Suffolk Latch Install

Below is an installation guide for the Suffolk latch set I sell on my Etsy shop. Every door is different, so these instructions are only a guide. I suggest someone with some handyman/handywoman experience install the latch.

The thumb latch must go on the side of the door which opens away from you, and the latch bar is installed on the side which opens towards you.

First, decide where on the door you want the thumb latch. You will need to cut a vertical slot through the door for the swing arm to fit through. The slot needs to be just wide enough for the swing arm to move freely, and thin enough so that it will be hidden completely by the thumb latch. The slot needs to be about 1 1/4″ (32mm) long. A good way to cut the slot is to drill a series of holes in line next to each other, and then use a sharp chisel to remove the remaining material.

Second, push the swing arm through the slot and position the thumb latch on the door so that the swing arm can move up and down freely, and so that the thumb latch is sitting level vertically. Once you’ve done that, you can screw the thumb latch to the door. Depending on what your door is made of, you may need to pre-drill holes for the screws first.

Third, you can now install the back plate over the swing arm where it pokes through the other side of the door. Again, be sure that the swing arm can still move freely.

Fourth, install the latch bar. The latch bar needs to be installed so that it rests horizontally level onto the swing arm. This way, when the thumb latch is pushed down, the swing arm will lift up the latch bar. Also, the latch bar must extend past the edge of the door enough so that it can connect to the latch catch.

Fifth, now the guide bar can be installed. The guide bar simply needs to be mounted so that the latch bar can move up and down freely.

Sixth, and lastly, the latch catch needs to be installed. Depending on how much space there is between the edge of the door and the jamb, you might need to chisel out some material in order to install the latch catch. You might also need to chisel away material from the door casing to accommodate for the latch bar.

The latch catch needs to be positioned so that the latch bar will freely slide up the slope of the latch catch when closing the door. This way the latch bar will fall into the slot of the latch catch alone without having to depress the thumb latch. A little trial and error may be necessary. Some love taps with a small rubber hammer may come in handy here.