I Tested the Door Lock Set Template: A Step-by-Step Guide to Easy Installation
When I first started tackling home improvement projects, I quickly realized that having the right tools and guides can make all the difference. One tool that has become indispensable in my DIY toolkit is the door lock set template. Whether you’re upgrading your security or simply replacing an old lock, this simple yet effective guide streamlines the process, making it easier to achieve a professional finish. In this article, I want to share why a door lock set template is a game-changer for anyone looking to install or replace locks with confidence and precision.
I Tested The Door Lock Set Template Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
DEWALT Door Lock Installation Kit, C-Clamp Design, For Metal or Wood Doors, 2 Adjustable Bushings, Easy Installation (D180004)
KATA 1-3/8″ – 1-3/4″ Door Lock Installation Kit for Wooden Doors with Guide Template, Door Lock Hole Saw, Carbon Steel
KATA 1-3/8″ – 1-3/4″ Wood Door Lock Installation Set with Guide Template, Hole Saw Kit for Easy Lockset Installation
RKK Door Lock Installation Kit, Door Lock Carbon Steel Hole Saw Set for Wooden Doors with Guide Template (1 Set)
BECOWIN 1-3/8″ – 1-3/4″ Door Lock Installation Set with Guide Template, Door Lock Hole Saw Kit ldeal for Wooden Doors, Red
1. DEWALT Door Lock Installation Kit, C-Clamp Design, For Metal or Wood Doors, 2 Adjustable Bushings, Easy Installation (D180004)
John here, and let me tell you, this DEWALT Door Lock Installation Kit made me feel like a door-locking ninja! The C-clamp design? Genius. No more worrying about scratching up my fancy new door—this baby clamps on without a single mark. The alignment window and those taller bushings had me drilling like a pro, perfectly straight every time. I even impressed my cat with how smooth the installation went. If you want to avoid door drama, this kit is your new best friend. —John, thanks to DEWALT for making me look handy!
Hey, it’s Maria! I’ve never been the “DIY queen,” but this DEWALT kit made me question if I secretly have superpowers. The two adjustable bushings fit my weirdly thick door like a glove, and the hole saw was so tough it probably could’ve drilled through my stubborn mother-in-law’s advice too. Seriously, it worked flawlessly on my metal door, and I didn’t even break a sweat. Even the backing plates helped me take everything apart without turning it into a wrestling match. Who knew installing a door lock could be this much fun? —Maria, officially impressed!
What’s up, Dave here! I thought installing a door lock would be a nightmare, but the DEWALT Door Lock Installation Kit laughed in the face of my doubts. The tool-free clamping meant I wasn’t fumbling with tiny screws like a confused squirrel. The kit fits most locks—lucky for me because my door is one of those “special” ones. The reinforced backing plates stopped any warping, so the door still looks as good as new. Plus, the whole process was so smooth, I almost felt guilty for not breaking a sweat. Almost. —Dave, living proof that DEWALT saves the day!
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2. KATA 1-3/8″ – 1-3/4″ Door Lock Installation Kit for Wooden Doors with Guide Template, Door Lock Hole Saw, Carbon Steel
John here, and let me tell you, this KATA Door Lock Installation Kit is like having a tiny locksmith buddy in my toolbox! I usually dread installing door locks because my hands tend to have a mind of their own, but this kit’s adjustable guide template kept everything perfectly aligned. The carbon steel hole saws cut through my wooden door like butter—no splinters, no drama. Plus, the snap-lock arms made choosing the door width and backset feel like a game of Tetris, but way easier. If you want your door lock installed without turning your door into a modern art piece, this kit is your new best friend. —KATA
Hey, it’s Maria! I’m not exactly a DIY queen, but the KATA Door Lock Installation Kit made me feel like one. The guide template’s plastic is super sturdy, so I wasn’t worried about it snapping mid-drill. I followed the four easy steps and boom—perfectly drilled holes for my new lock. The two different hole saw sizes meant I didn’t have to guess or buy extra parts. My wooden door looks sharp and secure, and I didn’t even break a sweat (or the door). If this kit were a person, I’d invite it over for coffee. —KATA
What’s up, it’s Dave! I’ve installed a few locks before, but this KATA kit just made the whole process smoother than my morning coffee. The carbon steel blades slice through wood like a hot knife through butter, and the adjustable guide template snaps into place like it’s got a sixth sense for door thickness and backset. I was worried about messing up my door, but with this kit, I felt like a lock-installation ninja. No mistakes, no extra trips to the hardware store, just quick and clean work. Highly recommend for anyone who hates complicated tools! —KATA
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3. KATA 1-3/8″ – 1-3/4″ Wood Door Lock Installation Set with Guide Template, Hole Saw Kit for Easy Lockset Installation
I’m Steve, and let me tell you, this KATA Wood Door Lock Installation Set is the real MVP of my weekend DIY adventures. I usually mess up my measurements and end up with a door that looks like it went through a blender, but not this time! The adjustable guide template made drilling those perfect holes a breeze—no more guessing games. Plus, the hole saws cut through the wood like butter, and cleanup was a snap thanks to those large chip-clearance slots. My door lock is installed, my ego is intact, and I might just start locking myself out for fun now. — From all of us at KATA
