Gary Katz’s excellent article Installing Locksetsomitted one problem that I frequently encounter: the metal-skinned door, The problem usually crops up when I have to install a dead bolt, and I’ve neglected to tell my supplier that I need a double-bored door. When this happens, I reach for my adjustable bit and my brace. The threaded center of the bit draws it into the door with just a dimple from a nail or an awl as a starter. Then the sharp spur of the bit cuts the metal just like a can opener. This can be a bit tricky because it takes a little tilting to get the spur through the metal without the chisel portion of the bit engaging the metal.
Once the circle of metal has been cut loose, I back the bit out and remove the disk. Then I continue boring with the brace and the bit, making sure that I’ve cut the metal circle on the other side before finishing the hole.
Robert Countryman, Ranger, GA
