Cabinet door latches helps to open it and close it easily without making too much noise. Here, in this article we have discussed the simple steps to install them. You can make your life easier by following some simple steps ahead. These latches can help in many ways if installed properly after following a step by step guide.
Methods To Install Cabinet Door Latches
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Total Time: 15 minutes
Step 1
The first step is to select the place on the door where you want to install the latch and mark it. Generally, it is installed on the top or bottom of the cabinet. You can install the latch either vertically or horizontally.
Step 2
Attaching the latch near the door handle will be appropriate. If the handle door of the cabinet is at the top then you must attach the latch at the top of the door.
Step 3
Then place the latch on the marked location and you must label the holes you want to screw, with a pencil. If the screws you are using are very big then you need to pre-drill the holes. Remove the latch and indent pencil marks on it, this will help the screws be centered in a perfect position.
Step 4
After creating the screw holes, re-align the latch and attach it by using the screws. Realigning of the latch must be done with the screws that are provided by the manufacturer. If there are no screws with the latch then you must need to find the screw of the perfect size in any hardware store.
Step 5
After that, you need to see where the latch meets the cabinet door. Then you need to mark the location with a pencil and set the strike plate inside the door. Also, mark the location where the strike plate will be located with the help of a pencil. Then you need to realign the holes and the strike plate and screw the holes on the cabinet door.
Step 6
You must test the latching mechanism once by closing and opening the latch door. If there are any adjustments in the latch then you can lose the latch slightly and adjust the location. Then again tighten the latch and check it. You can also make any forward or backward latch adjustments by loosening the screw.
Supply:
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Tools:
- A Latch
- A Drilling Machine
- Set Of Drill Bits
- Strike Plate
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Some Screws
- Tape
Materials: N/A
What Size Hole Do I Drill For The Door Latch?
For the hole size, you need to consider the following things:
- Examining the cabinets and picking the right latch.
- Measure the height and width of the door first in which you are planning to install the latch.
- According to the latch size and the door of the cabinet, you need to go for the selection of the screw size.
- Generally, a 3/16” drill bit is recommended for any standard 8/32” screws.
- A tip to remember here is you have to always use a drill that is a bit larger than the screw you use.
- So, the screw will go in freely and the door won’t break off inside the drawer or the door.
How To Install Cabinet Handle?
To install a cabinet door latch handle first you need to measure the width from the side rail of the door. After measuring divide it into half and find the center of the door. You can do that horizontally or vertically. For drawers, you need to attach the pull handles exactly at the center.
But for the rest of the doors, you need to find the center from up and down and attach the handle vertically. If you want to attach a handle to the door then you need to screw 2 holes. So for that, you need to decide the location where you want the handle and mark it with a pencil.
After that, you need to screw the holes and then attach the handle. You need to test the latch mechanism by opening and closing the door with the help of the handle. If any changes are required then you can loosen the screw and adjust the handle accordingly.
How To Install In Kitchen Cabinet?
Steps to install cabinet door latches can be explained as follows:
- Examine your kitchen cabinet and select the right hardware.
- Ensure that you are having appropriate screws for the job.
- Drill the holes with the screw.
- Drill the cabinet drawers
- Attach the latch to the door of the cabinet and check it.
FAQ
1. What Is The Standard Door Latch Size?
The door latch you choose must be of the appropriate size as that of your door. There are 5 standard latch sizes mainly, ranging from 64mm to 152mm. (64mm,76mm,102mm,126mm and 152mm)
Each size has its own unique Backset measurement. Choosing the appropriate size of the Backset is also very important. Most of the time a 76mm latch size is the best size for most of the lever handles.
2. How Much Does It Cost To Install?
The cost to install cabinet door latches varies on the number of latches you want to install. It also depends upon the type of latch you buy, the quality of the latch. Generally, most of the latches cost between $2-$5. If you install the latch by yourself then it will cost you less.
For an average medium-sized kitchen, all the cabinet and drawer latch can cost you around $60-$100. If you call a handyman to install the latch then it will cost you more amount. They charge their fees, sometimes even visiting charges and materials costs if any. So, it’s better if you DIY rather than hire a professional or a handyman.
Final Talk
Installing a door latch is an easy task that will solve all your problems relating to the cabinet door. There are different types of latches depending upon the need of the user. Installment of these latches will not be expensive. So, we are sharing with you tips on how to install a cabinet latch. You can refer to the tips above and it can save you from spending extra money, by hiring a professional/ handyman. Moreover, along with the latches, you should also get a magnetic cabinet lock for the cabinets your kitchen.
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