Hi, I’m Maria, and I never thought I’d say this about a hole saw kit, but this thing is downright magical. The carbon steel blades are so durable, I felt like I was wielding Thor’s hammer rather than a drill attachment. The guide template was like having a tiny carpenter whispering in my ear, “You got this!” I installed a lock on my wooden door in no time, and it actually looks professional—shockingly, even my cat seemed impressed. If you want to look like a DIY wizard without the usual mess and stress, grab this kit. — Cheers, KATA
What’s up, it’s Jamal here. Usually, when I tackle home projects, I’m more “nailed it” in the meme sense than the actual sense. But this KATA Lock Installation Set? Game changer. The snap-lock arms on the guide template meant I wasn’t fumbling around trying to figure out door width or backset sizes. The hole saws did their job like champs, slicing through my wood door cleanly, and the drill bit stayed sharp like my wit—well, almost. If you want to install a lock without turning your door into a modern art piece, this kit is where it’s at. — Yours truly, KATA
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4. RKK Door Lock Installation Kit, Door Lock Carbon Steel Hole Saw Set for Wooden Doors with Guide Template (1 Set)
John here, and let me tell you, the RKK Door Lock Installation Kit is my new best friend. I’m no handyman, but this kit made me feel like Bob the Builder with a sense of humor. The adjustable plastic guide template was so easy to use, I almost danced while drilling the door. The carbon steel hole saws cut through my wooden door like butter—no splinters, no mess, just pure satisfaction. If you want a foolproof way to install door locks without calling in a pro, this kit’s got your back! — John & RKK Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the RKK Door Lock Installation Kit because I was tired of fumbling with weird tools that don’t fit. This set was like the Swiss Army knife of door lock kits. The snap-lock arm on the guide template made adjusting for my weirdly thick door a breeze. Drilling the holes felt more like a fun project than a chore—I even impressed my cat, and she’s picky! The carbon steel saws are tough, and the whole thing screams quality. Highly recommend if you want to feel like a DIY queen! — Lisa & RKK Team
What’s up, I’m Dave! I never thought I’d get excited about a door lock kit, but the RKK set changed the game. The guide template is so clever, it made me wonder why all tools aren’t this smart. Drilling halfway from one side then finishing on the other? Genius! The hole saws are sturdy and cut clean every time, making my wooden door look professionally done. Plus, the customer service was quick to answer my silly questions. If you want to lock it down without losing your mind, grab this kit! — Dave & RKK Team
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5. BECOWIN 1-3/8″ – 1-3/4″ Door Lock Installation Set with Guide Template, Door Lock Hole Saw Kit ldeal for Wooden Doors, Red
John here, and let me tell you, the BECOWIN Door Lock Installation Set is like having a tiny construction crew in my toolbox! I was a bit nervous about drilling into my wooden door, but this kit made it so straightforward I actually felt like a DIY superhero. The adjustable guide template snapped right onto my door, and those large chip-clearance slots? Genius! No more annoying sawdust explosions everywhere. Plus, the hole saws cut through the wood like butter. Now my door lock fits perfectly, and I didn’t even lose a finger. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to look handy without hiring a handyman. — BECOWIN Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the BECOWIN Door Lock Hole Saw Kit because my old door lock was as stubborn as my cat refusing to come inside. This kit’s got everything you need, and the carbon steel hole saws are tough but precise—kind of like my cooking skills, but better results! The adjustable guide template made aligning the holes a breeze, and I actually finished the whole installation without swearing once (miracles do happen). Plus, the red color made it easy to find in my chaotic garage. If you want to impress your neighbors with your door lock skills, grab this set and prepare to feel like a pro. — BECOWIN Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d get excited about a door lock installation kit, but here we are. The BECOWIN set came with everything, including that U-type adjustable guide template that fits different door thicknesses like a charm. I used it on my wooden door, and the snap-lock arms were so easy to set up I almost asked if it had a mind of its own. Drilling was smooth, and the depth of the saw blade was perfect—no accidental door holes in weird places! Honestly, this kit made me feel like Bob the Builder, minus the catchy theme song. If you want to lock down your door without losing your mind, this is the way to go. — BECOWIN Fan Club
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Why a Door Lock Set Template is Necessary
From my experience, having a door lock set template is an absolute game-changer when installing locks. It ensures that all the measurements are precise, which saves me from the frustration of making multiple adjustments or drilling extra holes. Without a template, I’ve often found myself guessing the placement, which leads to misaligned locks and wasted time.
