Craftsman Door Lock Installation Kit

Installing a new door lock can be a daunting task, especially if you're not equipped with the right tools. I recently had the chance to use the Craftsman Door Lock Installation Kit (model CMAH1MDLTWR) and wanted to share my experience with it. This kit is designed to make the process easier by providing a self-centering jig that fits all common door widths, and it's adjustable for both 2-3/8-inch and 2-3/4-inch backsets. It’s intended for use on both wood and metal doors, but my experience revealed some significant shortcomings.

First Impressions

Straight out of the package, the kit seemed promising. It includes a self-centering jig, hole saws for the main bore and latch, and a drill bit for the mortise. The idea behind the jig is to help align the holes correctly, which is crucial for a functional and aesthetically pleasing lock installation. However, upon closer inspection, the jig felt somewhat flimsy. The plastic construction didn’t inspire confidence, especially for a tool that needs to maintain precise alignment under the stress of drilling.

Setup and Initial Use

Setting up the jig was straightforward. The instructions were clear, and adjusting the backset was simple thanks to the plastic tabs. However, I immediately noticed that the jig didn’t secure tightly to the door. It relies on two screws that go into the side of the door and some surface tension to hold it in place. This design choice seemed questionable, especially for metal doors where surface tension is minimal.

Drilling the Main Bore

The real test came when I started drilling the main bore. The hole saws included in the kit are bi-metal and should theoretically handle both wood and metal. Unfortunately, the jig didn’t hold up well under the pressure. As I drilled, the jig shifted slightly, causing the hole to be misaligned. This was particularly problematic when working on a steel door, where precision is crucial. The hole saw also struggled with the metal, binding frequently and requiring a significant amount of force to progress.

Addressing the Issues

To mitigate the jig's movement, I tried using clamps to hold it in place better, which helped somewhat but didn’t solve all the alignment issues. Additionally, one of the plastic tabs that sets the depth broke after just a few uses, rendering the jig almost useless for future projects. The hole saws themselves were another point of contention. They dulled quickly and were difficult to remove from the arbor, adding unnecessary frustration to the process.

Mortising the Latch

The kit includes a drill bit for mortising the latch, but this part of the tool felt like an afterthought. The bit was dull and struggled to cut through even softwood, let alone a steel door. I found myself resorting to a chisel to clean up the mortise, which defeated the purpose of having a specialized tool for the job.

Final Thoughts

The Craftsman Door Lock Installation Kit has a good concept but falls short in execution. The self-centering jig is a great idea, but its flimsy plastic construction and insufficient securing mechanism make it unreliable. The bi-metal hole saws are not up to the task of drilling through metal doors, and the mortising bit is ineffective.

For someone who only needs to install a lock on a single door, this kit might suffice if you’re extremely careful and willing to make some adjustments along the way. However, for anyone planning to install multiple locks or working with metal doors, I would recommend looking for a more robust and reliable kit. The frustration and potential for error simply aren’t worth it.

Recommendation

Given my experience with the Craftsman Door Lock Installation Kit, I cannot recommend it for serious DIYers or professionals. The tool's lack of durability and precision makes it a poor choice for anyone looking to achieve a high-quality result. Investing in a more robust kit, even if it costs a bit more, will save you time, frustration, and potentially the cost of a new door.