5 Best Door Lock Jig Kits for DIYers

If you are searching for the best door lock jig, the Vorhixa Door Hinge Jig is the top pick for most buyers because it makes hinge placement easier to repeat. It is designed for hinge layout and mortising, so it fits door installation projects that need cleaner, more consistent positioning.

This guide is for homeowners, DIY renovators, and tradespeople who want a more controlled way to fit hinges. The main factors are the jig’s adjustment range, build material, compatibility with common hinge sizes, and how clearly it guides the router or cutting tool. A compact design also matters when working on doors in a garage or small workshop. The five picks below are ranked by their useful features, ease of setup, and likely durability, with clear reasons and honest drawbacks for each.

Quick Comparison

5 Top Door Lock Jig Picks

The list is ranked from fifth place down to the top pick, with each jig matched to a different installation need.

5. IRWIN 3111001 Door Lock Installation Kit

Best for: DIY door lock replacements

The IRWIN Door Lock Installation Kit provides the cutting and positioning tools needed to install locks on wooden interior or exterior doors. Its self-centering jig adjusts to common door widths and supports the two standard backsets, 2-3/8 inches and 2-3/4 inches. That makes it useful for many replacement lock projects without buying a separate guide.

The kit includes carbon hole saws for creating handle and lock openings in wood or metal doors. It also comes with a router bit and bolt plate templates, so the latch area gets its own guide. IRWIN describes the process as three steps, but the work still depends on accurate measurements and a suitable drill. At $17.99, this is a focused option for occasional repairs rather than a full door-installation system. It does not include the lockset itself, so buyers must purchase that separately.

Pros

• Adjustable jig supports both 2-3/8-inch and 2-3/4-inch backsets.
• Self-centering design fits common interior and exterior door widths.
• Carbon hole saws and a router bit cover the main cutting tasks.

Cons

• The kit supports common backsets only, so unusual lock spacing may require another setup.
• It includes installation tools and templates, not a complete replacement lock or door hardware.

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4. Luckyway Door Lock Installation Kit

Best for: DIYers fitting wooden door locks

The Luckyway Door Lock Installation Kit is a manual mortising jig for cutting lock openings in wooden doors. It includes a metal bracket, drilling rig, three tungsten-steel cutters, wrenches, rulers, a woodworking chisel, and small accessories. The cutters measure 18, 22, and 24 mm, or about 0.7, 0.87, and 0.95 inches. A large toolbox holds the 11-pound kit for storage and transport.

Its vertical guides, height stop, and depth stop help control the cutting area. An industrial-grade linear bearing and marked scale support more consistent positioning than a basic handheld setup. The split drilling machine also comes apart for storage or transport. At $84.99, it offers a broad set of parts for new lock holes, eccentric openings, and replacements for keypad or fingerprint locks. The design fits woodworking tasks, not general metal-door work. First-time users should practice on scrap wood with the same thickness before cutting a finished door.

Pros

• Three tungsten-steel cutters cover 18, 22, and 24 mm openings.
• Height and depth stops help limit over-cutting on wooden doors.
• Includes a carrying toolbox, chisel, rulers, wrenches, and accessories.

Cons

• The 11-pound weight makes it less convenient for frequent ladder or job-site work.
• It requires careful setup and practice, and compatibility with every lockset or door thickness is not specified.

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3. Milescraft 1338 Lock Mate PLUS Door Lock Installation Kit

Best for: DIYers replacing standard door locks

The Milescraft 1338 Lock Mate PLUS is a self-clamping jig for drilling door lock and deadbolt openings. It fits wood and metal doors, including solid and hollow-core styles. The clamp holds the guide in place without screws or other hardware, which helps avoid surface damage during setup. At $39.99, it targets homeowners handling a lock replacement without buying a larger installation system.

The kit includes 2-1/8-inch and 1-inch bi-metal hole saws with cobalt alloy construction. Both sizes work with wood and metal doors. Metal-lined, stepped drill guides help protect the jig from wear, while the included 1/4-inch pilot bit and mandrel adapter fit both saws. The frame adjusts for 1-3/8-inch and 1-3/4-inch door thicknesses, plus 2-3/8-inch and 2-3/4-inch backsets. A deadbolt locator helps space the handle and deadbolt correctly.

Pros

• Self-clamping design needs no screws or added mounting hardware.
• Cobalt bi-metal hole saws cut both wood and metal doors.
• Adjustable guides support two common door thicknesses and backsets.

Cons

• It only fits the listed standard thicknesses and backsets, limiting use on unusual doors.
• The kit does not include a drill, and users still need to confirm their lock matches the supported opening sizes.

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2. Door Lock Installation Kit with Template

Best for: DIYers replacing locks in wood doors

The $46.99 kit is a drilling guide for fitting cylindrical door locks in wooden doors. Its CNC-machined 6061 aluminum body should hold alignment more firmly than a plastic jig, while the clamp tightens without a separate tool. It supports 1-3/8-inch and 1-3/4-inch door thicknesses, plus 2-3/8-inch and 2-3/4-inch backsets.

