Push Button Latch Installation Help

[2012FB]

I would like to install the Pantry Push Button Latch into the hall closet door. Is there a tool and/or tricks to the counter sink in the back of the door? I can just see myself going straight through the door with a big wood drill. I would prefer to not take the door off and wonder if any of you have installed this latch on a new door?

[Ndcctrucks]

Not sure of the size of your latch, but there’s a special wood bit for cabinetry hinges; looks like might be the same.

Get the correct-size bit, then just feed the bit slowly with it turning normal speed and pull it out often to check depth by placing the latch in the bore. When it’s at the best depth, you’re done with that step.

There should be an illustration in the installation instructions to show you the bit type and size.

[richard5933]

The safe way to do this is with a Forstner bit in a drill press. The Forstner bit because it will give you a clean hole with a flat bottom, and a drill press so you have a way to drill at a 90-degree angle AND have a secure stop so you don't go through the door.

It would be possible to do this with a Forstner bit in a hand-held drill, but that's a move best left to someone who's done it countless times (or who has an extra door on hand to do it again.)

[2012FB]

Originally Posted by richard5933

The safe way to do this is with a Forstner bit in a drill press. The Forstner bit because it will give you a clean hole with a flat bottom, and a drill press so you have a way to drill at a 90-degree angle AND have a secure stop so you don't go through the door.

It would be possible to do this with a Forstner bit in a hand-held drill, but that's a move best left to someone who's done it countless times (or who has an extra door on hand to do it again.)

Thank you, Richard. Interesting bit. McMaster Carr had one so it is on order. I will take the door off and put it on a drill press or maybe the Bridgeport if I have room.

[Ndcctrucks]

I just did three blind holes for hinges with the Forstner bit I got at Homey Deport 13 years ago, by hand, and haven’t done it in years. The material I was working with was 3/4” oak-veneered plywood for a closet door in our AS. I drilled a 3/32” pilot hole 1/4” deep.

But a drill press, if you can get it set up rather easily, would be better.