How to Fit a Door Handle and SmartLatch

We have put together a step-by-step guide on how to fit a JB Kind chrome door handle and SmartLatch.

Each door handle pack comes with an instruction leaflet and positioning template to help guide the fitting.

If you would like to download these instructions as a pdf, please click here.

SmartLatch

Fitting a SmartLatch is much quicker than a traditional latch, as less cutting out is required. The average fitting time is 5 minutes, compared to 25 minutes for a traditional latch.

Equipment required to fit a door handle and SmartLatch:

You will need:

• Masking tape

Tools:

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Square
• Drill, 32mm and 25mm drill bits
• Hammer
• Screwdriver

Step 1: Position and drill hole for SmartLatch

Measure and mark the desired height for the door handles. Measure door thickness and mark centre point for the SmartLatch. Carefully drill a 25mm (1 inch) latch hole to a depth of 75mm into the door.

Step 2: Drill hole for spindle

Mark central position for spindle hole, 57mm from door edge. Drill 25mm hole through the door face. Note: It is important to drill the hole squarely. Tip: drill from one side of the door until the tip of the drill bit just appears on the other side. Then swap and drill from the second side. This reduces the risk of damage to the door face.

Step 3: Fit SmartLatch

Insert SmartLatch into the door, ensuring the latch bolt is facing the right direction for door operation. Use a small piece of wood and tap the SmartLatch into position so that it is flush with the door.

Step 4: Install door handles

Insert square drive spindle through the SmartLatch in the door. Identify which side of the door each lever assembly will be located. Remove the rosette covers and place one lever onto the square spindle drive. Screw this into position and make sure it is square. Place the second lever onto the other end of the spindle and screw into position. Tighten the grub screws at the base of the levers with the hexagonal key provided. Re-apply the rosette covers and screw into place.

Step 5: Fit latch face plate

Mark position for strike plate on the frame, this would be the same as half the door width (17.5mm for a standard 35mm door) and drill a 32mm hole to a depth of 15mm. Chisel out a small area so that the strike plate is flush with the frame. Firstly, fit the keep in the hole and screw into position, then fit the strike plate over and screw into position. Please note that a choice of strike plates are supplied, should you wish to use a rectangular version.