The package includes a 2-1/8-inch face-hole bit, a 1-inch latch-hole bit, two hex keys, and a manual. Two guide pins, two preinstalled screws, and backing plates help position and stabilize the template. A viewing window and guide holes aim to keep drilling height consistent and the holes square to the door. Chip-clearance openings may reduce clogging in wood. This is a focused kit, not a general drilling system. Users still need a drill and likely a screwdriver for the lock hardware.

Pros

• Aluminum construction should resist flex better than plastic guides.
• Tool-free clamping speeds setup and reduces surface contact damage.
• Included bits cover common 2-1/8-inch lock holes and 1-inch latch holes.

Cons

• It only supports wooden doors in two thicknesses.
• Unusual lock sizes may require separate drill bits or another jig.

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1. Vorhixa Door Hinge Jig

Best for: DIYers fitting several interior doors

At $58.99, the Vorhixa Door Hinge Jig combines hinge mortising, lock-bore drilling, and latch-plate recess work in one setup. Its aluminum alloy body should hold up better than a plastic guide. Silicone pads on both sides help limit sliding and protect the door surface. The kit is designed for wood-door preparation.

The hinge guide supports round-corner hinges with 1/4-inch or 5/8-inch radii, along with square-corner hinges. It handles mortise lengths from 2.5 to 5 inches and common hinge sizes from 2-1/2 to 5 inches. The lock guide fits 1-3/8-inch and 1-3/4-inch doors, with 2-3/8-inch or 2-3/4-inch backsets. The package includes hinge and latch templates, a door knob kit, hole saws, bits, and an instruction manual. That broad range makes it useful for repeated door projects, not just one repair.

Pros

• One kit covers hinge, lock, and latch preparation.
• Aluminum construction offers more durability than plastic guides.
• Fits common door thicknesses, backsets, hinge shapes, and sizes.

Cons

• Nonstandard hinge radii or door dimensions may fall outside its range.
• The listing does not include a router or drill, so compatible power tools are still required.

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Buying Guide

The most important factor is compatibility with your door and lock. A jig that matches the backset, door thickness, and bore sizes will cut clean holes without extra measuring or risky adjustments.

• Backset range: Choose a model supporting both common distances, 2-3/8 and 2-3/4 inches. Some locks use only one size.
• Door thickness: Confirm the tool fits your slab. A range of 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches covers many interior and exterior doors.
• Bore sizes: Look for guides sized for a 2-1/8-inch face bore and a 1-inch edge bore. These dimensions fit many standard cylindrical locks.
• Construction and clamping: Steel guides resist wear better than thin plastic. A firm clamp should hold the jig without shifting during drilling.
• Included accessories: Check for hole saws, drill bits, alignment plates, and a storage case. A kit with two hole saw sizes can cost $30 to $80, while a bare jig may cost $15 to $35.

If you cannot get every feature, prioritize exact compatibility with your door thickness and lock dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a door lock jig work?

A door lock jig guides a drill to cut accurate holes for a latch and faceplate. It clamps to the door edge, uses adjustable guides, and helps keep both openings aligned. Most models fit common 1⅜- to 1¾-inch doors, but check the listed range before buying.

What should I look for in a lock installation jig?

Look for an adjustable lock installation jig with durable guides, a secure clamp, and compatibility with your door thickness and backset. Steel or reinforced parts usually resist wear better than thin plastic, while clear markings make setup faster. Check support for 2⅜- or 2¾-inch backsets and standard 1⅛-inch faceplates.

Can one jig fit every door lock?

No, one jig rarely fits every door lock because manufacturers use different door thicknesses, backsets, faceplate sizes, and bore diameters. Adjustable models cover more common layouts, but they still need a compatible range. For example, a jig may support 1⅜- to 1¾-inch doors while excluding thicker exterior slabs.

Are door lock jigs worth buying for DIY projects?

Yes, door lock jigs are worth buying for DIY projects when you need clean, repeatable cuts or plan to install more than one lock. They cost less than correcting a misplaced bore and reduce measuring time. A basic jig can help with one replacement, while frequent projects justify a sturdier adjustable model.

Conclusion

Vorhixa Door Hinge Jig remains the top recommendation for homeowners and DIY users who want a straightforward guide for fitting hinges with repeatable positioning and less measuring. If your priority is cutting door-lock holes rather than hinge recesses, choose a dedicated lock-installation jig with adjustable templates, since it will match the backset and bore sizes that your project requires. Before buying, double-check the tool’s supported door thickness, hinge or lock compatibility, included template sizes, quantity of pieces, and current price, because listings can change and some kits cover only one hardware format. Also confirm that the package includes clamps, cutters, or guide plates if those parts are needed for your setup. A small compatibility check can prevent an expensive return.