Surface Locks an easy option for Cabinet Doors

Surface Locks are a easy to install

Surface Locks are quick and easy to install, no mortising is need, locks mount directly to cabinet door interior. Offered in a variety of backset sizes to fit many cabinet and furniture doors. These surface locks were a favorite on 19th and early 20th century furniture and cabinets. 

Surface Mount Locks

Our surface locks are reversable. This means they work both right and left hand doors. Only use on doors. They cannot be used on drawers, desks lids or boxes.

Surface locks are easy to install. Locks are simply attached to inside of door frame at desired location, mortising is necessary.

A strike is not necessary and is rarely used, as it can impede the bolt, from smoothly extending behind face frame or door stile.

Please note: these locks are visible when looking into a glass curio or china closet door. If preferred a half mortise or full mortise lock will provide a less visible alternative.

Use with a keyhole cover for a finished appearance.

Measurement Guidelines:

When replacing locks:

Keyhole location measurement is critical.Replacement lock-keyhole-location must match location of keyhole in furniture.

To measure: easiest to measure old lock, if you have it:

When Installing:

Determine desired location of lock

Keyhole Placement

• Measure distance from top of lock-plate to center of key pin
• Measure distance from side of lock-plate to center of key pin
• With these two measurements locate keyhole on furniture front, make sure key pin is aligned with keyhole location
• Drill small pilot hole at key pin location, hold lock in position and check to make sure hole lines up with key pin
• Drill hole larger to accommodate key barrel
• Cut remaining portion of keyhole with a small keyhole saw

Mark location of lock on door interior

• Insert key from front through door into lock
• With key in position, hold lock at desired location on back of door and mark screw holes
• Drill small pilot holes for screws

Mount Lock

• Mount lock and attach with wood screws
• For a finished appearance: mount an escutcheon/keyhole plate, on door front.