Let’s say you are trying to build the perfect fool-proof security system for your house. You get all the cameras, the best door frames, the finest quality lock and key systems – the whole nine yards. But, you compromise on the installation kit! And, now your door lock is wobbly. All that effort down the drain.
We sure don’t want to be that guy. So, the best idea is to get the best quality installation kit with your sturdy door locks. This makes sure you cover all bases when it comes to the safety and security of your home.
But, choosing the best door lock installation kit is no cakewalk. It is one of the most crucial elements of the entire locking mechanism of your house, it needs to be picked with careful attention to detail. But, one cannot always have the time or knowledge at their expense, can they?
That’s where we come in. In this article, we are discussing the 10 best door lock installation kits, their features, details, and getting in the nitty-gritty of all the details. Let’s unlock this mystery, shall we? (see what we did there!)
- It has parts made with durable M3 steel
- Very versatile mechanism
Starting off strong with a Dewalt locking kit. Dewalt has been a steady name in the manufacturing agency when it comes to power tools and accessories. They make some exclusive kits that are superior in quality.
If you’ve been anywhere near the discussion relating to home lock installation kits you are bound to know and recognize the specialty of Dewalt locks. And, this one right here is no different.
Let’s break it down feature-wise.
Universal Fittings
Most common locks these days are knob locks. Knob locks are always great to ensure maximum security of your home because the lock cylinder goes through the door panel which also means it is a hell of a nightmare to install on your own.
But, the Dewalt door lock installation kit addresses that pain point specifically. This one is universal. It fits most common door locks and does a wonderful job at making neat installations.
The universal fitting features extend a bit further with the door itself. It doesn’t just fit all locks, it is suitable for all materials when it comes to the doors. Both metal and wooden doors can be drilled with this one. In fact. People have done many doors at a time without any hassle using just this simple tool.
Full-Set of Equipments
One good thing about the kit is that it comes with all the necessary parts. Well, when you buy a kit, you do assume you’ll get everything in that package. But, when it comes to power tools, what you get may not always be what is needed for your specific project.
But, the Dewalt kit comes with all the necessary parts to make any project tangible. It comes with its own hole saw which is rare to find in installation kits.
If you are just refurbishing the doors in your house the saw hole might be just the thing you need. Because let’s be honest. A hole saw isn’t the thing many of us have around.
However, a lot of people have found that the hole saw does chip pretty easily. We haven’t experienced very significant wear and tear on it but if you were planning to use this on a series of doors, or industrially in a workshop, I’d say get a separate, sturdy hole saw that does the job.
That being said, the hole saw is made from M3 steel and is sturdy enough to get you through a whole set of doors in a house. And, for the price point of the product, we think that’s a fair deal.
Easy to Disassemble
When getting installation kits and tools of the like we focus very keenly on the assembly process. But, more often than not forget to look at how to disassemble it. Too many people run into the issue where they cannot disassemble the mandrel from the door.
And, if your mandrel is stuck, the kit bears no use. This particular kit comes with backing plates that help in reducing the risk of warping of the door. It also aids in making the entire disassembly process much easier for you.
Those are some of the star features of this product. Now let’s look at its pros and cons.
Pros
- It has parts made with durable M3 steel
- Very versatile mechanism
- Comes with a C-clamp that allows clamping without any external tools
Cons
- Doesn’t include a spade-bit to cut a hole for deadbolts
- It has a learning curve, especially with the hole saw
- The clamp may leave marks on delicate wood carvings
Despite the minor drawbacks, this kit still stands as one of our top choices. It has all the qualities needed in an installation kit and is priced fairly. The product has a good lifetime span and the cons can be worked around with a little trial and error.
- Make the entire process easier and less time-consuming
- Reasonably priced
We do like all-rounders but we like targeted solutions even better. That is why for our second choice we have chosen a lock installation kit specific to wooden doors. Now, the Irwin door lock installation kit is something that caught our eye while we were researching similar products.
The most outstanding thing about this one is the user-friendly design. If you were looking for something easy and accessible, this is the jackpot! The kit has a unique and easy design to help the user through the entire process.
The entire process can be done within just a few steps and it is lovely to see how quickly and neatly it cuts holes through the doors without leaving any marks. And since it is specially designed for wooden doors, it can be used on delicate wood carvings without a worry in the world.
Now, let’s have a look at some more of its features
Easy, Smooth, and Durable
The whole kit is designed to be one smooth process. The clamping, drilling, and installing all go about like a breeze. For someone who is new to the handiwork and would like to get a few doors done by themselves, this is the perfect solution. It gives a smooth edge so there is no need for additional sanding either.
The tool itself is pretty sturdy and makes sure you can use it on multiple doors across the house. We wouldn’t recommend it for commercial use though since it is only compatible with one kind of material.
Carbon Hole Saws
The installation kit comes with durable and reliable carbon hole saws. This is a feature that is certifiably absent in many other door lock installation kits. And it isn’t only a fancy name for customer attention – it really performs. The carbon hole saws make the perfect cuts in wooden doors.