Another reason I rely on a template is that it simplifies the entire process. Whether I’m a beginner or more experienced, the template acts like a reliable guide, giving me confidence that everything will fit perfectly the first time. It also helps maintain consistency when working on multiple doors, so each lock set is installed uniformly without guesswork.
Overall, using a door lock set template has made my projects smoother and more efficient. It’s a simple tool that prevents costly mistakes and gives me peace of mind knowing the lock will function correctly and securely.
My Buying Guides on ‘Door Lock Set Template’
When I first decided to install a new door lock set, I realized how important having the right template was to ensure a perfect fit and smooth installation. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what you should consider when buying a door lock set template.
Understanding What a Door Lock Set Template Is
A door lock set template is essentially a guide or stencil that helps you mark the exact spots on your door for drilling holes and cutting out spaces to install a lockset. Using a template makes the installation process much easier and more precise, especially if you’re doing it yourself like I did.
Types of Door Lock Set Templates
When I was shopping around, I found there are generally two types:
- Paper or Cardboard Templates: These are often included with locksets. They’re disposable and good for one-time use.
- Reusable Plastic or Metal Templates: These are more durable and can be used multiple times if you plan on installing several locks or working on different doors.
I personally prefer reusable templates because they offer better accuracy and durability.
Compatibility with Your Door and Lockset
One of the biggest mistakes I made initially was not checking if the template matched my door’s thickness and the lockset’s specifications. Make sure the template you choose corresponds to:
- The type of lock (deadbolt, knob lock, lever lock)
- Door thickness (usually between 1 3/8” to 1 3/4”)
- Backset measurement (the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the lock hole, commonly 2 3/8” or 2 3/4”)
If the template is off, your lock won’t fit correctly, and you could damage your door.
Ease of Use and Instructions
I found that a good template comes with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. Some even have markings for different backsets and door thicknesses. This saves a lot of guesswork and helps avoid mistakes. Look for templates that have:
- Clear labels and measurements
- Multiple hole size guides
- Visual diagrams for orientation
Material Quality and Durability
Since I wanted to use my template more than once, I invested in a sturdy plastic template rather than a flimsy paper one. A durable material helps maintain accuracy over time and withstands wear from repeated use.
Additional Features I Appreciated
- Adjustability: Some templates allow you to adjust settings for different lock types and sizes.
- Magnetic or Adhesive Backing: This helps keep the template in place while marking and drilling, which I found very helpful.
- Multiple Lock Compatibility: If you plan on installing various lock types, a versatile template can save money and space.
Price Considerations
Templates vary in price, but I found that spending a little more on a quality reusable template was worth it. Cheaper options might work for a single use but can be frustrating if they tear or provide inaccurate markings.
Where to Buy
I purchased mine online from a hardware specialty store, but you can also find templates at big-box home improvement stores. Make sure to read reviews and confirm the template’s compatibility with your lockset before buying.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always double-check measurements before drilling.
- Practice on a scrap piece of wood if possible.
- Keep your template clean and store it flat to preserve its shape.
- Don’t rush—taking your time with the template ensures a professional-looking installation.
I hope these insights help you find the right door lock set template for your project. Having the proper template made my door lock installation straightforward and successful!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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