Installing A Mag Lock

The first thing you need to do before installing a magnetic lock on any door is to perform a site survey to determine if any filler plates or special parts are needed. If the frame is weak, cracked or not sound, it will need to be repaired or replaced. Place all parts and tools required for this job in a box. This will make it harder to forget something in the van. Lay out your tools next to the door to make sure you have all the right drill bits and hand tools needed.

Next, determine the location of the magnetic lock on the door frame. This step is important; too close to the edge and it will be hard to screw in the screws, too far from the edge, may cause the door to not be secured very well.

Now that you have determined where to install the lock on the door and frame, use blue painters tape to make your marking easier to see. This is a big help when working on dark colored doors and frames.

Remove the template from the door and frame but leave the blue tape on the door and frame. You should be able to see the marks on the blue tape. Use the center punch marks to prevent the drill bit from “walking”. When installing the strike plate to the door, be careful not to over tighten it. It needs a little movement in order to allow for the plate to adjust for door and frame alignment problems. The strike plate must fit flat on the magnet when the door is closed.

Tip: When installing a Magnetic lock such as Securitron, try using a 9-volt battery and connector to power the lock (Radio Shack connector #270-325). First align the strike plate and install it on the door. Then place the magnet on the door frame, using the 9-volt battery to power the lock to hold it to the strike plate. This allows your hands to be free to mark your hole positions, then remove the lock and drill the holes. It’s that easy to install and this works on any door.