Self Centering Ease
The self-centering mechanism of this kit makes it that much better, honestly. If you have prior experience with door lock kits, you will probably find this added feature as a fun perk but not a necessary one. We can do without it, but boy does it get easier when the kit does the work for you!
Pros
- Make the entire process easier and less time-consuming
- Reasonably priced
- User-friendly designs
Cons
- Only suitable for wooden doors
As you can see the pros far outweigh the cons but that one con can be a deal-breaker. So unless you have only wooden doors in your home, this kit is useless to you. But for those that are looking for wooden door kits, this is definitely the one to go for.
- The most affordable selection we could find
- Stellar quality despite the price point
Another one exclusive to wooden doors would be the IVY classic carbon steel lock installation kit. The feature that sets this one apart is the amazon price point. It is hard to come by a good kit that is priced so reasonably.
But, that is definitely not all. The IVY classic has features that are very fun to tamper around with.
Carbon-Steel Hole Saw
The sharpness of the carbon steel makes it fun to drill through wooden doors. You won’t even feel like you’re doing any chores. It just becomes a fun drilling exercise. I have rarely come across such smooth drill bits.
Snap Lock Arms
The snap-lock arms make it easier to get the clamp on doors. And it doesn’t even scratch the surface. Most other door lock kits have fallen short for me in this criterion. But, hey, once you find a winner, you never go back!
Size Versatility
The door lock is extremely versatile and can be used on wooden doors of many different sizes. And, the snap arm still maintains its integrity for thicker doors. So far I have tried it out on a variety of doors and none of them have gotten a single scar.
Pros
- The most affordable selection we could find
- Stellar quality despite the price point
- Smooth drill and sharp snap lock arm
- Scratch proof on all doors
Cons
- Works on only wooden doors
- Doesn’t come with extra screws
You might have to make a quick run to your nearest hardware store to get more screws to use this it but other than that it is totally worth the price.
- Affordable and versatile
- Self-centering jig makes drilling easier and swift
The craftsman hole saw kit is specifically designed for Metal doors. We find that it is just as easily used with a wooden door but you can only use it at your own risk because there is a high chance it will scratch the surface.
Other than that it has all the standard features of a smart, user-friendly door lock installation kit that you might need.
Moderately Priced
This is probably the second most affordable kit you will find that is worth using. It is priced moderately. It is not as cheap as the IRWIN one, but it is still pretty close. If you’re on a budget but don’t wanna go for something that is priced the lowest (we understand the hesitation) we recommend this one.
Compatibility Variation
Say, for example, you have three main metal doors in your house that you need to install a lock on. So, you buy this kit. And you fall in love with all of the individual parts and want something similar for your wooden attic door.
Well, you’ll be in luck then. Because Craftsman makes the same design especially dedicated for metal doors as well. And we personally like this system better because it gives us peace of mind that the kit won’t harm the door.
And that variation is priced just as moderately, if not more. So, even if you buy two kits for each type of door, you will still be paying less than most other installation kits.
Pros
- Affordable and versatile
- Self-centering jig makes drilling easier and swift
- Comes with adjustable backsets
Cons
The plastic jig has a tendency to come loose
- Pro-grade build quality
- Ease of work
- Very satisfying results
The Pro-Lok Door Lock Installation kit is an industry favorite amongst many professional installers as well as many newbies. It is a crowd favorite for a specific reason and that is the superior build quality.
Every single part in this kit has maximum longevity in terms of wear and tear. We also find it to be quite versatile since it comes with an array of drill bits and can clamp onto different surfaces.
But, then again, that is not going to be a feature everyone looks for. If you do not have an army of doors to drill into, the charm is lost on you. Is it a really good installation kit, though? ABSOLUTELY!
Pro-Grade Hardened Bushings
The hardened bushings on this kit are a rarity. They are not easily seen on many door lock installation kits. Most kits will come with plastic jigs and other bearings. However, this jig really outperforms any competition.
Clean Work
As an added bonus to having a pro-grade build and sturdiness, this jig comes with the satisfaction of clean precise work every time. The hole saw bores into the door with ease and gives you near-perfect results each time. Even if you do not have much experience prepping doors, this will still prove to be a great weapon in your arsenal.
Pros
- Pro-grade build quality
- Ease of work
- Very satisfying results
- Will last you a lifetime
- You will probably never have to change the body of the kit
Cons
- On the more expensive side
- Needs some getting used to
- Has a learning curve
Now, these are a different set of cons than the ones other kits may pose. So, you are going to have to decide whether it is worth it for you or not.
- Come in a variety of buying options
- Very easy to get the hang of
- Perfect for first-time users
The MIBRO Door Lock Installation kit is a fair and standard choice for many. It comes with all the jigs and hole saw bits that you might end up needing to drill a door. It is especially helpful for people who do not have or rather do not like doing much handiwork.
Easy to Use
We found that the set came with a clear and easy-to-follow template that made the entire process so much easier. It was clean, fast, and most importantly effective. For anyone who doesn’t know their way around a toolbox, this will be a major plus.
