I have possibly created an unnecessary challenge for myself. In wanting to build a quick, cheap and energy efficient “man door” into our basement, I put together a 3 1/2″ door out of materials on hand that should fit most of my needs, but I hadn’t anticipated how difficult it would be to find handsets and locksets that would work on that thick of a door. Schlage makes a thick door set for some of its locksets, but I’ve yet to find a manufacturer that does both for the thickness I need. My current thought is to cut away 1 3/4″ of material on the inside of the door (attractiveness is not a current concern) and to install a garden variety handset/lockset. Any thoughts on a different way to approach the challenge and/or products I haven’t yet found?
Greg
Plymouth, VT
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
![](https://images.finehomebuilding.com/app/uploads/2024/07/10133441/01232535-cali-valley-heads-east-feature-Large-thumb-16x9.jpeg)
Construct the intersecting gable on the main roof for a faster, easier-to-build assembly.
Featured Video
How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post CornersHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Did you see this page?
Might help you find what you’re looking for.
Maybe not, might be for lockset only.
https://www.amazon.com/61-073-622-Thick-Door-2-25/dp/B00TXUCMWM
Hi Calvin,
Yes, I did see that. And you're right ... it's only for the lockset. And not real clear as to locksets with which it's compatible. Baldwin has some "thick door" kits which I might check out.
In our town we have a couple long time family locksmith businesses. If it is possible, they would know.
One I dealt with a lot has retired and closed shop. Family run for 3 -maybe 4 generations. Not only did he know a lot, he probably had it.
Have you tried that possibility?
calvin, that is a good suggestion. I will poke around in my neck of the woods for an "old pro" in regard to locksmithing and perhaps they can help me with a solution.
I’ve countersunk locksets in a 2 1/2” door, but only the depth of the trim. You might be able to rout out a crater that would work
mgmahan, if all else fails, that is what I will be doing. That's what I get for building a weirdly thick door out of scraps. :-)