Door Lock Jigs

[joiner_sim]

Does anybody know how good this jig is:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Professional-...or-router_W0QQitemZ370136462224QQcmdZViewItem

I have to go out on site soon and fit 4 deadlocks. I'm thinking of purchasing a router jig for the job and for future jobs. However I do not hang enough doors all in one go to really warrant buying an expensive trend jig. I have contemplated just making a jig for the 4 locks I do have to fit maybe thinking of a design that will adjust for other locks in the future?

Any other suggesions to cheap jigs out there?

Thankyou for any help.

 

[DeanN]

To be honest, by the time you've set-up the jig - you could have cut the mortice using an auger bit and chisel. I've one of these http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SOUBER-DBB-DOOR-L ... dZViewItem and it's a great bit of kit - but it's rarely used as I prefer to use a drill and chisel.

 

[joiner_sim]

I do usually drill and chisel, but I think it takes too long the way I'm doing it. With 4 doors to do a small router/ trimmer I think would be much faster than drill and chisel method.

I am tempted to just get one of the locks off the customer and make a plywood template before commecing the work. Go to the job and attach the jig, job done in quick time!

 

[DeanN]

If you're making a jig for a specific lock, you'll need to accommodate the mortice for the body, and also a wider cut-out for the face plate. A seperate piece of ply with the keyhole marked will also save some time. I'd guess the frame keep will need doing by hand though - and I find its this that can sometimes take the time.

Let us know how you get on - if you post the lock details, I'll see if its one I've fitted.

 

[Setch]

If you can get a model number and make I can supply dimensions, my day job is working as a locksmith. I use the Souber jig linked above. As mentioned, its the strikes that usually take the most time, especially if you get a stubborn piece of timber. I also have a suppernatural talent for finding knots wherever I fit the lock... I hope you're not similarly blessed!

 

[Majorlarf]

hi Joiner-Sim

I have used the jig you are after a few times and it has been ok for the doors & locks fitted at the time i remember being impressed for the price & ease of use

Screwfix used to do this jig not sure if they still do

 

[speed]

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/84016/Dri ... t-6-Pieces

you will be better with them, you can drill and clear the hole with it so the only chopping you need to do is the face plate.

some lads at work use flat bits, they drill all the holes and then have to chop out the mortice then the faceplate etc. mugs game. with auger bits you can drill the holes then move the drill up the mortice and the cutting edge which is all way down the drill will remove the bits in between the holes.
i hope my babaling of words makes sence, im not very good at explaining things

 

[DeanN]

If you can get a model number and make I can supply dimensions, my day job is working as a locksmith. I use the Souber jig linked above. As mentioned, its the strikes that usually take the most time, especially if you get a stubborn piece of timber. I also have a suppernatural talent for finding knots wherever I fit the lock... I hope you're not similarly blessed!

Have you used the Souber kit on metal doors - doesn't half get hot ! I've also got a knack of hitting knots, and frame screws/nails, and filler. Nice kit, and a great finish, but I still find it quicker with an Auger bit - each to their own.

 

[nhughz]

I use the souber morticer jig too, which i've found the quickest method when used with a decent drill. For the strikes i use mad bits and it's always worth carrying some plastercine too for marking the position of the bolt on the frame...

 

[joiner_sim]

Auger Bits, I never realised that you could move it up the mortice and it would remove the bits in between the holes. I do normally use flat bits, and they take forever! If Auger bits really do this, then I may just be tempted to get a decent set of them. They have been recommended to me before, but didnt see any advantages over the flat bits.

 

[Gavin-T]

Decent set of auger bits (think i paid £20ish for a 20mm one which 'should' be deadlock size) and a powerful cordless drill and you will think you were mad for even considering using a router and jig for the locks!

Gavin.