Affordable Options
The best feature of this kit is that it is not marketed as a one-size-fits-all item. It comes with various buying options at various affordable rates. So, if you were to only get a bare-bones beginners kit, you wouldn’t have to pay a fortune for it.
Pros
- Come in a variety of buying options
- Very easy to get the hang of
- Perfect for first-time users
Cons
- Unfortunately, this jig also contains plastic jigs
- Easy to use
- Smart yet simple design
Since we found so many kits made specifically for either wood or metal, we wanted to find something that works simultaneously on both and with the same quality. And, we believe we have finally landed on the right choice with this one.
A great build with maximum functionality and a smooth working process. What more could you ask for? Well, probably a good price range. But, depending on whether you can catch a sale or not, the product is pretty affordable too.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Smart yet simple design
- Sturdy build and comes in a unique color
Cons
- Alignment can be tricky with this one
- Every single piece is constructed with heavy-duty material
- The jigs are sturdy and stable
This is one of the all-around best kits that we have come by so far. The build quality is superior, it is easy to use, and the company offers great support to its customers.
Heavy-Duty Build
All the individual pieces in this kit are sourced from heavy-duty metal and they can all take a little wear and tear. It doesn’t affect the hole saw bits much despite drilling through many many hard metal doors. It doesn’t bend, it doesn’t snap. It is just a sturdy kit that makes your work easier and more reliable.
Faster Drilling
In all of these drills and kits, even separate dedicated drills, this is the one that gave us the fastest results. It drills through doors so fast, the entire work time gets reduced to almost half.
Anti-Splinter Depth Stop
The kit comes with an anti-splinter mechanism. It stops the drill bit from splintering your door even when you are less careful than required. It saves you when you don’t save yourself. This makes the entire work process hassle-free.
Pros
- Every single piece is constructed with heavy-duty material
- The jigs are sturdy and stable
- The price is worth the purchase
Cons
- The kit doesn’t come with a clear set of instructions
- Multi-purpose use
- A versatile selection of tools
The second DEWALT product in our selection for the installation kit. That alone should tell you about the authority the DEWALT group has over the power tools industry. Honestly, it is kind of hard to outrun DEWALT at this point.
In our research, we found that DEWALT has many similar products. But we have carefully picked two because of their feature set and versatility.
A Huge Array of Hole Saws
This one kit comes with 11 hole saw kits. It ensures that the user has the smoothest experience when trying to install a door lock. A large number of selections make this product useful beyond the one-time deal we get on many similar door lock installation kits.
Anti-Chipping Mechanism
Since this comes with an array of different hole saw bits, it has multiple uses around the home. The fact that it can be used on so many different surfaces makes it a chipping hazard. However, DEWALT saw ahead of the curve and fixed it.
The hole saw is constructed with teeth that make for a stronger grip and swift release. This in turn prevents any of the surfaces from chipping.
Pros
- Multi-purpose use
- A versatile selection of tools
- Easy on the door itself
Cons
- Not all of the drill bits are equally durable
I found that some of the lesser-used drill bits were flimsily made. But, I can look over that since they don’t get used as much and it is not a big loss for me.
- Easy and smart design to aid the user
- Makes the process easier for the person working on the door
And last but not least, we have the KATA door lock installation kit for wooden doors. It is a product that is specifically made and marketed for wooden doors. It is very gentle on a rather delicate surface.
Plastic and Carbon Build
Most kits are only made from flimsy plastic and people have the biggest complaints in terms of build quality. This one however uses a bi-material build and marries the carbon and plastic to create a much more durable installation kit.
4-Step Installation Process
The Kata kit has a specific template that the company provides to keep it easy and simple. You just need to follow the template, and in four easy steps, you will have your door knob on the door. It can’t get easier than this.
Pros
- Easy and smart design to aid the user
- Makes the process easier for the person working on the door
- Provides fast drilling equipment
- Offers lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Can be used on wooden doors only which greatly limits its scope of application
Well, as a star product we definitely think this outshines other wooden door lock installation kits.
Final Verdict
If you have read this far, thank you so much for coming along but if you are still undecided and want a clear answer – we got you. From our limited and diverse use of the kits, it is hard to make one concrete choice. However, the DEWALT door lock kit does stand out the most in our memory.
It offered great functionality, ease of use, and a satisfactory after product. It is a winner in our book. But, we’ve got all sorts of options. – one-time options, sturdy multi-use options, the pricey, the cheap, whatever you need. There is something for everyone.
FAQ
- Are smart home locks easier to install?
That depends. If you are very tech-savvy, you might find it way easier than doing handiwork with a drill. If not, you might make mistakes along the way and make the entire process harder on yourself.
- Do I need a handyman to install my door locks?
Not necessarily. With a self-aided installation kit and a few videos on the internet, you can do it yourself. We recommend the Kata kit for ease of use.
- Are pricier door lock kits better?
Technically, the more you pay the better quality you get. But, if you are only looking to install locks on one or two doors, getting the cheaper ones is generally the better option.