Installing lockset screws–an easy way?
Just spent half an hour trying to install the two screws that hold together the two halves of a standard lockset. Finally got one in its hole, the second one jammed and won’t come out unless I take out the first one. Gotta be an easy way to do this, but on 20 or so doors over the three houses I’ve owned, I’ve never found it. Maybe a surgeon or a watch-maker has the hands.
Replies
It's like sex, once you have the technique, it comes easy.
First, you need to get that purple thimb out of your way so you can see what you're doing.
Odds are, you are trying to hold the two haves tight to the door while starting the screws. Let'm flop until you get'm started. That way you cab see in under the rosette to the female threaded socket you are trying to fit into.
Excellence is its own reward!
It does take a some of touch. Easier if you just start both screws, pull back the side you're screwing into and then take turns turning in each side a bit. Use a screwdriver with a drink bottle straw around the shaft of the screwdriver to cushion against marring the knob. Some have a "no loosen" coating on the end of the screw which stiffens turning a bit. Don't crossthread and you should be alright. Knew a guy that used a long phillips bit on a screwgun to run 'em in. Never got that mechanized.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Best tool is a small diameter screwdriver, not a multi-bit type. This gets you the straightest shot at the screws. Like Pif said, start screws by hand, letting handle flop. The other thing that works for me is to keep pulling on the handle as you tighten the screws evenly, again to keep a straighter shot at the screw heads.
Hope this helps. Rich.
These are some great tools for getting screws in tight places.
They work on some locksets but not all depending on handle size.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00947478000
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00941716000
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00941715000
Put a little hair around it!!??
Mr T
Do not try this at home!
I am an Experienced Professional!