch hole, and use a brass repair plate or a strip of hobby grade thin plywood to cover the old latch plate mortising mess.

Then you get to repaint the door!

Comments (10)

SaltiDawg
9 years ago
I have a 40+ year old home with original Kwikset locks. I get replacements from a local locksmith. You may need to look beyond the big box stores.
snoonyb
9 years ago
Or a commercial door hdw. vendor.

Big boxes are just that, a big box.
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SaltiDawg
9 years ago
.... also Kwikset has a massive online site... give 'em a call.

PS Does your broken lock set have a part number or similar visible?

This post was edited by saltidawg on Tue, May 27, 14 at 20:07
Than51
Original Author
9 years ago
saltidawg - local locksmith told me to get a new handleset since it is not carried at Lowes or HomeDepot. I will try to call Kwikset today. no part number visible.

Here is the front part
SaltiDawg
9 years ago
I've done a little on-line research... Google on:

door lock sets 3 5/8" center-to-center

There are two "standard" center-to-center vertical spacings between lock "holes" 5 1/2" and 3 5/8". Likely your door's spacing is 3 5/8" NOT 3 1/2".

Take a look at the below arrangement link and you'll see both arrangements.

Worse comes to worse, as suggested earlier, go to a local locksmith or call a supplier or two. You may want to think out of the box and include possibly replacing with a two piece lock - the deadbolt and a separate handle/key lock. (May require patching holes and re-finishing door. Ugh!)

Sorry I can't give you a specific look or brand, but I've stuck with Kwikset which used to be considered a "builder's grade" product... don't know about current quality.

Best of luck.

Here is a link that might be useful: Examples Of Configurations

This post was edited by saltidawg on Wed, May 28, 14 at 15:01
snoonyb
9 years ago
Here is the link to kwikset;
http://www.kwikset.com/customer-support/contact-us.aspx
SaltiDawg
9 years ago
Google on :

3 5/8" CC Sideplate Locks

and pick a lock
Than51
Original Author
9 years ago
You are right it is 3-5/8". After talking with locksmith, I already prepared to buy a new set with handle and deadbolt separated. I also need to drill a new hole just for deadbolt. Thanks for your advice.
Than51
Original Author
9 years ago
@cold_weather_is_evil It won't. But will try to use hole plate cover. Then drill a new hole just for deadbolt.