Best Lock Installation Kit for Door Fittings: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist
Installing a new lock or handle set seems straightforward until you are standing in front of a pristine oak door with a drill in your hand. The margin for error is non-existent; if your pilot hole wanders or the commercial laminate splinters, the door is ruined. This is why a decent lock installation kit is essential for anyone attempting this themselves.
In my trade working across York, I encounter all sorts of timber, from soft pine in Victorian terraces to rock-hard seasoned oak in barn conversions. Whilst traditional joiners might use a brace, bit, and chisels for mortise locks, modern tubular latches and night latches often require precise 54mm and 25mm holes. A jig ensures these holes are perfectly perpendicular and spaced correctly from the door edge (the backset).
In this review, I will look at three installation kits suitable for fitting tubular latches, deadbolts, and modern knob sets. I have categorised them into a budget option for one-off jobs, a professional-quality kit for durability, and a straightforward problem-solving option.
Live in York?
Nervous about drilling into your new doors?
Let us handle the installation for a perfect finish.
Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Fits All Doors"
"Marketing often claims these kits fit every door type and thickness effortlessly."
In York's older properties, doors are rarely standard thickness (35mm or 44mm). Older imperial doors can be thinner or warped. Always measure your door thickness and check the kit's clamping range before starting.
The Spec: "Professional Precision"
"Plastic guides provide factory-level accuracy for drilling."
Plastic jigs can flex if you push too hard on the drill. For a truly professional finish, you must let the hole saw do the work without excessive pressure, otherwise, the holes may misalign.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Gunpla Door Lock Installation Kit, Wood Doors 35-45mm Adjustable Deadbolts Lockset Installing Fitting Tool Set
Gunpla
This Gunpla kit is a solid choice if you only need to fit a couple of locks on internal softwood doors. It provides the essential templates and saws needed for standard tubular latches without breaking the bank.
The Good
- Very affordable for one-off DIY tasks
- Includes the necessary arbor and pilot drill
- Snap-lock arms make adjusting for backset (60mm or 70mm) relatively easy
The Bad
- Carbon steel saws wear out quickly on hardwoods like Oak
- Plastic guide feels slightly flexible; requires a steady hand
Installer Tip:
Because the hole saws are carbon steel, run your drill at a moderate speed to avoid scorching the timber. If drilling a painted door, apply masking tape first to prevent chipping the paintwork properly.
Priced at £11.98 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonIRWIN Tools Door Lock Installation Kit, Bi-Metal (3111002), Blue
IRWIN
IRWIN is a brand we recognise on site for reliability. This kit features bi-metal hole saws which are significantly more durable than carbon steel, capable of cutting through harder timbers and even metal-clad doors without dulling instantly.
The Good
- Bi-metal teeth stay sharp much longer, essential for hardwood doors
- Self-centring mechanism is robust and accurate
- Can handle metal-faced doors frequently found in commercial properties
The Bad
- Higher price point makes it an investment rather than a throwaway tool
- Still requires care to ensure the guide is clamped tight
Installer Tip:
The bi-metal saws are aggressive. When drilling the large 54mm hole, drill halfway through from one side, then finish from the other side. This prevents 'blowout' (splintering) where the drill exits the timber.
Priced at £42.14 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonTolsen Door Lock Installation Kit - Adjustable Wooden Door Lock Fitting Tool Set
Tolsen
The Tolsen kit offers a middle ground with a focus on ease of use. The yellow positioning frame is designed to be high-visibility and simple to clamp, helping to visualise the alignment before you commit to drilling.
The Good
- Clear visibility for alignment
- Cost-effective alternative to big brands
- Includes standard sizes (25mm and 54mm) for most modern latch sets
The Bad
- Like the budget option, saws are best suited to softwood
- Not suitable for heavy-duty commercial use
Installer Tip:
Use a clamp to hold the yellow jig firmly against the door edge, even if you are holding it with your hand. Movement during drilling is the enemy of a clean finish. Also, ensure you clear the sawdust from the teeth frequently to stop the blade overheating.
Priced at £13.95 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Will these kits work for a traditional mortise sash lock?
Can I use these kits on Accoya or Oak doors?
What is the 'backset' and why does it matter?
Do I need professional help to hang a door?
Need Professional Internal & External Door Fitting?
Our team at DR Joinery specialises in Internal & External Door Fitting across York.
Get a free quote for professional installation.
View Our Internal & External Door Fitting Service